MIDDLE MAN
Rams are relying on inside linebacker Ogletree to anchor defense
PHOENIX — The initial feeling was not pain. More along the lines of “weird,” Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree recalled.
Ogletree had been making plays all over the field against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium last October when he planted his right foot and felt something give.
“I rolled over and couldn’t get up,” he said.
X-rays revealed a broken ankle, ending Ogletree’s season.
The injury caused a ripple effect throughout the Rams organization, one that a year later has made the defense faster and perhaps stronger.
Safety Mark Barron replaced Ogletree at the weakside spot after the injury and emerged as a hybrid force. That gave the Rams confidence that they could release veteran middle linebacker James Laurinaitis during the off-season to clear salary-cap space, and move Ogletree into that position.
“That play just kind of opened up the doors for a lot more stuff,” Ogletree said. “It wasn’t all bad.”
On Sunday, Ogletree re-
Left tackle Greg Robinson. The third-year pro will be equally important protecting quarterback Case Keenum’s blindside and helping to clear the way for running back Todd Gurley. Keenum has been sacked six times in three games. Gurley has yet to break out with a big performance, but University of Phoenix Stadium is where he did it as a rookie.
Defensive end Robert Quinn. He doesn’t have to save the victory with another last-second tackle, but Quinn and his teammates along the line must pressure quarterback Carson Palmer and take some of the pressure off a secondary charged with containing one of the NFL’s deepest receiver corps.
Cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Palmer will no doubt go after cornerback Troy Hill, but it is imperative that Johnson remains aggressive against a receiving corps that features multiple playmakers. Johnson helped the Rams come up with an interception last week when he hit a Tampa Bay receiver and caused the ball to ricochet into the hands of linebacker Mark Barron.