Jim Thomas: Rams are simplifying their defense

Rams are simplifying their defense

By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-are-simplifying-their-defense/article_50636190-adae-5289-9e4c-d3d2cd62bd71.html

The streamlining process currently underway at Rams Park isn’t limited to the offense. Coach Jeff Fisher said the defensive playbook and scheme also are being simplified in preparation for the coming campaign.

“We did an awful lot,” Fisher said, referring to Gregg Williams’ first season as defensive coordinator. “We may have done too much at camp from an install standpoint.

“I think now that (Williams) has a good feel for what we have, and we have a better feel for what we have, that we can prune things down a little bit. And get good at a few things rather than be involved in too much defense.”

The simplified defense, combined with a second year together for Williams and the players, could mean a much-improved unit in 2015.

Although showing flashes of dominance, the Rams were average to below average in most major categories a year ago, finishing 17th in total defense, 14th against the run and 19th vs. the pass.

But it was a different unit over the second half of 2014.

In the last eight games, the Rams ranked fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (84.4), tied for fourth in sacks (26), fifth in points allowed (16.8) and tied for sixth in takeaways (15).

The idea, of course, is to carry over that strong finish to begin the 2015 season.

“Gregg going into his second year with the players and the system, our expectations are much higher for earlier in the year than they were (last season),” Fisher said. “Not that the expectations weren’t high.”

With the exception of defensive tackle Kendall Langford, who was released in a salary cap-related move, every starter and frontline reserve is back from last year’s squad.

The Rams have added to that already substantial foundation by bringing in defensive tackle Nick Fairley and linebacker Akeem Ayers in free agency. Those are the only two outside free agents signed by the Rams on either side of the ball so far this offseason.

“We actually targeted both Akeem and Nick,” Fisher said. “From a fit standpoint and a need standpoint, those were our top two defensive players (in free agency).”

Fairley replaces Langford as the third defensive tackle in the rotation. He comes $1 million cheaper than Langford — at $5 million, compared to the $6 million Langford would’ve earned this season — and potentially is more talented and athletic than Langford.

“Nick was injured last year; was in his view ready to come back and play the final game. He did not,” Fisher said, referring to knee problems that sidelined Fairley for the final eight games, with Detroit. “So since then he’s been doing nothing but working out. Changed his diet, his eating habits. His weight’s under control. He’s in great shape right now.”

As for those questions about Fairley’s overall level of motivation?

“He will admit that he probably didn’t buy into it as best as he could have early on in his career,” Fisher said. “There’s no doubt in my mind he’s buying into it now. He’s serious about his football.”

Ayers, meanwhile, will compete with veteran Jo-Lonn Dunbar for the starting job at strongside linebacker. The strongside ’backer normally plays only 35 to 40 percent of the time on defense, so the addition of Ayers brings an upgrade in talent and depth to the unit as a role player.

“He can play outside linebacker and rush,” Fisher said. “He runs well. And he did a great job for New England just as a stand-up rusher. He gives us another guy that hopefully can create mismatches from a collapsing-the-pocket standpoint.”

If the Rams make any additions in the secondary, it looks as if they will come via the draft. While noting there’s always room for improvement, Fisher likes his quality and his quantity in the secondary, beginning with starting cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson.

“You know, it’s like anything else. Technique-wise, everybody needs work regardless of position,” Fisher said. “I think that’s an area that we’re gonna focus on with both of ’em. Both made a lot of plays last year.”

Both also gave up their share of plays, and both are in the last year of their contracts. Johnson, who missed the first seven games because of a knee injury suffered in a preseason contest, could be pushed for a starting job by E.J. Gaines.

“Can’t say enough about what (Gaines) did for us last year as a starter and as an inside player in the nickel,” Fisher said. “So we’re gonna have him come out and compete outside.

“Our expectation last year was that Lamarcus (Joyner) was gonna end up being the inside, third corner. And that took a little longer. Scheme was a little bit of an issue, then Lamarcus got hurt.”

Undrafted rookie Marcus Roberson got a little seasoning by necessity a year ago, and 2013 draft pick Brandon McGee makes it six corners with at least some NFL experience.

“What we’re looking to see now is we have to be watching Brandon McGee and the injury history,” Fisher said. “Brandon needs to prove to us he can stay healthy, because when he’s on the field, he can make plays, too.”

At safety, starters Rodney McLeod and T.J. McDonald made strides last year, with McLeod in particular much improved.

“Rodney gave up a couple jump balls that you don’t like to see happen but I thought Rodney really came on,” Fisher said. “Open-field tackling. Consistency from week to week was there. Reliability. Same thing with T.J.”

The depth chart here is heavy on strong safety types, but Fisher is looking forward to a full season with Mark Barron in his big safety/nickel linebacker role, and expecting Eureka High’s Maurice Alexander to show improvement over his rookie season.