St. Louis Rams Defensive Stat Predictions
By Curt Popejoy
There aren’t many teams in the league that can boast the type of individual talent on defense that the St. Louis Rams can. They Rams project to have nine of their 11 starters on defense being drafted in the first three rounds, including five first-round picks. With all that talent, they should be able to really do some damage.
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The stars of this show are the defensive linemen. All four starters, and the first guy off the bench area all former first-round choices and can create beautiful havoc up front. The Rams have two exceptional linebackers, and a pair of defensive backs poised for greatness. Let’s take a shot at some predictions for these defensive superstars.
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Defensive Line
Chris Long, defensive end: 61 total tackles, 9.5 sacks
Michael Brockers, defensive tackle: 34 total tackles, 3.0 sacks
Aaron Donald, defensive tackle: 67 total tackles, 13.5 sacks
Robert Quinn, defensive end: 50 total tackles, 16.5 sacks
Nick Fairley, defensive tackle: 31 total tackles, 7.5 sacks
Keep in mind that Fairley is likely a situational pass-rushing defensive tackle for the Rams initially. I think he’ll eventually supplant the one-dimensional Brockers, but for now, those numbers will come in a reserve role. Donald and Quinn are going to monstrous this season. Just mark it down. St. Louis might have the best pass-rushing defensive end and all-around defensive tackle on their team.
Linebackers
Alec Ogletree, outside linebacker: 135 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions
James Laurinaitis, outside linebacker: 115 total tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions
Akeem Ayers, outside linebacker: 72 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception
This is a huge year for Ogletree. I expect him to really step up, and take those tackles away from the defensive backs behind him. Too many plays in 2014 got past this group of linebackers, but I’m counting on big improvement across the board. Keeping plays in front of them, and limit big plays by opposing offenses.
Defensive Backs
T.J. McDonald, safety: 115 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 sacks
Janoris Jenkins, cornerback: 48 total tackles, 4 interceptions
E.J. Gaines, cornerback: 68 total tackles, 6 interceptions
Rodney McCloud, safety: 73 total tackles, 2 interceptions
Over the past two seasons, the secondary has been something of a weak link for the Rams. Perhaps this year they can right the ship, and create some turnovers. McDonald and McCloud are a grossly underrated tandem at safety, and a full season of Gaines is going to really excite fans.
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