Ron Rivera deploys 4-man front, unique coverage package to combat Rams

[Sir Purr]

Defensively speaking, the first half was pretty solid and went according to plan for Carolina.


The Rams had just 112 total yards and their touchdown was gift-wrapped after the Panthers fumbled the ball away on a backward pass deep in their own territory. Other than that, the Rams had two field goals for a 13-3 halftime lead.


But the start of the second half was far from ideal.


Los Angeles ripped off chunk plays of 24, 15 and 25 yards in quick succession before tacking on another field goal to make it 16-10.


“That’s on me. 100 percent,” said Rivera, who continues to call defensive plays after taking over those duties late last season. “(Rams head coach Sean McVay) did a nice job. I got a little impatient on him and he hit me with it.”


The Rams then produced a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive with their next possession to build a 23-10 advantage. Quarterback Jared Goff converted a couple third downs with throws to wideout Cooper Kupp, frustrating the Carolina defense, particularly the pass rushers.


“With the offense they run, coach wanted an extra DB on the field, which is fine because it was working for us early on,” defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. “When we get in certain situations with other teams and we get in situations where we can rush four, we’ll get a lot more pressure.”


At times, the 3-2-6 look that was deployed on third downs involved just three rushers. The Panthers opted for more men in coverage as opposed to more heat on Goff.


“With everything you have to give up something. That’s just football,” Elliott said. “Regardless of what package it is, you are going to have strengths and weaknesses.”


Getting pressure with three isn’t impossible, but it’s a challenge.


“It was pretty tough,” rookie edge rusher Brian Burns said. “It’s always tough when you go with a three-man rush.”


Goff was only sacked once, courtesy of Bradberry of all people on the first defensive series of the game. Goff was hit six times, but was pretty comfortable through large stages of the second half.


Giving up 30 points in a loss at home isn’t what the Panthers defense had in mind for a debut.


And it’ll be interesting to see which kind of tactics Rivera chooses to deploy in Week 2 after evaluating the tape.


“We have to most certainly make sure we are giving these guys the chance to succeed,” Rivera said.