Von Miller has amassed greater than 100 profession sacks within the common season, 7½ within the playoffs. The longer term Corridor of Fame exterior linebacker stated this week that he might recall each one of many sacks he recorded in opposition to Tom Brady, probably the most profitable quarterback in NFL historical past.
“It’s simply a kind of issues,” Miller stated. “At any time when he decides to retire, these are the sacks that you will keep in mind.”
Miller, lineman Aaron Donald, exterior linebacker Leonard Floyd and the remainder of the Rams cross rushers intention to create extra recollections Sunday after they play the Brady and the defending Tremendous Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC divisional-round recreation at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The Rams’ cross rush, which additionally will embrace tackles Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson and at instances rotational linebackers Obo Okoronkwo and Justin Hollins, is considered one of many main keys for the Rams if they're to advance to the NFC championship recreation in opposition to the winner of Saturday’s recreation between the Inexperienced Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams had 50 sacks throughout the season, which ranked third within the NFL. Final Monday, they recorded two of their 34-11 wild-card victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Brady was sacked 4 instances in a 31-15 wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles final Sunday.
Now Brady, 44, will face the Rams behind an offensive line that features heart Ryan Jensen and All-Professional proper deal with Tristan Wirfs, each of whom are questionable due to ankle accidents.
Requested if he's nervous about cross safety due to offensive line questions marks, Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians didn't hesitate.
“I’d be nervous in the event that they had been all wholesome,” he informed Rams beat reporters throughout a convention name. “So, yeah, in the event that they’re not wholesome, I’m hellaciously nervous.”
Arians has cause for concern.
On Sept. 26, the Rams sacked Brady thrice in a 34-24 victory over the Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium. Donald and Floyd every had one, former Rams linebacker Kenny Younger the opposite.
And that was earlier than the Rams traded for Miller, probably the most precious participant in Tremendous Bowl 50. In eight video games with the Rams, Miller had 5 sacks. He produced one other in opposition to the Cardinals.
“He’s a Tremendous Bowl MVP,” Arians stated. “He is aware of tips on how to ratchet it up.”
So does Donald, a three-time NFL defensive participant of the 12 months who had 12½ sacks throughout the common season and half a sack in opposition to the Cardinals.
The way in which the Rams transfer Donald round makes it much more troublesome to comprise him, Arians stated.
“I hope Tom’s not taking a look at him as a result of he gained’t know the place the hell to throw it if he’s taking a look at Aaron Donald,” he stated. “Obtained to belief the blokes in entrance are going to dam him.”
Regardless, the Rams count on to see the very best from Brady, a seven-time Tremendous Bowl champion who has 35-11 report within the playoffs.
“The factor about Tom that makes him so particular is he processes issues, his thoughts works so shortly,” Rams coach Sean McVay stated. “After which, he’s among the finest guys that has a really feel for shifting, manipulating the pocket.”
Of their victory over the Buccaneers in September, the Rams took a 21-7 lead early within the third quarter, forcing the Buccaneers to cross. Brady accomplished 41 of 55 passes for 432 yards and a landing.
Requested if the Rams would attempt to replicate having Brady cross 55 instances, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris stated, “I don’t assume you hope to do something versus Tom Brady aside from get a win.”
Rams cross rushers should proceed to play effectively off one another’s skills, collapse the pocket and stop Brady from stepping as much as ship passes, Donald stated.
“You do this with any quarterback,” he stated. “You possibly can have an effect on them and get them somewhat rattled.”
That’s what Miller and the Denver Broncos tried to do within the 2016 AFC championship recreation in opposition to Brady and the New England Patriots. Miller had 4 of the protection’s 17 hits on Brady and was credited with two-and-a-half sacks.
So, what problem does Brady current the Rams protection?
“Every thing,” stated Miller, who together with the playoffs has 7½1 sacks in opposition to Brady.
Miller stated he hopes the Rams get to Brady shortly.
“Tom Brady, he’s simply seen it,” Miller stated. “He’s executed all of it.
“He’s seen the inside blitz, he’s seen the max safety the place you drop all people again. He’s seen all this stuff. He’s performed in opposition to Aaron Donald and big-time tackles all through his whole profession.
“We simply obtained to discover a approach to rattle him.”
And many others.
Left deal with Andrew Whitworth (knee) and security Taylor Rapp (concussion) won't play in opposition to the Buccaneers, McVay stated. Joe Noteboom will begin instead of Whitworth. Terrell Burgess will begin instead of Rapp for the second recreation in a row. Linebacker Ernest Jones, who got here off injured reserve this week, and operating again Darrell Henderson, defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day and cornerback Robert Rochell, who had been activated from injured reserve Friday, won't play, McVay stated.
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