In a strange turn of events, the Los Angeles Rams defense had been a hindrance to start the 2017 NFL season. Then as the offense has started to gradually struggle, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has helped this crew make some big-time adjustments in their two biggest wins all year.
Los Angeles knew they were going to have their hands full with Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Leonard Fournette in Week 6. Linebacker Connor Barwin says the defenses’ short-term memory helped them move on from Fournette’s big run to start the game, according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez:
“‘That play’s over,'” Barwin said. “‘Don’t let that play dictate our mood the rest of the game. It’s one play. Move on to the next play.’ That was the message. That’s the way we played.”
Following Fournette’s 75-yard touchdown on his first carry of the game, the Rams managed to neutralize the rookie phenom for just 55 yards on his next 20 carries. Once again, Phillips’ game-time adjustments are what makes him one of the best coaches in the NFL.
The Rams resiliency is also a credit to their maturity as a whole. Despite being the youngest team in the league, the addition of key veterans like Barwin have helped their young stars take Los Angeles to the next level.
