DC Chris Shula delivers a modern NFL miracle turning lead into defensive gold

LA Rams DC Chris Shula is getting top-shelf production from bottom-shelf salaries.

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles Rams
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles Rams | Christian Petersen/GettyImages
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How about those turnovers?

The LA Rams also learned that 2023 was hindered by the teams inability to created turnovers. The team ended the regular season with a net turnover mark 0f (-3). That is not a great foundation for success in the NFL Playoffs. That became another objective for the team's offseason efforts, spearheaded by Rams GM Les Snead.

The Rams had only turned the football over 18 times in 2023, tied for sixth-best in the NFL. So the strategy to fix the negative turnover mark was best aimed at improving the 15 turnovers created by the defense. And a quick peek into the turnovers in 2024 reveals that this defense created 20 turnovers this season, while only turning the football over 14 times. So how did the team manage to pull that off?

Well, the team forced seven fumbles and intercepted 13 passes. Leading the team on that front are rookie defensive backs Kamren Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough, both with four interceptions apiece. And each rookie converted one of those interceptions into a pick-six.

Similarly, both rookie OLB Jared Verse and Braden Fiske recovered two fumbles apiece. But it was newly signed veteran defensive back Kamren Curl who ran a fumble recovery back for a touchdown. That's 21 points off the defensive side of the football. Add a safety by OLB Byron Young, and a blocked kick return for a touchdown by veteran TE Colby Parkinson, and you get the image that the Rams have hit the jackpot on that front as well.

No, Rams DC Chris Shula is not the only defensive coordinator to face challenges in his first season as a defensive coordinator. He is not only the first defensive coordinator in NFL history to overcome those challenges. But he is getting golden production from the cheapest defense in the NFL. We put the Rams' young defense on watch early in the season, much to the chagrin and negative feedback from some fans. We even doubled down on that claim by Week 8.

You needn't take my word for it. Examine the statistics for yourself. The Rams run to and through the playoffs if fueled by a defense that is playing lights out. And that only sets up this team for success for years to come.

He may not be among NFL head coaching candidates in 2025. But you can bet he will be one of the hottest names sought out in 2026.

As always, thanks for reading.

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