LA Rams sign Ndamukong Suh: My three thoughts
By Jamaal Artis
The LA Rams actually did it. They signed Ndamukong Suh to add to an already scary defense under defensive genius Wade Phillips.
It was reported and then confirmed by the LA Rams that free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will be joining the Rams on one year deal worth 14 million dollars. The move is another example of the LA Rams willingness to make themselves a permanent contender after making a playoff appearance last year their first in 15 years.
Suh up front will help further solidify a defense that has picked up Pro Bowl caliber defensive backs Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. Rams general manager Les Snead expressed excitement with news of Suh’s signing.
"“We are excited to have Ndamukong as a part of the Los Angeles Rams,” Rams general manager Les Snead said in a statement. “He’s been an outstanding player in this league and we are looking forward to him being a part of our defense.”"
There’s a lot to be excited about Suh’s signing and it could prove to be the Rams biggest move of the off-season if Suh remains healthy. At least we know Rams defensive coordinator is excited.
— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) March 26, 2018
There are three thoughts that come to mind regarding the signing.
Forget the front four
With the Suh signing, the Rams now have a pair of defensive tackles that could blot out the Sun. Aaron Donald, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is already on the team, teams will no longer be able to double team Donald with Suh’s presence on the defensive line.
Donald led the league in pass rushes last season despite the constant attention from opposing offensive lines, now with Suh, the LA Rams might be the first team in NFL who will be able to rush just two players and come away with sacks.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
Good luck running the ball
The LA Rams defense may have been athletic to place in the top five in creating turnovers, there was a glaring flaw when it came to team defense. The Rams could not stop other teams from running the ball on them.
The Rams were in the bottom five in almost all categories on the run defense. They gave up 1957 total rushing yards to the tune of 122 yards per game. Now with Suh added to the defensive line, the Rams can improve on those bad numbers.
Red Flags
The Suh signing as exciting as it may make Rams fans doesn’t come without some flaws. Suh has a pretty well-founded reputation as the “dirtiest player in the game.” Suh leads the league in penalties drawn since he entered the league in 2010 with 74.
Suh has been disciplined by the league in the past for stomping on Aaron Rodgers and grabbing Ryan Mallet by the throat. While with the Miami Dolphins Suh mostly kept his nose clean but his reputation could mean more scrutiny from the referees.
Next: How the Rams should use their first round pick
With the signing of Suh and earlier acquisitions of Peters and Talib, the LA Rams may now boast the best defensive line and secondary in the league. If the Rams remain healthy NFL quarterbacks may regret their employment options next year.