Rams defense gives Titans QB Cam Ward even more reasons to lose sleep

The Los Angeles Rams defense is no longer trying to adapt to and perform in a new schemedesigned by DC Chris Shula. This is L.A.'s second season in the new defense, and that means players either know their roles intimately or were added specifically because they fit the roles the coaching staff envisions for them.

One of the unique changes for the defense is the use of blitz packages to increase the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Fans began to see how that played out in the 2025 playoff push last January, as four of 16 postseason sacks (25 percent) were generated from creative blitz packages. Shula's willingness to blitz carried over to Week 1, and it was very successful. One of three sacks recorded in Week 1 came from a blitzing defensive back.

The defense played a huge role in winning against the Houston Texans. And by rights, it will likely be doing the heavy lifting for several more games, at least until the offensive line starts to settle into a groove and a bit more continuity.

And that spells bad news for Los Angeles' Week 2 opponent, the 0-1 Tennessee Titans, led by the No. 1 pick from last April's NFL Draft, quarterback Cam Ward.

Titans lose key offensive lineman JC Latham for Week 2

The Titans selected Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham with the seventh overall pick in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Much was expected from him as he suited up for his sophomore season, but he has been dealing with a nagging hip injury that forced him to the bench.

That is a particularly tough loss, as it forces the Titans to start backup OT Olisaemeka Udoh on Sunday.

But that is good news for Rams edge rusher Byron Young, whose strong Week 1 performance against Houston could be the tip of the iceberg for his follow-up performance. He not only claimed a quarterback sack, but he also recorded nine tackles, an outstanding total for an edge rusher. And now, he brings that fury to square off against a Titans backup offensive tackle.

The defense knows the score. Until the offense erupts for a scoring fest, the players on the defensive side of the football understand the key to victory runs through them. Despite being young and salary-cap-friendly, there is plenty of talent among the ranks to deliver once more.

Keep Byron Young on your radar. Not only did he play incredibly well in Week 1, but he is returning home to play in front of family and friends in Week 2. That scenario almost always translates into a huge game for a veteran player. Rams fans can expect a great game out of Young this week, and perhaps a rally of the entire pass rush.

That all makes Ward's first home game all the more precarious. Especially in light of the whopping six sacks he took during his regular-season debut at the Denver Broncos last week.

Don't look for L.A.'s defense to let up and cut the rookie any slack. Until the offense scores 30-plus points, this group enters each game believing that it's up to it to win. And it likely is, especially considering what the rookie is dealing with.

As always, thanks for reading.

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