Category: Latest Rams news

Rams would be unwise to switch to 4-3 defense under new coordinator

Transitioning to a 4-3 defense would cause a lot of growing pains for the Rams in 2020.

The Los Angeles Rams made a big change to their coaching staff this week, parting ways with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. He’s the only defensive coordinator Sean McVay’s had since joining the Rams in 2017, but the Rams opted not to renew his contract and keep him aboard.

The search for a replacement is well underway, though there’s been no indication as to who the Rams will hire. They could promote someone already on the staff such as Aubrey Pleasant or Joe Barry, which would make the transition from Phillips much easier. They’ll also likely interview and consider outside candidates, with Kris Richard being a coach who would make a lot of sense.

Whoever the Rams hire, though, one thing should remain the same: the 3-4 front. When the Rams let go of Phillips, there was rampant speculation and curiosity about them switching back to a 4-3 scheme, which they previously ran.

Different coaches prefer different defensive fronts, be it a 3-4 or a 4-3. With how frequently teams use nickel packages, keeping only two inside linebackers on the field, 3-4 versus 4-3 isn’t as significant a difference as it once was. However, for the Rams, switching to a 4-3 defense would be a major change.

It would also be an unwise one.

They simply don’t have the players to fit the scheme, especially with three key defenders set to hit free agency. The biggest issue comes at one of the most important positions on that side of the ball: defensive end.

Los Angeles doesn’t have any great options to fit that role. Dante Fowler Jr. played there with the Jaguars and would make the transition from outside linebacker easily, but he’s also a free agent who will command a hefty price tag. Clay Matthews wouldn’t play defensive end, and both Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo have only played outside linebacker.

Here’s what a hypothetical depth chart would look like in a 4-3 defense with the players the Rams have under contract.

  • DE: Morgan Fox
  • DT: Aaron Donald
  • NT: Sebastian Joseph-Day/Greg Gaines
  • DE: Samson Ebukam
  • OLB: Travin Howard
  • MLB: Micah Kiser/Troy Reeder
  • OLB: Kenny Young

Not exactly an enticing group of players, huh? Of course, having Cory Littleton at one of the outside linebacker spots would help that group immensely, as would Fowler at defensive end. Michael Brockers would be replaced by Joseph-Day or Gaines, making him unlikely to return as a free agent.

And there’s always free agency and the draft to add reinforcements, during which the Rams will focus heavily on defense. That doesn’t mean they’ll be able to find an immediate starter at any of those spots, however.

The transition to a 4-3 defense would come with a lot of growing pains, and it would be a slow switch. In fact, the Rams might have to wait a year to do it – if they hire a coordinator who wants to make that change. It would require them to draft players who better fit a 4-3 scheme this year, who in turn may not fit well in a 3-4 front temporarily.

The defense would endure a real setback in 2020 if the switch is made, which may not be something the Rams can afford with all of their pending free agents. They’d be better off to develop the young talent they drafted for a 3-4 scheme and hope the next coordinator can get the most out of them.

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Rams OL Austin Blythe underwent surgery on both shoulders

Austin Blythe had surgery on both of his shoulders this week.

Players undergoing offseason surgery is nothing new, and for the Los Angeles Rams, this was the week for several starters to get things cleaned up. Andrew Whitworth had a procedure on his right leg, Eric Weddle underwent his first surgery ever, and Austin Blythe had surgery on both of his shoulders.

That news is according to Vincent Bonsignore of The Athletic, who also notes that Blythe played through a nagging ankle injury this season, which he did miss one game for.

Blythe started the season at right guard before moving to center after Brian Allen went down with an injury. He played better at center than he did at guard, so it’s yet to be determined where the Rams will play him in 2020 – if he even returns.

He’ll be a free agent in March, among other key Rams starters, so he may be in a different uniform next season.

Two Rams finish among PFF’s top 20 CBs in 2019

Two Rams cornerbacks finished in the top 20 this season, but neither was named Jalen Ramsey.

The Los Angeles Rams had some big-name cornerbacks suit up for them in 2019, beginning with Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. Both players were traded midseason, with Peters going on to become a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro.

The Rams replaced Peters with Jalen Ramsey, whom they acquired in a trade with the Jaguars. He also made the Pro Bowl, but his numbers weren’t eye-popping in Los Angeles.

Two players who got overlooked in all the shuffling were Nickell Robey-Coleman and Troy Hill. They each had strong 2019 seasons despite not making the Pro Bowl or receiving any post-season recognition. Yet, they finished the year as not only the Rams’ two best cornerbacks, but two of the 20 best in the NFL.

Robey-Coleman ended the season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 19-ranked cornerback in the league, with Hill close behind at No. 20. Robey-Coleman allowed a passer rating of just 80.1 when targeted (13th in NFL) and ranked sixth in yards per slot coverage snap (0.63), putting together one of his best seasons.

Nickell Robey-Coleman continues to solidify himself as one of the league’s best slot cornerbacks. He accelerates with quick closing speed after showing patience in press man-to-man coverage, and he is good enough to stick with receivers at the top of their routes.

As for Hill, he took over for Talib after the veteran landed on injured reserve, starting every game from Week 6 to Week 15; he missed the final two games due to injury. PFF recognized his play opposite Ramsey, seeing a healthy share of targets each week, but still holding up well and answering the bell.

As an undrafted player in 2015, Troy Hill landed in Wade Phillips’ defense and become one of the top-performing corners in the league. Hill has allowed the fewest receptions (23) of any cornerback with a minimum of 300 coverage snaps, and he is one of only three qualifying corners to surrender a completion percentage under 50.0% after he allowed only 45.1% of his targets to be caught during the regular season. Hill was moved into a starting role after the Rams moved on from Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, but he has rewarded the move by developing into a primetime presence in the Rams’ promising secondary.

Hill and Ramsey figure to be back as the starters at cornerback in 2020, while Robey-Coleman’s future has yet to be determined. The Rams can pick up his option for $4.5 million in 2020, which would seem like an obvious decision – especially after seeing how well he played this season.

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Sean McVay wishes John Fassel well as he leaves Rams for Cowboys

Sean McVay confirmed John Fassel is leaving the Rams to join the Cowboys.

The Los Angeles Rams made some disappointing news official on Wednesday, announcing that special teams coordinator John Fassel is departing and joining the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff. Fassel was reported as a target for Mike McCarthy in Dallas, and for a coach entering his first year with a new team, it’s hard to get much better than “Bones” on special teams.

Sean McVay issued a brief statement on Fassel’s departure, giving him his best wishes and commending him for the job he did in Los Angeles.

Fassel joined the Rams in 2012, which is the same year they brought on Greg Zuerlein and Johnny Hekker. They had one of the best special teams units in the league during his tenure, but McVay will now need to replace him on the staff.

It’s possible the Rams will promote someone from within to take Fassel’s place, but they’ll likely interview outside candidates, as well.

Johnny Hekker reacts to John Fassel leaving with GIF from ‘The Office’

Johnny Hekker’s reaction to John Fassel joining the Cowboys says it all.

Johnny Hekker came into the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State. He’s only had one special teams coordinator in his eight-year career with the Rams, but that will change in 2020.

John Fassel is expected to join the Cowboys’ coaching staff after his contract expired with the Rams, ending an eight-year tenure under Jeff Fisher and Sean McVay. Hekker has grown close with “Bones” and always talks highly of him, so this move hits close to home for the four-time All-Pro punter.

He reacted to Fassel leaving on Twitter Wednesday, sharing a classic GIF from “The Office.”

Hekker has made four Pro Bowls and is a four-time first-team All-Pro, consistently ranking among the best punters in the league. He’s also become a trick-play wizard, completing 13 of 22 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown, with all 13 completions picking up first downs.

Losing Fassel really hurts the Rams and their special teams unit, now needing to replace a premier coach in Los Angeles.

Eric Weddle tweets about undergoing his first surgery of career

Eric Weddle is recovering from his first surgery ever.

Eric Weddle has been in the NFL since 2007, but he’s only missed seven games in his entire career. He’s undoubtedly one of the most durable players in the league, which is especially impressive considering how many collisions he’s been in over the course of his 13 seasons.

On Wednesday, though, Weddle is undergoing his first surgery ever at the age of 35. He shared a tweet announcing the news, saying he’s been “pretty dang lucky and blessed” to have gone this long without a single surgery performed on him.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the surgery is to repair his meniscus. Weddle is expected to be healthy in a matter of weeks, which is a good sign for the veteran.

After the 2019 season ended, Weddle told reporters that he’d be undergoing offseason surgery on his knee and shoulder, so he still has one more procedure to get through. After that, he’ll focus on his future in the NFL, be it with the Rams or elsewhere.

He hasn’t yet decided where or if he will play next season, but he already said he won’t return to the Rams if he’s going to be a backup.

“I’m not going to come back to be a backup, and that’s totally fine,” Weddle said, via ESPN. “That’s what I would expect them to do, and so, if that’s the case, then it will be it for me.”

He knows the Rams have depth at safety, including two quality starters in Taylor Rapp and John Johnson.

“I think it’s a foregone conclusion. Rapp, [Johnson], and we’ve got some good, young players. So, we’ll see. Nothing is set in stone, but I’ve had a great run. No regrets, baby,” he said.

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What the departures of Fassel and Phillips mean for Rams’ free agents

The Rams will have new defensive and special teams coordinators in 2020, and it could have an impact on their free agents.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Two of the most recognizable names on the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff (besides Sean McVay) won’t be back with the team in 2020. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ contract expired and was not renewed by the Rams. Special teams coordinator John Fassel’s contract also came to an end, and it didn’t take him long to find a new landing spot as he’s expected to be hired by the Cowboys to join Mike McCarthy’s staff.

It’s unclear if the Rams tried to retain Fassel by extending his contract or if they were willing to let him leave like Phillips, but either way, this is bad news for Los Angeles. “Bones” is an outstanding special teams coach and it’s easy to see why McCarthy wanted to bring him to Dallas to hopefully fix the Cowboys’ underperforming special teams unit.

While it’ll be difficult to replace Phillips and Fassel with coaches of the same caliber, these departures will have a ripple effect on the Rams’ free agents. Three key starters on defense will hit free agency in March, as will Greg Zuerlein and JoJo Natson (RFA).

The front office and head coach have the ultimate say in who returns and who leaves, but the new coordinators will also have some input on those players – or, at least they should.

Will new DC change scheme from 3-4 to 4-3?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If the Rams promote from within by elevating either Aubrey Pleasant or Joe Barry, a switch to a 4-3 defense seems highly unlikely. However, if McVay hires an outside candidate, a change to the defensive front can’t be ruled out.

On paper, it’s hard to see the Rams switching to a 4-3 defense. If Dante Fowler Jr. leaves, that would give the defense very little talent at defensive end; Clay Matthews, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Samson Ebukam all fit better as outside linebackers in a 3-4.

The Rams would also have to rely on inside linebackers more often in a 4-3 scheme. Last season, they really only played Cory Littleton there with an extra defensive back taking the other linebacker’s place. Troy Reeder, Micah Kiser and Travin Howard would all be candidates to fit in a 4-3 defense, but their snap counts will increase dramatically if the Rams make the switch. That may not be something Los Angeles feels comfortable with.

A move to a 4-3 would also impact Michael Brockers, who wouldn’t be a great fit in that scheme after shedding weight to fit in the Rams’ current 3-4 defense. He may no longer have the size or bulk to hold up full-time at nose tackle in a 4-3.

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Andrew Whitworth underwent surgery on right leg

Andrew Whitworth shared photos before and after undergoing surgery on his right leg.

Andrew Whitworth didn’t miss a single game for the Rams in 2019, and hasn’t been sidelined due to injury once since joining Los Angeles in 2017. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t playing through an ailment, however.

The 38-year-old left tackle shared three posts to his Instagram story on Tuesday: One on a hospital bed, one with his right leg up and a wrap on his ankle, and another saying he’ll be back as soon as they let him out.

The posts were captured by Rich Hammond of The Athletic.

It appears he underwent surgery on his right ankle, which he was never listed on the injury report for. It’s possible he injured it in the final game of the season, or that it was a minor issue that never hindered him during the season or forced him to miss practice.

Whitworth is one of the most durable players in football, never playing fewer than 10 games in a season in his career and playing at least 81% of his team’s offensive snaps each year since 2012.

Of course, he’s set to be a free agent in March, but he intends to play another season in 2020 – which would be his 15th in the NFL. He’d like to be back with the Rams, and Los Angeles doesn’t have a quality replacement for him right now, so another season together would make sense for both sides.

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Cowboys expected to hire Rams ST coordinator John Fassel

Sean McVay has yet another coach to replace this offseason.

The Los Angeles Rams will have three coaches at important positions to replace this offseason. The Cowboys and Mike McCarthy are hiring special teams coordinator John Fassel away from the Rams, according to NFL Network. Chris Mortensen of ESPN also confirmed that Fassel’s deal with the Cowboys is expected to be finalized.

Fassel’s contract expired with the Rams, which made it impossible for the Rams to block him from leaving Los Angeles. He’s been with the Rams since 2012 and was retained by Sean McVay after Jeff Fisher was fired.

The Rams had four Pro Bowlers on special teams in 2017, and in 2018, Cory Littleton made it as a special teams player. Fassel is widely considered to be one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL, so this is a huge loss for the Rams.

Mike McCarthy targeting John Fassel for Cowboys coaching staff

The Rams could lose another coach if John Fassel is hired by the Cowboys.

After moving on from Wade Phillips and letting Skip Peete go, the Los Angeles Rams could be undergoing further changes to their coaching staff – this time not by choice. According to Todd Archer of ESPN, Mike McCarthy is interested in hiring Rams special teams coach John Fassel for his coaching staff with the Dallas Cowboys.

Fassel has been the Rams’ special teams coordinator since 2012, previously working under Jeff Fisher before Sean McVay kept him aboard in 2017. Fassel was the Rams’ interim head coach in 2016 after Fisher was fired.

Fassel is regarded as one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL. He helped send four Rams special teams players to the Pro Bowl in 2017 and while the unit disappointed this season, it has been one of the best groups in the NFL for the last few years.

Previously, Fassel worked as the Ravens’ and Raiders’ special teams coordinator.

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