A quick thread on the Rams defense [because it's really good].
A great example of a team that's being very flexible with fronts.
#RamsHouse

Against the Patriots.
This is basic 32222 personnel [classic 34 base].
Quarters coverage.
2 inside LBs.
This is exactly what people think of when they picture a 34 defense.

Next snap - super similar.
Confirmation eh?

Next snap - 3rd down.
This is different [as you'd expect on 3rd and long].
2 interior linemen and AD is way outside the tackle.
Okoronkwo is out in a CB position.
Floyd way out on the other side.
John Johnson up on the LoS.
No orthodox LB with Kenny Y in the slot.

Now so far this is obvious stuff.
The "they play 34 on base downs and go wild on 3rd down" crew are probably pretty happy.
But this is was super unusual for the Rams.
A vanilla firsts series against a heavy-personnel offense...

Here's the first snap of a drive later in the game.
This modified front they like to run.
Call it a 4 man front [with Brockers as one edge].
Call it a 3 man front with Floyd as the lone edge rusher.
Whatever you prefer.
It's trending up this season.

Next snap.
Similar personnel.
Similar front.
Still 2 LBs.
Similar secondary [note how much cover 2 they play].

OK. Let's look at another game.
because the Rams modified their scheme in that game against NE.
Next up - the Bucs.
Here's their signature package.
5 man front.
1 LB.
Nickel secondary.

Then they switch to a classic 425 nickel personnel.
With Kenny Young showing zone blitz up on the LoS

3rd down.
Another 4 man front.
1-LB again [and he's up on the line].
Johnson is right up there too.
Interesting approach to the trips on the right.
Facing Brady with an empty backfield and still showing a 6 man rush is fun!

Here's another fun 3rd down look from the same game.
It's a 4 man line.
Sort of.
But only 1 interior lineman on the field.
And 4 corners.
And 3 safeties.

And a quick look at the Rams from way back in W1 against Dallas.
Here's that same 32132 personnel.

I like this down against Dallas.
because it shows how varied the Rams are coverage-wise.
They were running a zone concept here [pretty obviously - because CeeDee Lamb on Micah Kiser is no man assignment] and morphed beautifully.
Well coached defense.

A fun 3rd and long against Dallas.
Look how wide Leonard Floyd is here.
And note the 3rd safety in at LB.
They actually toned this down after the early season.
Playing a safety as a LB was cutting edge [Deone Bucannon!] about 6 years ago.
It's pretty passé these days.