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Comparing the Panthers and Rams defensive line

By Nick Yon

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Mario Addison #97 of the Carolina Panthers sacks quarterback Case Keenum #17 of the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of the game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Mario Addison #97 of the Carolina Panthers sacks quarterback Case Keenum #17 of the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of the game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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After a flurry of trades and free agent signings, the defensive lines of the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams look entirely different…

With everyone distracted by the NBA playoffs, it’s easy to forget about what’s important – football. We all know that it’s gonna come down to the Golden State Warriors smacking whoever makes it out of the East, so now let’s explore two of the NFL’s top defensive lines in the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.

Two of the best starting defensive lines of the NFL are the Rams and Panthers. The Panthers have had a dominating defensive line for a while and the Rams have arguably the best player with Aaron Donald. Both teams’ defensive lines were bolstered during free agency, so let’s make a comparison based on a couple of metrics.

  1. The starting line-up only (discounting depth for this activity)
  2. Defensive coordinator
  3. Ability to collapse the pocket
  4. Ability to bend the edge

Los Angeles Rams

According to Ourlads, the Rams starting line-up on the defensive line is Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers.

Let’s not get cute with the Rams as Donald was already a defensive nightmare for offensive coordinators. He is the most recent NFL Defensive Player of the Year and can rush from anywhere in the Rams 3-4 defense. Even better for the Rams, they just signed Suh to work along that defensive line with him.

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Wade Philips, the Rams defensive coordinator, was able to scheme Donald into winning situations throughout all of the 2017 season using his 3-4 defense. Now, let’s consider if you put another pass rusher next to Donald in that same 3-4 scheme. Under Philips, the Donald-Suh combination is destined to wreak havoc off the edge and into the heart of offensive lines.

Carolina Panthers

According to Ourlads, the Panthers starting line-up on the defensive line will be Julius Peppers, Dontari Poe, Kawaan Short and Mario Addison.

The Panthers run an effective 4-3 defense but a few changes could come from new coordinator Eric Washington. Peppers has aged like fine wine as he possesses stunning speed and incredible power for a player of his age, flying to the quarterback. Coupled with Mario Addison’s sheer power and consistency, the edges are secured in Carolina.

Next: NFL Draft - 5 Safety Targets

The truly beautiful part of Carolina’s defensive line lies in their two defensive tackles. Short has already been a bulldozer in Carolina working with now-Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. Poe is a massive upgrade from Lotulelei considering Poe’s incredible athletic ability. With the pairing of Short and Poe, the interior lines of the NFL stand no chance.

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