New-look Rams secondary plays directly to Chris Shula's strength

The Los Angeles Rams have struggled to fix their pass coverage since parting ways with cornerback Jalen Ramsey after the 2022 season. Ramsey allowed the secondary to commit resources elsewhere while he covered his receiver like a glove.

The arrival of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson will enable the Rams to return to one-on-one coverage with confidence.

The Athletic's Nate Atkins has already noted the difference during OTAs (subscription required). He points out that McDuffie and Watson free up safety Kam Kinchens to unleash the ball-hawking skills he flashed as a rookie:

"The environment is simply different this season.McDuffie and Watson add not just physical coverage players to the two outside spots but also elite run defenders. Their additions can give Kinchens and the Rams coaching staff the confidence to deploy the free safety more in ways that play to his strengths, which are his coverage instincts and ball skills.

And with the arrival of Garrett, the reigning all-time single-season sack leader, Kinchens should be able to play downhill on tips and overthrows from distressed quarterbacks, which can help him get back to the turnover creation that made him exciting as a rookie."

Kinchens is one notable beneficiary, but he is far from the only one.

Rams DC Chris Shula is ready to make most of new secondary

Chris Shula's defense created 26 turnovers in 2025, fifth-most in the NFL. Taking advantage of a revamped secondary, the Rams defensive coordinator should only improve on that total this season. Re-elevating both Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough, who tied Kinchens for the team lead in picks two years ago, would be a big boost toward reaching that goal.

Of course, that transformation will take time, work, and plenty of communication. Shula is ready for the challenge. He has already proven capable of maximizing shoestring defensive budgets. Now he has a Rolls-Royce and a Lamborghini in the garage.

Creating turnovers is Shula's superpower. His defense has generated 46 takeaways in the past two seasons. Only former Rams DC Wade Phillips was a better master of havoc.

Although neither Watson nor McDuffie was a turnover machine in Kansas City, having a pair of lockdown outside corners will create more opportunities for everyone. Less separation for receivers means more throws forced into tight coverage and more leeway for safeties to play centerfield and jump passing lanes.

Buckle up for a cutpursing Rams defense with a whole new batch of tricks up Shula's sleeve.

As always, thanks for reading.

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