The Los Angeles Rams struggled to stop the run last season, but that doesn’t mean the defense as a whole was bad.  In fact, they were one of the best teams in the NFL when it came to forcing turnovers and limiting opposing quarterbacks. 

They allowed the 13th-fewest passing yards and picked off 18 passes, good for sixth in the league.  They did all that with a completely revamped secondary that featured four new starters – Kayvon Webster, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Lamarcus Joyner and John Johnson – alongside Trumaine Johnson. 

Johnson and Webster are gone, replaced by Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib.  The Rams actually upgraded the cornerback position this offseason, and while it’ll take some time for the unit to mesh, John Johnson likes what he’s seen. 

“We’re growing,” Johnson said, via the team’s official site. “ Early on we were kind of just trying to get the scheme right and stuff, but now we’re actually making plays on the ball — interceptions, tipped balls everywhere.  So, I think we’re getting comfortable with each other and with the scheme.  It’s looking good.” 

Johnson said the Rams are using him “in different ways now,” which likely means he’s playing the slot more than he did last season.  As a versatile safety, he gives Wade Phillips numerous options on each play, whether it’s lining up in the deep middle, in the box or in the slot. 

Joyner offers similar position flexibility, which makes the duo one of the best in the NFL.  The best part is they’ve only played one season together, meaning they’re only going to get better – assuming Los Angeles signs Joyner long-term. 

“The safeties, we gotta talk.  Me and LJ, we’re on the same page,” Johnson said. “ He talks to me and I talk to everybody else.  So, I think it comes from the safety position, you have to be out there, be vocal, and be a leader.” 

Johnson’s entering his second year in the NFL but he already acts and plays like a veteran.  The future is bright for the young safety, especially with so much talent around him in the secondary.