LA Rams DC Chris Shula just turned the corner with his young defense

Key players are starting to assert themselves

Still, the Rams have been known to let down when facing a struggling quarterback. But that was certainly not the case in Week 7. Quite the opposite, in fact. The defense tasted blood in the water much like a shiver of Mako Sharks, and the longer the game went on, the defense riled up into a feeding frenzy. This was a defense that finally had an opportunity to play from the comfort of a lead.

And that was in spite of the fact that the offense did not score a single point without the help of a defensive turnover.

Week 7 was all about the defense coming of age. After struggling to defend passes and hold opposing offenses to under 24 points, the defense held the Raiders to just 15 points. Better still, the defense did not allow a single touchdown all game.

It was not just turnovers. Veteran DB Ahkello Witherspoon had a sensational pass break up to deny the Raiders a huge completion. And DB Kamren Curl showed why he was such a vital addition to the team's secondary in this on,

The Rams defense fed off one another. The pass rush had Raiders' quarterbacks scrambling throughout the game. And it was that pressure that force bad decisions, decisions that led to key turnovers. It is a game like that of Week 7 that gives so much positive feedback as to incentivize this young and hungry defense even more for the next opportunity.

Until now, the players have been trying to live up to the concept of DC Chris Shula's defense. But now, after such a solid showing in Week 7, the players have tangible proof that Shula's vision succeeds. And it's that type of game that instills trust and esprit de corps among the players.

The Minnesota Vikings bring an entirely new set of problems and challenges. But we cannot overlook the fact that this defense played such a sensational game against the Raiders. Hopefully, the offense will take up the gauntlet thrown down by the defense, and step up in Week 8.

As always, thanks for reading.

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