Littleton was a tough loss for me I felt he gives the Rams more than Fowler JMO. I understand the economics, and a new DC especially being an ex LB Coord. says alot.
That being said we trusted Snead/Komer and McVay on Saffold and that DIDN'T work out. Various reasons but nevertheless it hurt our team. I feel that XL was way better than every other ILB on the team by a longshot.
All this said the two weaknesses on the Rams and I believe only 2 is Run D and the OL. We seem headed in a bad direction for the Run D losing CL, possibly losing Fowler and possibly cutting Mathews. Plus we need to address the OL.