On day two at Rams Park, the St. Louis defense stole the show. Turns out they stole quite a few footballs as well.
“The defense made a lot of plays, got their hands on a lot of balls,” said Rams head coach Jeff Fisher after practice. “We had a couple of very competitive drills, got in the plus territory and making plays.”
Making plays on the ball, forcing fumbles, and intercepting passes are all key elements to great defenses. As simple as that sounds, not all defenses have the capability to take the ball away. However when you’re seeing that ability this early in training camp, such as the Rams are, there is quite a bit of upside for this defense.
“Someone’s going to make the play when you’re competing against each other. The offense either makes it or the defense makes it. So, from my perspective, those are good things,” said Fisher. “The defense got their hands on a lot of balls today. We were competing and it’s good to see some of the younger DB’s make some plays.”
The Rams forced 21 turnovers last year, which was the 23rd most in the league. This year they look to improve on that number and it starts up front with Chris Long.
“He makes a great share of his big plays with effort,” Fisher said. “I think if you ask him he’d tell you that he can still do better at times with technique. He and (defensive line coach Mike Waufle) are doing a great job working together.”
Leading the league last year in sacks, with 52 as a team, Long and company has shown the ability to get to the quarterback. As training camp moves forward, Fisher notices a very promising start from the rest of his defensive front.
“We’re not making a lot of mistakes right now. We’re not having a lot of line of scrimmage issues. The defense is really getting off on the ball.”
From an offensive standpoint Fisher understands that it is still early in the process. Former first overall pick Sam Bradford has looked sharp, but as Rams faithful know the passing game isn’t at the reason for their offensive struggle. The rushing attack in St. Louis last year only managed a total of five touchdowns and finished 19th in total rush yards.
“First and foremost we have to run the football. It’s hard to evaluate your run game without pads and we’re a couple days away from that,” said Fisher. “So we’ll be able to start pushing the run game a little bit.”
The pads will be strapped on starting Sunday with a special teams orientated practice that is closed to the public. Monday will be the fans first opportunity to see the team in full pads.
