The RAMS Forum

This is a topic that concerned me at season outset & still does after 12 games. Rams by design have put together a smallish-less physical IDL group than just about any playoff contender similar units. Ford is a tough IDL but is small for DT - Fiske & Turner both play under 300 lbs and struggle vs downhill run games. I do see this as our downfall in the playoffs and Carolina scripted it last week.Nothing to be done about this NOW as rosters are set - but what does Shula plan to do about this going forward ? As I see it our Jumbo run heavy D Line group is still small & will be pressed to hold up and get opposing O off the field. Of note : PS DT Bill Norton is 6”6”” 330 lbs but plays high & needs work as a run stopper.

Well I think we can blame some of this on the boys (pictured below)...They started a Ram trend that has been with us for decades on and off...

Pretty much, if you are a Ram at the DL/DE spots, you have some huge shoes to fill. It's like being the USC quarterback... you go there and you are immediately required to put up big numbers, be viewed at the start of every season as a Heisman candidate, etc etc... BUT, if you are even average, it's next QB up for the Trojans (they will pull you almost immediately)... IMO, Rams DL is almost like this...

Rams have such a rich history at the DL/DE spots...we have really been spoiled by the D front... From our Fearsome Foursome, AD, Kevin Greene, Jack Youngblood, Fred Dyer, Larry Brooks, and even Little, Quinn, Lundy and Long... So we expect a lot from these spots, at least I do.

I think this current DL/DE group has the talent. I just cant figure out why it seems they are not being played to their potential, OR even if they the actual current player is not playing up to their potential. Sure, they are on the smaller side, but I think the Rams want it this way, to move faster and cut easier...

Rams currently have one of the best front D groups in all of football right now... so I dont think its a size thing, but maybe a coaching and scheme thing... Just not sure yet.. some games, this group is outstanding, then we have games like last Sunday and apparently they didnt want to be left out of the 'I am lazy, brainless and we suck today' group...

Head scratcher ...

Great job ! What a stroll down memory lane as I am old enough to remember most of the guys you mention.Some real truth to what you note as the bar laid down is immense - Guess a vision of Vita Vea at his best is my pipe dream today. Here is hoping our current crop digs in when it matters and our DC spins the right signals to get the job done.

Yep there are IMO. They have shown they are most of the season. Look no farther than the Tampa game…………

Don’t let one bad game skew a season of work…………..

RonMac wrote: ↑December 2nd, 2025, 10:02 am This is a topic that concerned me at season outset & still does after 12 games. Rams by design have put together a smallish-less physical IDL group than just about any playoff contender similar units. Ford is a tough IDL but is small for DT - Fiske & Turner both play under 300 lbs and struggle vs downhill run games. I do see this as our downfall in the playoffs and Carolina scripted it last week.Nothing to be done about this NOW as rosters are set - but what does Shula plan to do about this going forward ? As I see it our Jumbo run heavy D Line group is still small & will be pressed to hold up and get opposing O off the field. Of note : PS DT Bill Norton is 6”6”” 330 lbs but plays high & needs work as a run stopper.

RonMac-Don't let NoCal's denial and DelMars deflection get in the way of your great point. I have been saying this for years now. The Rams need a Vita Vea, Vince Wilfork, or even the Eagles version of Jordan Davis. Two huge bodies to come in on 4th and short. Waive a tight end or one of our running backs we never use. I can't understand why McVay has never address this huge need. Now I love the nimble quick line we have, but two big bodies need to stop the touch push or Christian M. or be present for the goal line stand.

Deflection?

Hmmmmmm-k

All comments accepted ! It is a brand type McVay does have - and while we are at it why the hatred for any type of RB who is over 5”8” ? The Rams could use a version of the NFL power RB - even in his O .

EastBayRamsFan wrote: ↑December 2nd, 2025, 4:47 pm

RonMac wrote: ↑December 2nd, 2025, 10:02 am This is a topic that concerned me at season outset & still does after 12 games. Rams by design have put together a smallish-less physical IDL group than just about any playoff contender similar units. Ford is a tough IDL but is small for DT - Fiske & Turner both play under 300 lbs and struggle vs downhill run games. I do see this as our downfall in the playoffs and Carolina scripted it last week.Nothing to be done about this NOW as rosters are set - but what does Shula plan to do about this going forward ? As I see it our Jumbo run heavy D Line group is still small & will be pressed to hold up and get opposing O off the field. Of note : PS DT Bill Norton is 6”6”” 330 lbs but plays high & needs work as a run stopper.

RonMac-Don't let NoCal's denial and DelMars deflection get in the way of your great point. I have been saying this for years now. The Rams need a Vita Vea, Vince Wilfork, or even the Eagles version of Jordan Davis. Two huge bodies to come in on 4th and short. Waive a tight end or one of our running backs we never use. I can't understand why McVay has never address this huge need. Now I love the nimble quick line we have, but two big bodies need to stop the touch push or Christian M. or be present for the goal line stand.

Save your denial crap. I question you even watch the games. 4th down? That is the need? Hell the two big plays on 4th n short last Sunday were pass plays. You do realize this right? I guess that Vea type player was needed to replace Forbes since that is who got taken to school on 4th down. Yep a 350lb cb is what we need………

Oh by the way Ford was a hell of a pick up n has had a good year. This team has been good against the run most of the year, certainly better that 70% of the D’s in the league, on first thru third downs but hey let’s concern ourselves with 4th down. What that has been 5% of the defensive plays this year? LMAO!

Any GM in the league right now would take Verse, Young, Fiske, Turner, n Landman in a second. Why? Because they are all damn good. I bet none would be concern that they are not “physical” enough………

You may want to check who is in denial…….

The rook from OSU has been unimpressive. Maybe he's another G.Gaines and needs to marinate for a while. We can use use more beef on the DL IMO. Just keep reloading the LOS on both sides of the ball. Wins rings. But I do think our guys are pretty good this year when healthy. Ford, Turner, Fiske.

Bottom line for me is our ability to stop the run and deliver more three and outs.

Last Sunday we kept getting gashed for 3-4 yards per down. That will keep Stafford on the bench and wear down our Defense in the 2nd half.

This needs to get fixed now.

DelMar wrote: ↑December 2nd, 2025, 10:24 am Well I think we can blame some of this on the boys (pictured below)...They started a Ram trend that has been with us for decades on and off...

Pretty much, if you are a Ram at the DL/DE spots, you have some huge shoes to fill. It's like being the USC quarterback... you go there and you are immediately required to put up big numbers, be viewed at the start of every season as a Heisman candidate, etc etc... BUT, if you are even average, it's next QB up for the Trojans (they will pull you almost immediately)... IMO, Rams DL is almost like this...

Rams have such a rich history at the DL/DE spots...we have really been spoiled by the D front... From our Fearsome Foursome, AD, Kevin Greene, Jack Youngblood, Fred Dyer, Larry Brooks, and even Little, Quinn, Lundy and Long... So we expect a lot from these spots, at least I do.

I think this current DL/DE group has the talent. I just cant figure out why it seems they are not being played to their potential, OR even if they the actual current player is not playing up to their potential. Sure, they are on the smaller side, but I think the Rams want it this way, to move faster and cut easier...

Rams currently have one of the best front D groups in all of football right now... so I dont think its a size thing, but maybe a coaching and scheme thing... Just not sure yet.. some games, this group is outstanding, then we have games like last Sunday and apparently they didnt want to be left out of the 'I am lazy, brainless and we suck today' group...

Head scratcher ...

Very good take!

Good take -yes.....but DelMar never addressed RonMac's point which was....we need more beef on our defensive line. Also, the Fearsome Foursome of the Los Angeles Rams was significantly larger than the average NFL defensive lineman in the 1960s, averaging around 265 pounds. This was a considerable size advantage, as the average player in that era was not as large as today's players, and the foursome's size, range, and quickness made them a dominant force. I think Lamar Lundy stood 6'7". Rosey Grier weighed almost 290 lb which was huge for the day.

I would modify this and say the Rams should drop a TE and one of our 4 5'8" running backs and pickup two beefy bodies on 4th and goal or forth and short BECAUSE....Over the last five years (roughly the 2020-2024 seasons), the Los Angeles Rams defense has been among the worst in the NFL at stopping fourth-down conversion attempts, allowing a 64.0% conversion rate which ranks near the bottom of the league. This is a statistical fact!

Sorry to drop facts on you NoCal but I have an inside joke with a 49'ers fan when it is 4th and short I always guarantee the 49'ers will get a TD or the first down when they play the Rams. It is a problem and has been for years (refer to the stats above). Also, where did CB come into this conversation? This is our #1 need in the draft, and DelMar and I posted that the Rams should consider taking Chris Johnson of SDSU at CB a few weeks back. I want rotational DT/NT beef at the end of the draft or through free agency. Drop a Running back or TE we never use.

Seems to me the Rams lack that Defensive leader, Like Ray Lewis, Fred Warner and Bobby Wagner to name 3.. Those guys would have been all over the players after the 1st dud series and we never saw their Defenses play an entire game sucking shit like we did Sunday.

Rampager66 wrote: ↑December 3rd, 2025, 7:34 pm Seems to me the Rams lack that Defensive leader, Like Ray Lewis, Fred Warner and Bobby Wagner to name 3.. Those guys would have been all over the players after the 1st dud series and we never saw their Defenses play an entire game sucking shit like we did Sunday.

I thought Landman was that guy? He didn't really step up or so it seems. I don't see everything- none of us do. But yeah- someone needs to be the leader and scream at the shit show in the huddle. AD was good at that and he commands attention.

RAMFAN71 wrote: ↑December 4th, 2025, 6:21 am

Rampager66 wrote: ↑December 3rd, 2025, 7:34 pm Seems to me the Rams lack that Defensive leader, Like Ray Lewis, Fred Warner and Bobby Wagner to name 3.. Those guys would have been all over the players after the 1st dud series and we never saw their Defenses play an entire game sucking shit like we did Sunday.

I thought Landman was that guy? He didn't really step up or so it seems. I don't see everything- none of us do. But yeah- someone needs to be the leader and scream at the shit show in the huddle. AD was good at that and he commands attention.

Absolutely. And yes we can only speculate because we don't know everything, but it is visible when the the D's fortunes change and they play better during games. Never happened even after HT last week.

RAMFAN71 wrote: ↑December 4th, 2025, 6:21 am

Rampager66 wrote: ↑December 3rd, 2025, 7:34 pm Seems to me the Rams lack that Defensive leader, Like Ray Lewis, Fred Warner and Bobby Wagner to name 3.. Those guys would have been all over the players after the 1st dud series and we never saw their Defenses play an entire game sucking shit like we did Sunday.

I thought Landman was that guy? He didn't really step up or so it seems. I don't see everything- none of us do. But yeah- someone needs to be the leader and scream at the shit show in the huddle. AD was good at that and he commands attention.

Landman is a good tackler, great leader who is weak in coverage. Landman like othe ILBs needs for the front to do their job. No leadership or yelling is going to fix lack of talent and poor scheme against the run. Rams playing alot of deep safeties (gave Carolina the extra blocker), Pooh being on a snap count due to injury and Rams lack of having a second run stopping NT (Ty Hamilton ain't it, yet) hurt the Rams big time vs Carolina and will against similiar game plans.

EastBayRamsFan wrote: ↑December 2nd, 2025, 4:47 pm

RonMac wrote: ↑December 2nd, 2025, 10:02 am This is a topic that concerned me at season outset & still does after 12 games. Rams by design have put together a smallish-less physical IDL group than just about any playoff contender similar units. Ford is a tough IDL but is small for DT - Fiske & Turner both play under 300 lbs and struggle vs downhill run games. I do see this as our downfall in the playoffs and Carolina scripted it last week.Nothing to be done about this NOW as rosters are set - but what does Shula plan to do about this going forward ? As I see it our Jumbo run heavy D Line group is still small & will be pressed to hold up and get opposing O off the field. Of note : PS DT Bill Norton is 6”6”” 330 lbs but plays high & needs work as a run stopper.

RonMac-Don't let NoCal's denial and DelMars deflection get in the way of your great point. I have been saying this for years now. The Rams need a Vita Vea, Vince Wilfork, or even the Eagles version of Jordan Davis. Two huge bodies to come in on 4th and short. Waive a tight end or one of our running backs we never use. I can't understand why McVay has never address this huge need. Now I love the nimble quick line we have, but two big bodies need to stop the touch push or Christian M. or be present for the goal line stand.

That first line was unneeded in my opinion. And second, I'm afraid you're the delusional one my friend. Our run defense is one of the best in the league. Have you been watching?

Cornel posted the ypr allowed when Ford is playing and when he is not. It is insane. We can't stop the run at all without him. But with him in there we are pretty stout. That is one player that CANNOT get hurt.

Cornell29 wrote: ↑December 4th, 2025, 11:12 am

RAMFAN71 wrote: ↑December 4th, 2025, 6:21 am
I thought Landman was that guy? He didn't really step up or so it seems. I don't see everything- none of us do. But yeah- someone needs to be the leader and scream at the shit show in the huddle. AD was good at that and he commands attention.

Landman is a good tackler, great leader who is weak in coverage. Landman like othe ILBs needs for the front to do their job. No leadership or yelling is going to fix lack of talent and poor scheme against the run. Rams playing alot of deep safeties (gave Carolina the extra blocker), Pooh being on a snap count due to injury and Rams lack of having a second run stopping NT (Ty Hamilton ain't it, yet) hurt the Rams big time vs Carolina and will against similiar game plans.

We gotta hope Ford recovers 100% for the final stretch of the season. If we get a bye, it is going to help a lot of players that are already kinda banged up. So we can get to the playoffs in good shape.

FelixTheStonerCat, I am convinced you are either dyslexic, don’t read the threads before you respond, or are mostly stoned. Unfortunately I think it is a combination of the three.

I simply agreed with RonMac that we may need more beef so we can stop 4th and short. The Rams defense is ranked near the bottom of the league over the last 5 years stoping 4th and short. More beef might improve this stat at the goal line or in 4th and short.

I said nothing about our run defense which overall is greatly improved.

I do wish we had a big NT to use with our speed rushers. I think McVay prefers fast guys that can chase the RB or QB vs big guys that eat up multiple blockers and lets the edges play 1 v 1.

Turner/Fiske/ Ford are certainly good players but having a tank inside would make the Rams a bit different .

I think Young/Verse is what you want on the edges. Guys that can chase the QB down.