How could you replace one of the best defensive players of all time? You really can’t. When Aaron Donald decided to retire, some level of regression was to be expected for the Los Angeles Rams’ defense. Well, except that the team had a plan and executed it to perfection.
Despite the “F— them picks” narrative, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay work in unison with what they have—and they’ve had a lot of picks—to make the roster stronger.
The results: the Rams have the least expensive defensive roster in football, spending only $39 million ($30 million less than the second least expensive). Six of their starters are first- or second-year players. Several immediate backups are, too. And yet, they allowed only nine points to a potent Minnesota Vikings in the wild card round of the playoffs, paving the way for a 27-9 win that puts the Rams in the divisional round.
“Defensively, you can’t say enough of them. Getting nine sacks, getting a defensive touchdown for (Jared) Verse,” head coach Sean McVay said after the game. “I thought it was a complete game, where you’re playing to win and trying to advance. What a great challenge we’ve got next week in Philly.”
In terms of how the Rams pressured and finished pressures against quarterback Sam Darnold, it was notable. Eight players had at least half a sack, the most in a playoff game since 1982. The nine sacks tie a playoff record.
“This guys are all about the right stuff. Kobie Turner’s leadership upfront, the defensive coaches, Chris Shula, Giff Smith, A.C. Carter, Joe Coniglio,” McVay mentioned. “I thought we had a great rush plan, and I thought ultimately it’s always about the players bringing it to life and having a real understanding of what we were trying to get done, what was the intent. They have played really good football as of late, they’re peaking at the right time. They’re not showing any of that youth that you would think.”
Coaching
Part of the credit goes to first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula. He has been with the franchise since the inaugural McVay staff in 2017 and was a great sign of the entire franchise’s development approach. Initially an assistant linebackers coach, he was promoted multiple times—outside linebackers coach, linebackers coach, pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, pass rush coordinator and linebackers coach, defensive coordinator.
At 38, he has his first chance to be a defensive coordinator. And it would be hard to get better results with such a young group from the get go.
Against the Philadelphia Eagles, it will be a different challenge. A better offensive line, also good pass-catching weapons, and an elite running back in Saquon Barkley. But they didn’t have an impressive offensive performance against the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round.
The Rams look ready, and youth is not an excuse.