Rams make lineup changes to address defensive failures

by Ryan Van Bibber on Sep 24, 2008 2:31 PM CDT in 2008 Personnel Meltdown

Not to be left out after switching starting QBs, the Rams defense will see some changes this week.

Obviously, replacing the released Fakhir Brown at CB was one move, and the Rams have asked Tye Hill to fill the void, giving him a chance to get confidence back.

They also made second year DT Clifton Ryan the starter in place of La'Roi Glover. The Rams have left Ryan on the sidelines far too much this season, and we've been arguing here that last year's rookie surprise should have been seeing more snaps anyway. This is a good move.

DE Victor Adeyanju will replace DE James Hall on the left side. Don't be shocked. Adeyanju's a run stopping specialist and the Rams have been getting killed on the ground. They've allowed an average of 184.3 rushing yards per game and a total of 553, only the Lions have allowed more. The Rams and Lions both have allowed 6 rushing TDs, worst in the NFC.

Swapping out LB Quiton Culberson with Chris Draft should also help that weak run defense. It's now obvious that letting Brandon Chillar walk was a mistake.

Rams Gab has a spot on analysis, which is awfully tough to disagree with, so head over there for the full run down.

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Speaking of the Lions

Millen got canned today.

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Sep 24, 2008 2:36 PM CDT reply actions

Was that a result of ...

the “Millen-man” march by Lions fans? Amazing solidarity over there in the motor city.

by Downing Rules on Sep 24, 2008 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions

The only change I'm not sure about is Draft over Culbertson

Draft has been really strong in special teams, making a bunch of open-field tackles. He’s a veteran, but does that make him an every-down guy? I actually wonder if he wouldn’t be better suited for safety help, spotting Corey Chavous from series to series? Between the two of them, you could keep legs fresh and smarts on the field.

Related to spelling Chavous — am I right in thinking he’s the Rams’ defensive captain? So he’s the guy receiving plays over the headset, and relaying to the rest of the defense? If so, replacing him becomes more difficult…

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on Sep 24, 2008 3:29 PM CDT reply actions

I googled around a bit

but couldn’t find a list of who wears the radio helmets. I’m not exactly sure it has to be the captain, although I know the team is allowed 2 radio helmets per defense. From what I’ve heard, you basically have 2 players who wear them and only 1 can be on the field at one time (hence the neon sticker). However, I think the helmet can be worn by someone else, but I don’t know why you would want to wear a helmet that isn’t fit to your head.

Anyway, as far as Draft over Culbertson? Who cares. I’ve watched all three games and the only time I’ve seen Culbertson on tv is when he’s standing around acting as a pile inspector. Put in Draft. It ain’t gonna hurt anything and if he makes one play, it’ll be one more than Culbertson has made.

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Sep 24, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions