Will the Rams Defense Pass the Test Against the Eagles Offensive Line?
Like the Rams, the Philadelphia Eagles are 2-0, yet there are still many questions surrounding this Eagles team, giving opposing defenses reasons to look forward to this matchup. The Rams know they are facing one of the best offensive lines in the league and the defending champions. It will be a true test for a young defense that has been making strides each week. Extra motivation also comes from their playoff loss last season in the divisional round, when the Rams came up short late in the fourth, losing 28-22 to Philadelphia.
The Rams’ young defensive front has been coming together as one of the league’s most promising units, but now faces a major challenge against the Eagles. Jared Verse, Byron Young, Braden Fiske, and Kobie Turner will match up against a group that features 2024 Pro Bowlers in Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens, along with the highly regarded left tackle Jordan Mailata. This offensive line has been central to Philadelphia’s success, particularly in the run game, where they rank seventh in the NFL with 140 yards per game. This Rams defense stacks up as well as a team can against this strong offensive line, but they will need to be at their best to disrupt a unit loaded with experience and consistency.
Another key storyline is how the Rams plan to handle Jalen Hurts’ mobility and the “Tush Push” play. This short-yardage play has been one of the most controversial plays in football that teams have game planned for, yet it remains nearly unstoppable. Since 2022, the Eagles have run it 116 times and have had a 96.6 percent success rate, making it one of their most reliable weapons that teams have tried to ban. For the Rams, Poona Ford, Verse, and Turner will need to find a way to clog the middle and prevent Philadelphia from leaning on this play that has helped them so much already this season. That would be crucial, as the Eagles’ passing game has not been as sharp this season with a new offensive coordinator, ranking 31st in the league, which has forced them to rely heavily on their ground game.
Through the first two weeks, the Rams' defense has shown an ability to adapt in the second half and close out games impressively. They have consistently held teams to field goals in second halves, created pressure with sacks, and forced timely turnovers, giving the Rams control of the game when they needed it the most. Ranked third overall among defenses so far, this unit has already made its mark and continues to improve. Facing a big contender like Philadelphia will reveal how far they have truly come, and whether this young defensive front is capable of controlling games against the NFL’s elite. A strong showing could prove the Rams are not just improving, but ready to challenge the very best in the league.
