Here is proof that Rams defense has turned the corner that you've demanded

(1) - Young DB Jaylen McCollough is ball-hawking savant

It's mind boggling to comprehend the fact that undrafted Tennessee defensive back Jaylen McCollough has played only 54 defensive snaps, but leads the team in interceptions by a country mile with three picks. One interception was a pick-six. So to say that McCollough has a promising start to his NFL career is significantly understated.

Curiously, McCollough has only seen 10+ defense snaps in three games, and in two of those three games, he has recorded at least one interception. Because he plays behind teammates Kamren Curl, Kamren Kinchens, Quentin Lake, and eventually John Johnson III after he returns, McCollough has had to make do with limited opportunities.

Three picks in four targets certainly qualifies as making the most of his opportunities.

In fact, quarterbacks have only completed one pass out of four targets when throwing at McCollough. The other three passes? Intercepted.

Let's be fair though. Despite his impressive 6-foot-0 height and 202-pound weight, McCollough is an undrafted rookie. And few NFL Draft scouts awarded McCollough a draftable grade, despite playing superb football for the Tennessee Volunteers. McCollough was one of five defensive backs signed to the team after the 2024 NFL Draft. The team clearly saw flashes of NFL-level competitiveness in him, as the team inked him to a three-year deal plus a $15,000 signing bonus.

The team did not need to wait long to see their investment pay off. McCollough was one of the team's standouts in preseason. Now, as he is rotated in to compete in regular season games, he has upped his game to showcase why he could and perhaps should be considered as a starter.

There are many moving pieces in this defense so far. And as a new NFL defensive coordinator, Chris Shula has needed evidential proof to make moves to reconfigure this starting lineup. As the team prepares for Week 9, it seems that he continues to inch closer to the optimal 2024 defense.

As always, thanks for reading.

More Rams news and analysis