When followers take into consideration the best go rushers in Los Angeles Rams historical past, a number of names instantly come to thoughts. Each period has featured edge defenders who introduced one thing totally different to the sphere. Some overwhelmed offensive tackles with uncommon explosiveness, whereas others relied on refined method, relentless energy, or an countless arsenal of pass-rush strikes. At this time’s Rams have continued that custom with one other thrilling group of edge defenders, making the talk simply as enjoyable for contemporary followers as it’s for individuals who keep in mind the franchise’s legends.
However as a substitute of asking one easy query—who’s the best Rams edge rusher of all time?—let’s make it somewhat extra attention-grabbing.
Think about you would construct the proper Rams edge defender by combining the best particular person traits from gamers all through franchise historical past. Which participant would you select for every class? There will not be one unanimous reply, and that’s what makes this problem so entertaining. Each fan values totally different qualities when evaluating an elite go rusher.
Listed here are earlier challenges should you missed them:
Construct the proper Rams Quarterback.
Construct the proper Rams Operating Again.
Construct the proper Rams Huge Receiver.
Construct the proper Rams Offensive Lineman.
Construct the proper Rams Linebacker.
Construct the proper Rams Defensive Lineman.
Listed here are the 5 traits that make up the proper Rams edge rusher.
Every little thing begins with step one.
The most effective edge rushers don’t essentially must run the quickest 40-yard sprint, however they possess an explosive get-off that instantly places offensive tackles on their heels. That first motion off the snap will be the distinction between a quarterback hurry and a game-changing sack.
Some Rams defenders constructed their reputations by constantly successful the race off the road of scrimmage, forcing offenses to regulate protections just because they couldn’t react shortly sufficient. Whether or not it got here from elite anticipation, response time, or pure athleticism, first-step quickness stays probably the most helpful weapons for any edge defender.
Turning the nook is an artwork kind.
Elite go rushers are capable of dip their shoulders, keep stability, and flatten towards the quarterback with out shedding pace. Flexibility permits defenders to scale back the angle round offensive tackles whereas staying underneath management all through the push.
Not each productive edge rusher wins this manner, however those that do could make impossible-looking performs seem routine. The power to bend with out sacrificing momentum usually separates superb go rushers from actually elite ones.
Pace alone received’t beat NFL tackles for lengthy.
The most effective edge rushers know how one can use their arms with precision. Swipes, chops, golf equipment, cross-chops, rips, and counters all turn into instruments that assist disengage from blockers and create clear paths to the quarterback.
Nice hand utilization is usually the results of years of refinement and movie research fairly than pure athletic potential. Some Rams go rushers mastered this technical side of the sport, constantly defeating blockers with timing, leverage, and environment friendly motion.
Method can usually age higher than athleticism, making hand utilization probably the most underrated traits in constructing an elite edge defender.
Typically finesse isn’t vital.
There are edge rushers who merely overpower offensive tackles with energy, leverage, and physicality. A devastating bull rush can collapse the pocket simply as successfully as a pace rush across the edge.
Energy additionally exhibits up within the run recreation, the place edge defenders should constantly set the sting, shed blockers, and end tackles towards a few of the NFL’s greatest offensive linemen.
The Rams have had a number of defenders all through franchise historical past able to successful with overwhelming bodily energy, making this one of many hardest classes to decide on.
The easiest go rushers hardly ever depend on only one transfer.
They develop full pass-rush arsenals crammed with counters and changes that preserve offensive tackles guessing all through the sport. If one transfer will get stopped early, one other is prepared later within the contest.
Spin strikes, inside counters, hesitation strikes, ghost rushes, long-arm transitions, and numerous different strategies separate nice go rushers from predictable ones. The creativity to string collectively a number of strikes usually determines who constantly finishes among the many league’s sack leaders 12 months after 12 months.
An edge rusher who combines finesse with explosiveness and energy turns into almost inconceivable to dam over 4 quarters.
Now it’s your flip to construct the final word Rams edge rusher.
1. First Step Quickness: _____________________
2. Flexibility / Bend: ___________________
3. Hand Utilization: ___________________
4. Energy Transfer: ___________________
5. Finesse Transfer: ___________________
What does your final Rams edge rusher seem like?
