How the Rams Defense Can Set the Tone Early in the Season
The Rams’ defense was a big reason for their success last season, and they will need to be even better this year if they want to be in the Super Bowl conversation. The Rams' front office made some upgrades, with one being the addition of defensive lineman Poona Ford to strengthen the unit further. With a group that could be one of the most disruptive in the league, the Rams’ pass rush, led by Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, will play a key role in shaping the early part of the season. September is quickly approaching with matchups against the Texans, Titans, Eagles, and Colts. These opponents bring different types of tests for this Rams defense.
Week One vs Texans - California Kid Looking for O-line Protection
Texans QB C.J. Stroud is expected to come into this season with a new tailored offensive line with the hopes of seeing if they can rewrite their wrongs from the past season. Stroud was sacked 52 times, which ranked second in the league among quarterbacks. The offensive line ranked 22nd in pass block win rate and 31st in run block win rate. So they are going into this game to see if they improved on their past season weaknesses, which gives the Rams something to exploit. Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jared Verse, will be the driving force for the Rams’ defensive front, applying pressure to force quick decisions from Stroud. Limiting explosive plays will be critical, especially with Nico Collins as Stroud’s primary weapon after a Pro Bowl season with 1,006 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Kobie Turner’s ability to disrupt in one-on-one matchups will be important, and with the Texans missing Joe Mixon and adjusting to a new offensive coordinator, there will be opportunities for the interior defensive line to control the tempo of the game. Braden Fiske’s relentless motor and power complement Jared Verse on the edge, giving the Rams a front that can collapse the pocket and make life difficult for Stroud.
Week Two vs Titans - The Challenge of Rookie QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward will enter his second NFL game vs the Rams as the Titans’ starting quarterback. He'll bring mobility and a player who can extend plays and add value as a runner. The Rams’ interior line and linebackers must remain disciplined by preventing big runs and scramble plays. The Titans spent the offseason upgrading their offensive line, adding guard Kevin Zeitler and left tackle Dan Moore Jr., who the team brought in to provide better protection for Ward. Players like Byron Young are skilled at capitalizing on quarterbacks' mistakes, so he could be key in this game, especially when the defensive group is facing a rookie quarterback trying to get his feet wet. While on their receiving side, Calvin Ridley’s ability to separate quickly will test the Rams’ secondary.
Week Three vs Eagles - The Ultimate Test in the Trenches
The Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in football, paired with Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat ability and a versatile offense with players like Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith. Last season, the Eagles’ offensive line controlled the Rams’ front, which must change for a better result. For Jared Verse, though, he had one of his best games against the Eagles in the playoffs with two sacks, three tackles for loss, and four total tackles, so he will need another big performance when they go back to Philadelphia. The “Tush Push” remains nearly unstoppable, so the Rams must prevent short-yardage situations entirely. Quentin Lake’s ability to read the quarterback’s eyes will be vital in slowing down Philadelphia’s dynamic passing attack.
Week Four vs Colts - A Chance to Pressure Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones joins a new team, and the Rams’ pass rush will have opportunities to disrupt timing and force mistakes as he continues to learn his new offense. Kam Kinchens has a ball-hawk mentality and picked up four interceptions last season, so he could be a problem for Jones. Jonathan Taylor remains the focal point of the Colts’ offense after rushing for 1,431 yards last season. On the receiving side, Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. could be players this defense has a chance to lock down, as both starting receivers couldn't break 900 yards last season.
These four matchups offer different challenges that will test the Rams’ defense against some of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks and playmakers. Starting the month off strong will build enough momentum to carry this team through the season and develop their communication and execution style during critical points of the season. This September could establish the defense as a team that not only wants to position itself as a strong playoff contender but also become one of the most respected units in the NFL. If the front seven controls the line of scrimmage early, the Rams will have the foundation to dominate games and set the tone for the entire season.
