Don’t look now but Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is about to have the best year of the L.A. chapter of his career. Many already believe that 2019 could be his biggest and best, completing a coaching career fast approaching the 50-year mark. This begs the question, can leadership thoroughly survive what eats the best talent in this morality-challenging city for brunch everyday? Or will success reveal the Rams internal coaching tiffs? More specifically, between head coach Sean McVay and Phillips.
Los Angeles Rams Internal Coaching Tiffs Looming?
While most of us are chomping at the bit to see Jared Goff hit several of his ‘now even more dangerous’ collection of capable receivers, Phillips is trying hard to restrain cravings to bellow out big dog barks and fist pumps Tiger Woods would be proud of. When many of us long to dance around water coolers and man caves with bragging rights from Todd Gurley helping us own our fantasy leagues, Phillips is resisting urges to break out a ‘happy dance’ in the middle of press conferences. Why? Because he already knows what many Rams fans see and what the rest of the league will learn soon enough. The Rams won’t be a middle-of-the-pack defense in 2019.
Rams Defense Bends Then Breaks Denver Broncos
Both teams scoreless after one, the Denver Broncos took a 6-3 lead with the second Brandon McManus field goal of the second quarter into halftime. That was the extent of their production as they were shutout in the second half.
The Rams appeared to intentionally plan this knockout punch playing key defensive players in quarters three and four. With Bryce Hager now starting, he was given the night off and other linebackers didn’t miss a beat. Travin Howard, who seems to be in on every tackle, almost was and led the team with eight first-half solos. University of Delaware standout and runner-up, Troy Reeder, added five more (four solo).
In the second half, linebackers Dakota Allen and Cooper Kupp’s brother, Ketner Kupp, led the way with five total tackles each. Cornerback Darious Williams added two more passes defended to his team-leading total. Teammate Kevin Peterson intercepted another pass to grab the team lead. Morgan Fox made his presence felt, literally, laying some big-time wood.
Their overall performance defensively held Denver’s passing to just 140 yards (22 of 35 attempts, one interception, one sack). On the ground, the Broncos managed 73 yards including a quarterback sack escape. Escapee, quarterback Kevin Hogan (8/12, 69 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions) looked to be a decent back-up. However, Brett Rypien, who one Denver media local personality implied the Broncos were hiding to place on their practice squad and nephew of ex-Rams quarterback, Mark Rypien, was made to look every bit the rookie he is (14/23, 80 yards, 0 touchdowns, one interception, passer rating: 49.2).
Offense Punches its Second Preseason Touchdown Ticket
With 12:44 on the fourth-quarter clock, John Wolford hit Jalen Greene for a fourth and goal dart. It put the Rams up for good and was their second such score in the last two games.
For the second game in a row, Brandon Allen looked to be the best of the back-ups not named Blake Bortles. His first-half 118-yard performance boasts why the Rams finished 323 to 213 in total yards. Neither quarterback threw an interception or was sacked.
Receiver Nsimba Webster, targeted just once in the first half, came on to lead with four receptions. Still, it was Mike Thomas leading in total yards and stealing the show with an impressive 51-yard capture. KhaDarel Hodge also impressed with a second-best 54 total yards on just three catches.
Rams running backs mustered 82 yards on 26 total carries. Darrell Henderson brought up the rear with yet another per carry average of just over 2 yards.
Phillips, D-Unit Sending Under-the-Radar Message
Rams (34), San Francisco 49ers (41), Seattle Seahawks (54), Arizona Cardinals (66).
The Rams defensive unit leads the NFC West through three preseason games in points allowed. This is without playing most of their starters on both sides of the ball. In fact, of the entire NFL, where they fit in is quite interesting. Leaders are as follows:
First: New England Patriots (23) – Record: 3-0
Second: Dallas Cowboys (27) – Record: 2-1
Third: Baltimore Ravens (28) – Record: 3-0
Fourth: Los Angeles Rams (34) – Record: 1-2
(Excludes Week Three’s Pittsburgh Steelers – Tennessee Titans contest)
Sure, preseason doesn’t actually count but this doesn’t mean what’s revealed in the four weeks doesn’t mean anything. Hating aside, do you really believe the Patriots current lead is all luck? Yes, that’s what I thought.
The truth is as it’s been reported. The Rams find themselves with tough defensive decisions in less than a week because they have depth. More so than in recent years and coach Phillips, like McVay, will reap the benefits.
Is Wade Phillips Really Ready for Primetime?
Hey, this is the star capital of the world! It’s been known to devour a soul or two. Certainly, an unassuming but charismatic teddy bear type such as he stands little chance, right?
Don’t be surprised if you see Phillips tweeting giddy comments or googly-eyed GIFs towards defensive players of the game other than Aaron Donald. And like McVay, you might soon notice him making the rounds on talk shows and special celebrity events. But when you see this Phillips take a swipe at McVay or any other assistant coach on the team you know it’s the pressure of being placed on all the Sexiest Men Over 50s magazine lists nationwide.
Seriously, it’s all in fun, of course. They don’t come any cooler or classier than this coaching tandem. Yet and still, any comedic stunts succumbed to by the lovable Mr. Phillips are all welcomed.
