Most of the attention surrounding the 7-2 Los Angeles Rams has gone to head coach Sean McVay and the rejuvenated offense. While there is no doubt that their turnaround has been nothing short of spectacular, they have been helped out tremendously by an opportunistic defense.
Los Angeles currently leads the league in takeaways with 19 through the first 9 games of the 2017 NFL season. According to Rams Insider Myles Simmons, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has made it a point to force turnovers whenever they can.
“Obviously points are the most important, but turnovers are the second-most important thing as far as winning ball games,” Phillips said. “You have to keep them from scoring first, but also you need to turn the ball over and our guys have done a good job of that all year.”
There is certainly some truth to Phillips comments considering the Rams are 7-0 when they either win or tie the turnover battle. In fact, their last loss came against the Seattle Seahawks in a game where they gave up the ball five times.
As good as this offense has been, it would be encouraging to see them capitalize on more of these turnovers with touchdowns, rather than field goals.That said, the turnover battle will likely be the biggest indicator of how well the Rams do in their toughest stretch of the 2017 NFL season.
