Rams reveals plans to improve defense when rushing the quarterback

The Los Angeles Rams defense needs to improve its ability to reach the quarterback in 2024, particularly by converting pressures into sacks. Last season, despite a blitz rate of 28.8% (14th in the league) and a pass-rush win rate also ranking 14th, the Rams were 24th in sacks. They were mid-tier in pressure rate but bottom-10 in converting those pressures into sacks. While pressures are important, sacks are more effective in potentially ending offensive drives.

The Rams struggled with pressure-to-sack conversion. They managed to create pressure with simulated pressures but failed to convert these opportunities into sacks. The conversion rate for edge rushers, defensive linemen, and linebackers was around 14.8%, compared to the Miami Dolphins’ 16%.

The challenge is greater this season with Aaron Donald’s retirement. Donald led the team in pressures last season, and the Rams’ interior defensive line ranked second in pressure rate, while the edge rushers were 31st. Donald had 34 more pressures than any other Rams player last season, but his pressure-to-sack rate was his lowest since 2016 at 11.9%. The Rams’ pressure was predictable and easier for quarterbacks to evade without secondary pressure.

The Rams aim to diversify their pressure sources this season. They struggled to generate edge pressure in 2023, relying on a third-round rookie and a converted defensive lineman. While Byron Young and Kobie Turner showed improvement, it wasn’t sufficient. The Rams drafted Jared Verse, one of the top edge rushers, with their first pick and paired him with his college teammate Braden Fiske in the second round. They hope their chemistry from Florida State translates to the NFL.

With the hopeful development of Young and Turner, the Rams aim to generate pressure from various areas rather than relying on one player. Adding Verse should alleviate the lack of edge pressure. For a young defense with a first-time coordinator, creating negative plays through collective rushing and capitalizing on pressure opportunities will be crucial.