Los Angeles Rams: Three biggest concerns heading into 2018
By Jason Reed
2. The potential of a defense full of personalities self-imploding
There should not be a doubt in anyone’s minds that the Los Angeles Rams defense is talented enough to be one of the best in the NFL. Not only is the defense immensely talented, the Rams also have the luxury of defensive genius Wade Phillips running things. Because of that, all the ducks are aligned for the Rams to dominate teams on both sides of the ball in 2018.
The only real thing stopping that from happening though is the personalities and egos on the Rams defensive. Los Angeles is taking a risk in acquiring many new personalities to what seems to be a solid locker room. Locker room chemistry does seem to be overlooked.
There is a reason that the teams wanted to part ways with the guys that they acquired. The Chiefs and Broncos traded away their best corners likely due to the on-field incidents both men had.
Marcus Peters has not been shy in showing frustration, evident by him throwing a penalty flag in the stands last season. And of course, Talib had that brawl with Michael Crabtree this season after snatching his chain.
Suh still had time left on his contract in Miami but took a dip in production that was not worth the money or a potential headache. Suh has had several incidents that make him arguably the dirtiest player in football.
If the defense is firing on all cylinders, the egos should be able to be put aside and succeed. However, if there are any cracks in the foundation, it could turn into a blame game that ruins the talent on the defense and eventually drives Aaron Donald away.
Yes, this is risky.