With the National Football League’s new year starting next Wednesday, franchise tags and free agency moves are on the agenda for a lot of teams. For the NFC West, a division that is predicated on strong quarterback play, having firm pieces on defense is highly important.
Sean McVay, head coach and quarterback whisperer for the Rams, navigated his team to the playoffs last season as a first-year coach. While marquee names like Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Sammy Watkins (now a free agent) and Robert Woods drew attention because of the success, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips had guys in position also to make critical stops on the field.