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It took one series for the Rams to put the NFL on notice in Cowboys scrimmage

Looks like the Rams are already on the right track in 2025.
ByBret Stuter|
May 28, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
May 28, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This is it, the first litmus test of the Los Angeles Rams' new and improved defense. This is the team that seemed to allow anyone in football cleats to put up career-high numbers in the first half of the 2024 season. It's the same defense that never solved the riddle of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

The Rams tried hard to get better. From run-stuffing free agent signings of NT Poona Ford and ILB Nate Landman, to drafting rookie defenders Pooh Paul Jr., Ty Hamilton, and Josiah Stewart, the Rams front office heard the pleas from DC Chris Shula to give his defense reinforcements.

Related: 3 Rams camp battles fans need to watch as Cowboys scrimmage kicks off

And Rams GM Les Snead responded. And now, we know that the Rams defense has responded as well. Thanks to Dallas beat reporter Joseph Hoyt, we all have our first confirmation of just how good this Rams defense may be in 2025. And it's something that Rams fans can take to the bank.

  • The Rams defense has stuffed the run
  • The Rams pass rush has pressured Dak Prescott on almost every play
  • The Rams secondary has allowed one reception, and that was to Cowboys tight end Princeton Fant

Why first steps for Rams defense are so vital

The defense played its heart out last season, rapidly improving throughout the season. But when it came to the NFL Playoffs, the defense was unable to shut the door on Barkley. The defense put up 16 quarterback sacks in two games. Kobie Turner led the defense with 3.0 quarterback sacks over two games.

The same defense allowed no more than 114 net passing yards per game in the two playoff games

But the team had no answer for Barkley, not yet. But the front office made it a point to reinforce the defense to have a different outcome when the teams meet again this season. Until now, it was all theory and whiteboard strategy. But now, Rams fans have concrete evidence that it's a new chapter of the Rams defense.

Don't get the wrong impression. The duo of Poona Ford and Nate Landman is not going full power meter against the Dallas Cowboys on every play. They pushed their effort hard early, and once they were satisfied that they could dominate at the line of scrimmage, they eased back on the throttle.

But their case was made. All bets are in. The Rams gambled on Ford and Landman to shore up their run defense. From what we are seeing from the early plays from the joint scrimmage with the Dallas Cowboys so far, that gamble has hit the jackpot.

As always, thanks for reading.

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