The Los Angeles Rams defense has improved dramatically since Jalen Ramsey arrived in Week 7. In their last four games, they’ve allowed just 44 points, which is the lowest total in the NFL. They’re also No. 1 in run defense in that span, ranking fifth overall against the run this season.
Ramsey has a lot to do with the Rams’ elevated play on defense – as does the level of competition in the last month – but he’s not the only one who deserves credit. The secondary as a whole is playing significantly better, led by Troy Hill and Nickell Robey-Coleman, surprisingly.
According to Pro Football Focus, they both rank in the top three of all NFL cornerbacks since Week 6 in overall grade. Hill has been the league’s best cornerback in that span, while Robey-Coleman ranks third.
In terms of coverage, Hill is ninth and Robey-Coleman is third.
Ramsey has played well this season, too, but Hill and Robey-Coleman deserve a lot of credit for their play, as well. Hill, in particular, has been targeted frequently by opposing quarterbacks simply because Ramsey is on the other side of the field.
This season, Hill has been targeted 39 times but he’s allowed just 20 completions (51.3%), one touchdown and a passer rating of 66.8. Ramsey has seen 50 passes thrown his way, allowing 32 catches (64%), one touchdown and a 93.2 passer rating.
The Rams took a big chance by trading away both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, showing a great deal of confidence in Hill to take over as a starter. He’s rewarded them with some outstanding play and coverage, making the Rams look smart for giving him to an extension through 2020 this offseason.
He’s become an important part of the defense and assuming things stay the way they have, he’ll be in the mix for a starting job next year, too.
