Random Ramsdom: Stout defense may be biggest surprise in 2020

We’re two weeks into the 2020 NFL season, and there’s been plenty of surprises up to this point. For the Rams, the biggest surprise for them may, in fact, be the exceptional performance by the team’s defense under first-year defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

According to Lindsay Thiry of ESPN, the defense is the real deal, not just a quick flash in the pan.

“The Rams are one of only two teams (Ravens) that haven’t allowed an opponent to score 20 points this season,” says Thiry. “Staley, an outside linebackers coach the past three seasons under Vic Fangio, has his unit playing fast and making stops when they count most. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey are the known stars of the unit, but their supporting cast — including several first-year starters and a rookie safety — have quickly stepped up to produce game-changing plays. They stopped Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys in Week 1, then dismantled Carson Wentz and the Eagles in Week 2. As their young players gain more experience, and the entire unit becomes more familiar with Staley’s scheme, they will only continue to improve.”

Following Sunday’s performance, cornerback Jalen Ramsey said, “I don’t want to put, like, a ceiling on it or a cap on it. We have so much more to tap into.”

That statement of confidence from one of the defense’s best players should be no surprise to anyone who knows Ramsey in the slightest. He’s always one to speak his mind and you’ll never catch him referring to his team as anything less than the best.

With a road trip coming up next at Buffalo, the Rams will get another excellent shot at one of the NFL’s best offenses through the first two weeks. Quarterback Josh Allen currently leads the NFL in passing yards with 729 and wide receiver Stefon Diggs is tied for the league-high with 239 receiving yards. Their run game isn’t really there, but it will certainly be a test for entire defense as they’ll have to worry about both Allen’s arm and legs.

Now for today’s links.

Rams News:

Cameron DaSilva highlights the success the Rams are having with the running backs in the passing attack (The Rams Wire)

Bret Stuter gets the lowdown on the Buffalo Bills from their sister site (Ramblin’ Fan)

Micah Kiser was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week (TheRams.com)

A recap of where the Rams landed on various power rankings (TheRams.com)

NFL News:

Rob Gronkowski details his dream Florida vacation (ESPN)

CBS Sports’ Week 3 waiver wire for fantasy football (CBS Sports)

Hayden Hurst thanked Dak Prescott for discussing mental health (Pro Football Talk)

The NFL is also fining Jon Gruden and Sean Payton for not wearing their masks on MNF (Pro Football Talk)

The Giants signed RB Devonta Freeman to a 1-year deal (Bleacher Report)

Jake Trotter highlights the dynamic backfield duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt (ESPN)