The Los Angeles Rams might be considered the clear-cut winner of the NFL trade deadline with their shot across the bow of an acquisition on Monday morning.
They gave up a second and a third-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft to the Denver Broncos for three-time All-Pro linebacker Von Miller.
RT to welcome @VonMiller to LA 🤗 pic.twitter.com/BdclM5ZpAE
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 2, 2021
The Rams didn’t necessarily have to make such a blockbuster trade; they are already 7-1 and have a great chance to claim the NFC’s number one seed.
However, they now might be considered the favorites in the conference.
Los Angeles’ Defense Is An Absolute Behemoth
Before any transactions took place, the Rams arguably featured the best defensive lineman and best cornerback in the NFL on their team in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.
Donald has five sacks through eight games, which isn’t an imposing number.
However, when you consider that he’s on pace for a double-digit total in that category for the fifth time in his career, while essentially being double-teamed on every play, is remarkable.
While Donald is busy wreaking havoc at the line of scrimmage, quarterbacks also worry about Los Angeles’ secondary while escaping the pocket.
Ramsey has a couple of interceptions this season, and will benefit from quarterbacks having to throw earlier than they might want.
Consider this; even without Miller having played a down for the Rams yet, Los Angeles leads the NFL in sacks and interceptions.
They’ll be a tough out for any of the other contenders in the NFC, which currently includes teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
📍 LA
Let’s get to it, @VonMiller ‼️ pic.twitter.com/jmDotRE4cw
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 2, 2021
The Rams Are Going For It All In 2021
The Rams’ trade for the eight-time Pro Bowler in Miller leaves no doubt that the team is viewing the 2021 season as Super Bowl or bust.
So far through seven games, Miller hasn’t exactly dazzled from a statistical perspective, despite getting off to a hot start to the season.
However, the former Super Bowl MVP is still just 32 years old, and should have some juice left in the tank joining a championship contender.
Fellow linebacker Leonard Floyd actually leads the Rams in sacks with 6.5, and Miller’s presence should only open things up even further as teams grapple with the idea of keeping tight ends in to block such a ferocious pass rush.
Los Angeles’ idea to double down on the front seven is interesting when you consider the type of quarterbacks they might face in the postseason.
Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers certainly don’t qualify as pocket escapers, and Dak Prescott is coming off of an ankle injury last year, and a calf injury more recently.
The level of talent the Rams have on the defensive side of the ball would be enough to carry a team to playoffs on its own, but their offense has been exceptional as well.
Matthew Stafford has been a huge upgrade to the attack, and Cooper Kupp has become a bona fide star in the NFL.
The Rams certainly boast a case as the most well-rounded roster in the league, and will be frightening to play as the season wears on.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Broncos Will Regret Trading Von Miller