How well will Rams run defense hold up over 17 games in 2025?

When it comes to run defense, the Los Angeles Rams were not the worst in the NFL. But they were the worst in the NFL Playoffs, by a large margin. By season's end, the team had surrendered 130.0 rushing yards per game, only good enough to be the 22nd-ranked run defense in the NFL. But to be fair, they felt much worse.

Compounding matters even further, the Rams are scheduled to face six of the top 10 rushing offenses in 2025, including the two top rushing offense in the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles.

That's a tough sled to pull over 17 games.

The Rams front office did try to address the challenge in the offseason. The team signed free agent NT Poona Ford and ILB Nate Landman, both of whom specialize in stout run defense. And the team shored up the ranks by drafting NT Ty Hamilton, ILB Chris 'Poona' Paul Jr., and even signing rookies ILB Shaun Dolac, DL Bill Norton, and DL DaJon Terry.

Will they be enough? Will DC Chris Shula be able to muster a stingier run defense out of the team's current roster? He certainly worked miracles with the team's young pass rush in one season. The team started 2024 with just three QB sacks in two games, but finished the NFL Playoffs with 16 sacks in two games.

Nobody saw that coming.

So if you are skeptical about the Rams run defense, you are well within your rights. And you are not alone. The Rams struggled to stop Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley twice in two meetings in 2024. Why should we expect better efforts in 2025? Let's start off by reviewing the team's training camp and preseason games.