St. Louis Rams: If…And…But for 2015

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mike James (25) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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The Rams defensive unit picks up where it left off after a disappointing start this past season.

There’s little doubt that this is one of the most talented groups in the league, especially when you consider that defensive ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn as well as defensive tackles Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald (the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year) are all former first-round draft choices, as is 2015 free-agent pickup/defensive tackle Nick Fairley. It is also a unit that includes linebackers James Laurinaitis and Alec Ogletree, as well as emerging strong safety T.J. McDonald.

This past season, St. Louis overcame a sluggish start and was one of the hotter defenses in the league down the stretch. Jeff Fisher’s club totaled 34 sacks in its last nine games after dropping opposing quarterbacks just six times during the club’s 2-5 start. While the Rams did allow 31-plus points in seven games in 2014, it’s also worth noting that this club allowed only 30 offensive touchdowns in 16 contests.

It would be a major surprise if this club doesn’t finish in the Top 10 in terms of fewest yards allowed this upcoming season.

Next: Is It Nick’s Time