The Los Angeles Rams’ defense was a rollercoaster in 2024, but under Chris Shula’s steady hand, it’s gearing up to be a powerhouse in 2025. From early struggles to late-season heroics, this young unit showed it’s got the chops to compete with the NFL’s best. Now, with smart additions and another year of experience, Shula’s squad is ready to take the leap.
Last year, the Rams’ defense was a mirror of their season: rocky start, gritty finish. Injuries piled up early, threatening to derail the campaign. A 42-point shootout win against the Buffalo Bills exposed their vulnerabilities, and Saquon Barkley carved them up not once, but twice. Yet, by season’s end, this group of young guns morphed into a unit that could choke out opposing offenses with ease.
Chris Shula deserves a tip of the cap for that turnaround. The defensive coordinator stayed cool under pressure, tweaking his scheme to fit his personnel. After a rough Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, he shuffled the secondary. As the season wore on, he unleashed his young defenders, letting them play fast and free. The result? A defense that grew tougher with every snap.
Sure, the run defense was a sore spot—11th-worst in the NFL, a weakness that haunted them in the playoffs. But 2025 looks different. Shula’s got new toys to play with, and his core is a year wiser.
New Blood, New Bite
The Rams didn’t sit still this offseason. They snagged Poona Ford, a disruptive interior lineman who’s been a problem for offenses during his time with the Chargers. In the draft, they added edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, a potential steal, and brought in linebackers Pooh Paul and Shaun Dolac through the draft and undrafted free agency. There’s even buzz about a possible Jalen Ramsey reunion via trade with Miami, which could supercharge the secondary.
Up front, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Ford form a beefy, athletic defensive line. Pair that with Jared Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, flying off the edge, and you’ve got a pass rush that’ll keep quarterbacks up at night. The linebacker corps—Paul, Dolac, Landman, and Omar Speights—leans young but brings speed and hunger. If Shula can tighten up gap discipline and run defense, this front seven could be elite.
Experience Meets Evolution
What makes this defense scary is its growth potential. Shula’s scheme thrives on adaptability, and his players are no longer wide-eyed rookies. Verse is a budding superstar. Turner and Fiske are ready to anchor the line. The secondary, while largely unchanged, has a year of cohesion under its belt. If Ramsey returns, it’s game over for opposing receivers.
The only question mark is the secondary’s depth, which could get exposed if injuries strike. But the front seven’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and clog running lanes should ease that burden. Shula’s philosophy—blend aggression with discipline—sets the stage for a unit that can dictate games.
The Bottom Line
The Rams’ defense in 2024 was a work in progress that finished strong. In 2025, it’s ready to be a wrecking crew. With Shula’s sharp adjustments, a beefed-up defensive line, and a young core hitting its stride, Los Angeles has the makings of a top-tier unit. If they can shore up the run defense and avoid secondary hiccups, this group could carry the Rams deep into the postseason.
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