Chris Shula's defensive declaration for 2025 should get Rams fans buzzing

Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula oversaw an impressive defensive performance in Week 1. If he continues on this trajectory throughout the 2025 season, his name will undoubtedly be floated on short lists for head coaching vacancies. Every year, multiple NFL teams reshuffle their staff, and Shula’s resume is trending in the right direction. But until then, it’s worth understanding exactly what makes him so effective in his current role.

While much has been said about his ability to motivate and mold young players still learning to thrive in his scheme, one thing is crystal clear: Shula’s defense isn’t just about preventing points or limiting big plays. His unit attacks — they swarm the ball carrier and target the football itself with the intent to create turnovers and put the offense back on the field:

This is an opportunistic defense, and its priorities are in the right place. The biggest impact any NFL defense can make is generating takeaways. The next most valuable impact is creating negative-yardage plays, either by stuffing the run in the backfield or racking up sacks. And third, forcing punts. In Week 1, Shula’s defense produced two turnovers, three negative-yardage plays, and four punts. Talk about a trifecta.

Chris Shula will do whatever it takes to put Rams in best position to win

Shula isn’t afraid to take an unconventional approach. In Week 1, the Rams defied expectations by sitting accomplished veteran cornerback Darious Williams. Was this a message to the veteran or just a clever wrinkle in the game plan? Head coach Sean McVay later clarified in his postgame comments that it was simply a strategic choice to use a three-back rotation. Hmmm

There had been plenty of offseason speculation that the Rams needed reinforcements in the secondary to compete in 2025. But the front office doubled down on their belief in the current roster, which allowed GM Les Snead to avoid overpaying for depth and sent a clear message to players: the coaching staff believes in you to step up.

One player who clearly got the message was cornerback Cobie Durant — you know, just the man who started in place of Williams in Week 1. Durant is entering his fourth season and is in the final year of his rookie deal. He made a splash as a rookie with three interceptions (including a pick-six), but only managed one INT over the next two seasons despite 23 starts.

Thankfully, he was back on the board in Week 1 — and in style — hauling in what can only be described as a miraculous interception.

The Rams’ defense came away with two takeaways in the game, the other coming on a textbook Peanut Punch from veteran inside linebacker Nate Landman. In a low-scoring 23-point affair, both turnovers proved critical. It’s clear that creating takeaways will remain this defense’s top priority throughout 2025. As always, thanks for reading.

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