The Buzz:In the Rams' first year back in Los Angeles, head coach Jeff Fisher & Co. have compiled a 3-5 record entering Week 10. The Rams are anchored by their No. 8 ranked defense, a unit that has surrendered just 30 points combined in their last two games. After a 3-1 start, the Rams have lost four consecutive contests.
The Offense
The Staples:After bursting on the pro scene last season while rushing for 1,106 yards in 13 games, second-year RB Todd Gurley has been the focal point for most defensive coordinators. Gurley has registered 451 yards and three TDs on the ground, averaging 3.1 yards per carry. The Georgia product also has reliable hands, catching 10 balls over the last two games.
In his second season under offensive coordinator Rob Boras, Case Keenum has thrown for 2,004 yards, nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 61.5% of his passes. Keenum is in his second stint with the Rams as he spent 2014 with the Texans.
Homecoming: WR Kenny Britt, a Bayonne, NJ native, leads the Rams in receiving yards (584), and is T1 in both receptions (37) and touchdowns (3). In his third year with the team, Britt is having the best season of his eight-year career. The Rutgers product is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season and is only 191 yards short of his career high, which he accomplished as a member of the Titans in 2010.
The Defense
The Anchors: DT Aaron Donald, who was the NFL's 2014 Rookie of the Year and followed that up with 11 sacks last season, is the head of a tenacious front that ranks No. 11 against the rush. Donald has racked up five sacks in 2016, ranking second amongst NFL interior linemen (Leonard Williams). The Pitt product has also tallied 19 QBH, 12 TFL and 27 total tackles.
Along with Donald, ILB Alec Ogletree serves as defensive captain. Ogletree leads the team with 66 combined tackles, five of which have been for a loss. The Georgia product has made a presence in coverage, registering five PDs.
Down in the Box:OLB Mark Barron originally came into the NFL as a safety. In his second year at his new position, the 6'2", 213-pound Barron ranks second on the Rams with 59 tackles. The Alabama product hasn't lost his ball skills as he's hauled in two picks and tallied six PDs.
