It's only minicamp, but Rams DL Coach Giff Smith faces pressure to stop the run

The Los Angeles Rams had been blessed by two certainties in the past. All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald was always going to earn the spotlight and honors among NFL defensive linemen as an elite pass rusher and run stuffer. And Rams Defensive Line Coach Eric Henderson was going to coach up a band of overlooked and underestimated teammates to ensure that the Rams had one of the most effective defensive line units in the NFL.

That all changed after the 2023 NFL season concluded

Aaron Donald retired. Coach Henny and his #DAWGWORK mantra left to join the coaching staff of USC. And just like that, one of the strongest units of the Rams' history since hiring HC Sean McVay in 2017 suddenly found its future relegated to uncertainty and concern. A fog descended upon the future of the defensive front.

The Rams hired veteran DL Coach Giff Smith to take over from his former assistant coach, but the team's defensive line roster needed attention. In losing Donald, the team lost the power and potential of an NFL elite defensive lineman. Now, this same team must climb back to that level of NFL elite production.

It won't be easy.

In the grand scale of NFL production, there are the tiers of okay, good, very good, elite, and then Aaron Donald-elite. The difference with Aaron Donald is the fact that offenses knew he was coming, tasked two or three offensive linemen to stop him, and yet he remained impactful and effective. And it was Coach Henny who would work with Donald mid-game to ensure that he was aware of what and who the offense set at him, and together developed a counter-strategy.

For now, the Rams must regroup and rethink their defensive strategy, and must do so without either Aaron Donald or Coach Henny.

Rams defense begins a new chapter

The NFL, much like Mother Nature herself, hates a void. It's not as though this Rams roster is lacking elite talent. It's simply a matter of patiently waiting until their skills develop fully. And along the Rams' defensive front, unbelievable talent is already starting to coalesce. The Rams boast NT Poona Ford, DL Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske. From the edges, the Rams boast OLBs Bryon Young and Jared Verse.

And there are multiple young players with huge upside, including OLB Brennan Jackson, Josaiah Stewart, and Ty Hamilton. The team continues to refine its approach to finding the right members and groupings to form a formidable set of defensive fronts.

And the Rams front office continues to add rookies with the potential to develop into true contributors:

Rams DL Coach Giff Smith is responsible for more than just the team's defensive linemen. He is also the team's strategist in defending the run. Right now, that is a huge undertaking. Let's be clear about one thing. Coach Smith is just getting started. It was clear that the primary goal of the Rams' defense in 2024 was putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. By the time postseason rolled around, the Rams shredded opposing offensive lines to average 8.0 quarterback sacks.

I'd call that a huge success

Now the Rams defense can expand its goals and undertakings to include stopping the run. If the team is to have any success in 2025, facing the top tier of running backs this season, the defense has to do a much better job.

They will.

In veteran Nate Landman, the Rams are bigger at the keystone of this defense. In veteran Poona Ford, the Rams are much more accomplished at blowing up plays and stuffing the run. And with one more year's worth of experience for the young Rams star defenders, the defense is much more prepared to recognize and defeat what offenses throw at them this year.

Rams veteran DL Coach Giff Smith is a wily veteran of the NFL, and for good reason. He knows how to prepare his players to succeed in the NFL. He faces a daunting task of optimizing the Rams' run defense in 2025. But that's the funny thing about greatness. It's built with the bricks of daunting tasks. After all, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

As always, thanks for reading.

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