In Week 4, the Rams’ defense often ran behind Roshon Johnson (23) and the Bears’ offense. (Kamil Krzachinsky/Associated Press)
The Rams are looking for answers.
With a lineup still plagued with injuries, they must turn around from a 1-3 start and avoid falling out of the playoff race before the playoff race begins in earnest.
The Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jordan Love will travel to SoFi Stadium on Sunday to face a Rams defense that statistically ranks at or near the bottom of the NFL.
The Rams have the second-to-last total defense in the NFL, allowing 385.3 yards per game. They rank last in rushing defense (165.5 yards per game), 21st in passing defense (219.8 ypg) and second-to-last in scoring defense (28.8 points per game).
“We’ve emphasized the importance of communication and playing together, and I know there have been some moving parts, but I don’t think that’s an excuse,” said the first-year defensive coordinator. , Chris Shula said. “We have to play and we expect to play well.”
Read more: Field goals galore, but Rams need red-zone offense to get going: ‘It’s cost us so far.’
The Rams have just three takeaways, tied for 27th in the league, and seven sacks, tied for 26th in the league.
Safety John Johnson III’s fourth-quarter interception in the season opener against the Detroit Lions is the Rams’ only interception.
“That’s the age-old question,” Shula said when asked what the Rams could do to generate more interceptions. Playing good defense…I get it. [opponents] In more vulnerable situations. ”
There are some bright spots on the defensive front.
Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse, the 19th pick in the draft, was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. The former Florida State standout had a sack against the Lions, but has missed multiple opportunities to add to his record over the past three games.
Rookie lineman Braden Fisk is also providing a lot of pressure.
Former Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) adds a new dimension to the Packers’ offense. (Matt Lutke/Associated Press)
Against a Packers offense led by Love and running back Josh Jacobs, the Rams must stop the run, apply pressure, and force passes at low percentages. The Packers rank third in offense (410 yards per game), seventh in passing (235.5 yards) and second in rushing (174.5 yards). He is tied for 6th in points (26 points per game).
According to overthecap.com, Love signed a contract extension before the season that included $160.3 million guaranteed. With the fourth-year quarterback nursing a knee injury, the Rams will have to “attack” the pocket, lineman Coby Turner said.
“I hope he’s as immobile as possible,” Turner said. “But that’s what’s dangerous about him. He has the ability to kill you out of the pocket, but he also has the ability to get outside the pocket and create plays.”
The back end of the defense must avoid the penalties and communication errors that have plagued the Rams for much of the season.
“Everyone has to run 1/11 of the defense on every play,” linebacker Troy Reeder said. “You have to have the same tension from the first play to the last play.”
Read more: Rams could receive reinforcements against Packers, but Cooper Kupp is not scheduled
Players say the interceptions will come.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon said better communication, eye discipline and technique are key.
“Just paying attention to the details. It’s not like, ‘Oh, let’s do something different on game day,'” he said.
The addition of cornerback Darius Williams to the roster could strengthen the secondary.
Last spring, the Rams re-signed Williams, a member of the Super Bowl championship team, after two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Williams, in his seventh season in the NFL, has 10 career interceptions, including four last season.
The Rams had envisioned Williams starting opposite Tre’Davious White, a former All-Pro with the Buffalo Bills who was recovering from Achilles surgery.
Read more: NFL Week 5 picks: Vikings, Chiefs test unbeaten record
Williams injured his hamstring on the second day of training camp. He was placed on injured reserve before the season started and was ineligible to return after four games.
Williams practiced this week and was a full participant Thursday. McVay is expected to update Williams’ status for Sunday’s game on Friday.
Safety Quentin Lake said his players are working individually and collectively to take advantage of turnover opportunities.
Lake, for example, lamented not making the adjustments that led to an interception in Game 2 of the season and prevented San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings from making a spectacular catch.
“There’s still a long season left,” he said. “Those opportunities will come at some point, and when they do, we’re going to make those plays.”
Get the day’s best, most interesting, and weirdest stories from the Los Angeles sports scene and beyond with our newsletter, The Sports Report.
This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.