Rams DC can’t hide that Saquon Barkley is still living rent-free in LA

The Los Angeles Rams fell in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs last season, on the road in a blizzard against the Philadelphia Eagles. But it wasn’t Mother Nature that beat them — it was the unstoppable running of Eagles star Saquon Barkley. That performance has stuck with the Rams defenders and Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula ever since.

I wouldn’t call it depression, disappointment, or frustration. It’s more like a mental search to crack the code of Barkley’s running. Like an NFL version of a Rubik’s cube, the Rams defense has spent plenty of time thinking about how to counter that offensive line and relentless ground game they couldn’t stop last season. That's all fine and good, but do the Rams have a plan this season?

Shula gives great insight in this interview with former Rams DE Chris Long on his Green Light with Chris Long podcast. The thing about facing Barkley twice a season is that, by the time the Rams reached the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs, they already had a pretty good understanding of how not to defend him.

But even after that playoff game, the Rams were still left searching for answers on how to stop him. You can hear Long’s question about the star RB at the 34:10 mark of the interview.

Chris Shula ready with a (kinda) plan to keep Saquon Barkley in check

While I cannot recommend a defense focusing so much on stopping one player that they ignore the demands inherent in defending the entire offensive package, the challenges posed by Barkley will reappear time and time again. Shula's answer gives no direct answers to the team's strategy this season.

But his response gives hope that he knows what the team is up against. He praises Barkley as one of the toughest running backs to bring down. And his running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL creates a huge challenge.

As soon as an opposing defense commits to stopping the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, that opens up the entire playbook for the Eagles. QB Jalen Hurts can sit back and throw all day. And if the defensive backs are playing well, Hurts can simply pull the football down and take off.

Long intercedes with a comment that he sees what the Rams and Shula are doing, and offers encouraging words to the DC that he is on the right track. The Rams pursued strength, power, and physical defenders this offseason.

Perhaps no two players embody the Rams’ identity more than NT Poona Ford (5-foot-11, 310 pounds) and ILB Nate Landman (6-foot-3, 235 pounds). Both thrive on stuffing the run and take pride in winning with physicality. The Rams intend to match that toughness against the Eagles’ rushing attack — and if the analysts are right, they’ve got a real shot at pulling it off. As always, thanks for reading.

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