The Los Angeles Rams’ defense started the season with a lot of challenges, including a rookie coordinator and the absence of retired superstar Aaron Donald. They knew they would face mistakes and setbacks while rebuilding a once strong defense. Under coordinator Chris Shula, the team struggled, finishing 26th in the NFL for total defense and allowing big scores at times.
Despite its youth, inexperience, and lack of standout stars, the defense has proven effective, especially during the end of the regular season and in the playoffs. In their 27-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, the defense played a key role in the win, showing improvement.
Shula’s defense still needs more work, but it has been surprisingly strong at critical moments. Head coach Sean McVay said on Tuesday that the team’s difficult experiences helped them grow and that challenging times often provide the greatest learning opportunities.
Aaron Donald watched from the stands in Arizona as his former teammates showed impressive performance. The Rams’ defense has held its last four opponents to under 10 points when the starters were playing, even though the starting lineup isn’t packed with high-profile names. The team has been good at making key plays with smart game plans.
Against the Vikings, the Rams defense dominated, sacking Sam Darnold and his offensive line nine times and keeping All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson from catching a pass in the second half. This was a strong showing for a group with only one Pro Bowl selection (rookie edge rusher Jared Verse) and one player who received an AP All-Pro vote (nose tackle Kobie Turner).
The Rams were riding high after their big win over a strong team, but they know that emotions can only carry them so far. The Philadelphia Eagles (15-3) are a tougher opponent, and the Rams are still mindful of Saquon Barkley’s 255-yard performance at SoFi Stadium two months ago.
What’s working:
Matthew Stafford and the offense did well early, scoring on four of their first six drives, which gave the Rams a 24-3 lead at halftime. The 16-year veteran quarterback did a great job spreading the ball around, finding eight different pass catchers, including four tight ends after Tyler Higbee got injured early.
What needs help:
Despite being the least-penalized team in the regular season, the Rams committed a season-high 10 penalties for 95 yards against the Vikings. This included unnecessary roughness calls on rookies Beaux Limmer and Kam Kinchens, and a penalty by special teamer Jake Hummel for roughing the punter.
Stock up:
The Rams’ cornerbacks had strong coverage against Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and also helped with the pass rush. Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant both sacked the quarterback on cornerback blitzes, with Witherspoon forcing a fumble that led to a touchdown return by Jared Verse. Durant got more playing time after losing his starting job to Witherspoon last month. Though the Rams’ defensive backs have had an up-and-down season, they were solid in Glendale.
Stock down:
Cooper Kupp had a surprisingly small role, playing only 29 snaps—his fewest of the season, except for when he was injured in Arizona. He caught one pass for 29 yards on his only target. Demarcus Robinson had more snaps (38) than Kupp, and the Rams often used two-tight-end sets.
Injuries:
McVay mentioned that Tyler Higbee expects to play against Philadelphia, even though he went to the hospital on Monday after a chest injury. Higbee had a brief appearance, with five catches for 58 yards, before rejoining the team for their flight home.
Key number:
Stafford became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw multiple touchdown passes in each of his first six playoff games with the Rams.
