Rams are charging into Week 3 with a relentless plan the Eagles won’t like

When it comes to rushing the passer, the Los Angeles Rams are one of the more accomplished teams in the NFL. Through two games, the defense has registered eight quarterback sacks, tying them with two other teams at that mark. Curiously, some of LA’s best pass rushers have yet to record a single sack.

Still waiting for their first sack of 2025 are defensive tackle Braden Fiske, nose tackle Poona Ford, and outside linebacker Jared Verse. But one rusher who’s gotten off to a red-hot start is third-year edge rusher Byron Young. He’s even already tallied 3.0 sacks, tied for second in the league.

While Verse hasn’t notched a sack yet, he’s commanding plenty of attention from opposing quarterbacks. His relentless pressure has already become a key factor in the Rams’ stingy secondary play and overall defensive success. That edge duo has been further bolstered by the emergence of rookie Josaiah Stewart, who’s already playing like a seasoned vet just two games into his NFL career.

Rams pass rush aims to expose Jalen Hurts’ early struggles

LA must travel to Lincoln Financial Field in Week 3 to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, a massive test for the run defense, especially since defensive coordinator Chris Shula has yet to figure out a way to slow down Saquon Barkley. But the Rams do know how to contain quarterback Jalen Hurts.

In last year’s playoff clash between the two teams, Hurts was held to just 15-of-20 passing for 128 yards. He was sacked seven times for a loss of 63, finishing with a net total of only 64 passing yards. While everyone remembers Barkley’s production, most forget he was Philly’s only consistent offensive threat that day.

Even with the Eagles undefeated again this year, Hurts continues to struggle. He’s completed 34 of 45 passes for 253 yards while being sacked three times for 15 yards. That puts him at just 119 net passing yards per game... with zero touchdown passes and no interceptions through two contests.

For comparison, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has completed 44 of 62 passes for 543 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. He’s been sacked four times for 29 yards, averaging 257 net passing yards per game.

And to make matters worse for Hurts, here comes a surging pass rush, headlined by Young.

Expect both Rams edge rushers to keep that advantage intact in Week 3. While Philly usually leans on its run game to control the clock and a stout defense to win battles, that formula might not hold up this time. If the Rams front can limit Barkley’s damage, things could spiral quickly for the reigning champs.

Of course, it’s going to take a full-team effort. Even containing Barkley is no small task. While the defense will be busy chasing down Hurts and stuffing the run, the offense needs to finish drives with touchdowns and protect the football.

LA believes it can rise to the moment. Rams fans should feel the same. As always, thanks for reading.

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