Defense was a significant problem for the 2025 Los Angeles Rams. Fast forward a year later and they might actually be a defensive-first team.
Through three weeks the Rams are currently the seventh-ranked defense in EPA per play. Further, LA is 10th-best in Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s success rate allowed, fourth in explosive play rate allowed, and third in missed tackle rate.
Even more impressive are the Rams’ numbers in the pass game. They are the third defense in EPA per play, sixth in passing rate
success allowed, second in yards per attempt allowed, and third in completion percentage allowed. Of course, LA has faced two underperforming quarterbacks in Jameis Winston and Bo Nix. They also played the NFL’s best quarterback in nearly every statistical category, Brock Purdy, in Week 1.
While Los Angeles is 23rd in run defense in terms of EPA per play, they are limiting explosive plays and rank eighth in this category. Similar to their high ranking in missed tackle rate, the Rams are allowing just 2.5 yards after contact per carry—good for 10th. The defense isn’t creating many zer0-yard runs or tackles for loss. They are 31st in the frequency of such plays. At the same time they aren’t letting opposing offenses rip off long gains on the ground.
The silver lining is that the Rams have accomplished these rankings without the best defensive player in football, Myles Garrett, at 100% health. He’s missed the entirety of two games. Their fellow acquisitions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson are paying significant dividends.
Moving forward, LA will still be without Garrett for a few weeks. Watson is expected to be sideline for this weekend’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a concern whether Josh Wallace can adequately replace Watson; however, there are very encouraging signs about this group’s capabilities once they return—if they ever return—back to full force.
Most will look at the inept performance in Australia against the 49ers and a second-half collapse against the Broncos and blame Chris Shula’s defense. This group also held a weak Giants offense to just six points sandwiched between those contests.
The defense is doing its job. The offense needs to be more consistent, score more points, and take care of the football. Special teams most do its part and be a value add instead of a hinderence.
It will take help in all three phases in order to pull the wagon and dig out of a 1-2 hole. At least the defense looks ready through three games.
