The Los Angeles Rams have looked impressive to start the 2017 NFL season despite their dispiriting Week 5 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The offense has made one of the quickest turnarounds in league history and are lighting opponents up on the scoreboard behind Jared Goff and Todd Gurley.
While the offense has looked stellar, the defense is still finding its footing under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. They have given up several big plays to each team so far, but are still considered to be Los Angeles’ bread and butter given all their talent.
The front office is clearly building around their defensive front as they recently signed inside linebacker Alex Ogletree to a four-year contract extension. Despite the lucrative new deal, Benjamin Allbright of Mile High Sports Radio says Ogletree’s extension will not impact a potential Aaron Donald contract:
Ogletree deal doesn't limit Rams on a potential Aaron Donald deal. Ogletree was on $8.35 mil deal this year.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 13, 2017
When news of Ogletree’s deal was first reported, many fans were clamoring for the front office to finally shell out an extension for Donald given his effectiveness on the field so far. However, as Allbright stated, the Rams are still in a position to shell out money for their best defensive player given their current cap situation.
Los Angeles’ defense will need to step up in a big way when they hit the road to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Rookie running back Leonard Fournette has been a force on the ground and it will be up to players like Donald and Ogletree to stop him in his tracks.
