Chris Shula’s Defense: A Tale of Adaption For 2025

Chris Shula’s defense in 2024 was a tale of adaptation. Stepping into the role after Raheem Morris left for Atlanta, Shula inherited a defense reeling from the retirement of Aaron Donald, a future Hall of Famer whose presence had defined the Rams’ front seven. The unit struggled early, ranking 26th in total defense, 20th against the pass, and 22nd against the run. Through the first four weeks, the defense allowed nearly 29 points per game, a sharp decline from the 21.1 points per game in 2023 when they ranked seventh overall. Posts on X from October 2024 highlighted issues like blown coverages, weak run defense (31st in rushing yards allowed per game), and an inconsistent linebacker corps.

Shula, previously the Rams’ linebackers coach and pass rush coordinator, faced criticism for his play-calling and scheme, which initially failed to coalesce around a young roster. The secondary, in particular, was a weak point, with injuries to Derion Kendrick (out for the season) and Darious Williams (hamstring) exposing a lack of depth. Veteran Tre’Davious White, signed to bolster the cornerback group, struggled post-injury and was traded midseason, while rookie safeties Kamren Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough were still finding their footing.

A Dramatic Second-Half Turnaround

The narrative shifted after the Rams’ Week 6 bye. From Week 7 onward, the defense ranked 12th in EPA per play and eighth in success rate (42.1%), reflecting a unit that began to click. Shula’s adjustments were evident in standout performances, such as a December 2024 game against the San Francisco 49ers, where his unconventional five-man rush in a dime package on a Hail Mary play led to a game-ending sack on Brock Purdy. The postseason cemented Shula’s growth: in a wild-card win over the Minnesota Vikings (27-9), the Rams tied an NFL playoff record with nine sacks and held Justin Jefferson to 58 yards. Shula’s strategic shift to 29.7% man coverage (up from 18.7% for the season) disrupted Minnesota’s passing game, earning praise on social media as a “master class.”

The final three regular-season games were equally impressive, with the Rams holding San Francisco, the New York Jets, and Arizona to a combined 24 points. Young players like Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, edge rusher Byron Young, nose tackle Kobie Turner, and cornerback Cobie Durant stepped up, while midseason addition Emmanuel Forbes showed promise in limited action. This resurgence transformed the defense from a liability to a complementary force, setting the stage for 2025.

Emmanuel Forbes: A Potential Game-Changer

A key piece of the Rams’ defensive puzzle is cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, a former first-round pick whom the Rams claimed off waivers from the Washington Commanders in December 2024. Forbes, the 16th overall pick in 2023 out of Mississippi State, holds the FBS record for most career interceptions returned for touchdowns (six). His tenure in Washington was rocky, with a 75% completion rate allowed in limited 2024 snaps and struggles in man coverage under a mismatched scheme. However, the Rams saw untapped potential in the 24-year-old, whose 4.35-second 40-yard dash and ball-hawking instincts fit Shula’s system.

Forbes debuted in Week 18 against Seattle, playing 52 of 55 defensive snaps and allowing three catches on five targets for 38 yards against a formidable receiver trio of DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. While he didn’t see postseason action, his performance impressed coaches. During 2025 OTAs, Forbes stood out, recording an interception on Jimmy Garoppolo and a pass breakup, earning praise from Shula: “He communicates really well and has done a great job. You can see it clicking.” Head coach Sean McVay noted Forbes’ improved physicality, as he added muscle to his 166-pound frame, saying, “He’s bulking up, looking good, and understanding what we’re trying to get done.”

Forbes himself expressed newfound confidence, telling the LA Daily News, “Since I had a whole offseason here, I’m able to play faster and smarter, honestly, and make plays on the ball.” His familiarity with safety Kam Curl, a former Commanders teammate, has eased his transition, and assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant has been instrumental in refining his technique. Posts on X from @RamsFansForum reflect growing fan optimism, with some calling Forbes a potential “secret weapon” for the secondary. If Forbes secures a starting role alongside Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams, he could address the Rams’ need for a disruptive cornerback, a void felt since trading Jalen Ramsey to the Dolphins.

Bolstering the Roster for 2025

The Rams’ front office doubled down on defense in the offseason. Free-agent signings included defensive tackle Poona Ford, a run-stuffing veteran with over 100 career games, and linebacker Nate Landman, whose range bolsters the linebacker corps. In the 2025 draft, the Rams added linebacker Josiah Stewart, defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, and linebacker Chris Paul Jr., emphasizing speed and physicality. Stewart considered a second-round talent who slipped to the third, is expected to contribute immediately. With the Rams’ run defense being shredded in parts of 2024, the addition of Nate Landman could be a welcome addition. According to the Rams linebackers coach, “He’s come in and guys respect him just from where he’s been and what he’s done. He’s fit into our defense just seamlessly.”

The front seven, led by Verse, Young, Turner, and Braden Fiske, is a strength, with the pass rush generating 16 sacks in two playoff games in 2024. However, the secondary remains a concern. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport ranked the Rams’ defense 14th for 2025, citing inconsistencies at cornerback and linebacker. Witherspoon, re-signed on a veteran minimum deal, and Williams, limited in playoff snaps, are not guaranteed starters, while Durant’s playing time fluctuated. Forbes’ emergence could stabilize the group, but Shula may need to rely on creative rotations and zone-heavy schemes to mask any weaknesses.

Shula’s Path Forward

Shula’s 2024 season demonstrated his ability to adapt, with the defense’s second-half surge and playoff dominance silencing early critics. His pedigree—grandson of Don Shula, son of Dave Shula, and college teammate of Sean McVay—grounds him, but his focus is on carving his own path. “Sean hired you to be you,” former coach Jason Garrett advised, a mantra Shula has embraced. His innovative play-calling, like the Hail Mary defense and increased man coverage in the playoffs, highlights his growth.

In 2025, Shula faces heightened expectations. The additions of Ford, Landman, Stewart, and Forbes, combined with a maturing core, give him the tools to climb the defensive rankings. Forbes, in particular, could be a difference-maker if he translates his OTA promise into regular-season production. A top-10 defense could be a real possibility if the new faces can adapt quickly and the second-year players build on their success from 2024.

Success could propel Shula into head coaching conversations on X posts from January 2025 already mentioning him as a “sneaky” candidate, potentially for Miami, given his family ties. Failure, however, could amplify Infante’s skepticism and jeopardize his tenure. With the pieces in place and a year of experience under his belt, Shula’s ability to unite his young defense, anchored by Turner, Verse, and Fiske, will define the defense for 2025.

Closing Things Out

Chris Shula stands at a pivotal moment, leading a Rams defense with the talent to dominate but the burden to prove it. The 2024 season’s second-half turnaround, capped by a postseason masterpiece, showcased his potential, while additions like Emmanuel Forbes, Poona Ford, and Josiah Stewart raised the ceiling for 2025. Forbes, a former first-round pick reborn in Los Angeles, could be the key to stabilizing a secondary that missed out on the Ramsey reunion who was traded to the Steelers. As Shula navigates this high-stakes year, his creativity, adaptability, and leadership will determine whether the Rams’ defense becomes a cornerstone of a championship contender or remains a work in progress. Rams fans, buzzing with excitement on social media, are ready for Shula and the new defensive additions to lead the charge.

For the latest updates on the Rams’ roster moves and more, please visit The Rams Forum on X (Twitter) @RamsFansForum

Sources:

•  Pro Football Network, Jacob Infante’s defensive coordinator rankings

•  Turf Show Times, Rams OTAs coverage  

•  Sports Illustrated, Emmanuel Forbes analysis  

•  The Rams Wire, Forbes’ debut performance  

•  LA Daily News, Forbes quotes  

•  X posts reflecting fan sentiment