4 keys for gritty Rams defense to have any chance at beating the Bills

The Los Angeles Rams are getting another prime-time game. And that's a bit ironic, as the hoped-for star-studded cast has been stripped by an outbreak of early-season injuries. Still, Los Angeles has a bit of momentum after snapping a four-game losing streak to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4.

Since that game, Eagles tackle Lane Johnson has retired, and the team traded center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for future draft picks.

The Rams need to get healthy. The offense must stop turning the ball over. Special teams need to get with the program. And the entire team needs to play more consistently. But what about the defense? This is a gritty group of guys that seems to be finding its way despite a depleted roster.

To stop the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, defensive coordinator Chris Shula's cast of characters must be able to accomplish four key tasks.

1. Stop running back James Cook III

Cook is one of the NFL's top rushers, averaging over 100 yards per game. LA's defense has limited running backs to under 70 rushing yards per game, and opposing offenses to just over 100. It's a classic clash of irresistible force and immovable object.

Something's gotta give.

Hopefully, the subpar performance will be Cook's. The Texans held him to 57 rushing yards in Week 1, but Cook has feasted in other games. Despite getting only 12 carries in last week's loss to New England, he churned out 75 yards and a score. Cook gashed the Chargers and Lions, averaging 145 rushing yards and a touchdown against them.

If the Rams focus, they can limit Cook, but it will take a team effort.

2. Neutralize tight end Dalton Kincaid

The Texans defense is very good, but it had no answer for Kincaid. He put up 130 receiving yards and a touchdown in Buffalo's Week 1 win. Thankfully, his production has declined lately. He caught only one pass for seven yards against the Patriots.

Can LA keep him in check?

Perhaps. The Horns will likely assign either Quentin Lake or Kam Kinchens to cover Kincaid. That could be the key matchup.

3. Keep Josh Allen in check

While Allen can frustrate defenses with his legs, he is ultimately more dangerous as a passer. Despite being sacked in every game and nine times in all, Allen has capitalized on overly aggressive defenses.
On the season, he is averaging 260 passing yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game.

His other superpower is his running ability. Allen is averaging 29.5 rushing yards and 1.75 rushing touchdowns per game. On the goal line, he is lethal. Even if a defense smothers the Bills' passing attack (good luck with that), he can still beat you with his legs.

4. Come ready to play on prime time

Television producers and NFL schedulers could not get enough of the 2026 Rams, eager to lock in appearances from Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on the same defense - to say nothing of the Rams' offensive stars. And now there's Aaron Donald. Unfortunately, he and Garrett have yet to share the field.

It's been a season plagued with injuries. That's hardly what prime-time football fans want to hear. Seeing is believing, and if the Rams hope to earn some respect, they must vie for a victory to even up their national-audience record to 2-2. Monday night will be their fourth prime time game already.

Can LA extend its winning 'streak' to two? It won't be easy, but the defense seems to be turning the corner.

As always, thanks for reading.

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