NFL expert and hard evidence agree that Rams DC Chris Shula is playoff-worthy

Let's ratchet down the cosmic implications of another game by the LA Rams defense. After a Week 6 BYE week in the rearview mirror and an NFL Trade Deadline looming larger in the windshield, we have to be certain that this defense is either up to the task through the rest of the season or that some changes are planned to get them there. It's either one or the other after seven games and a 3-4 start to the 2024 NFL season.

We know the Rams may be active at the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline. While it's clear that the team will not be selling off any offensive stars, it is reportedly now open to trading unimpressive veteran DB Tre White. It makes sense, as the team had to rush White into a starting role before he was ready.

But we do need to frame the team's current predicament in the proper context.

To be clear, this is not a season that has somehow channeled adversity and misfortune to the Los Angeles Rams alone. The San Francisco 49ers are just 4-4, locked into a three-way tie for the lead in the NFC Western Division. The Aaron Rodgers-powered New York Jets have fallen to a record of 2-6. And yes, they lost to the lowly New England Patriots after trading for disgruntled Las Vegas Raiders WR Devante Adams. So if misery loves company is your sort of thing, you have company. In some ways, you are among some of the best company in terms of NFL teams and lofty 2024 NFL season projections.

There is one undefeated team in the NFL right now. The Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) will attempt to cling to their undefeated record as they host the feisty Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4). The only other undefeated team was the Minnesota Vikings (5-2), powered by the remarkable resurgence of veteran journeyman QB Sam Darnold. But the Vikings fell to the Detroit Lions and then to the LA Rams.

The NFC West Division is jam-packed with mediocrity. The 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals all share a 4-4 record. But the suddenly back-to-life Rams are just 1/2 game back with a record of 3-4. The Rams travel to take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9.

So a win could do wonders for this team's playoff aspirations. With a surging defense and a suddenly back-from-the-dead offense, things are looking up. A win would put this team back to .500 with a 4-4 record, and would be the third victory over an NFC team that many NFL analysts agree have a bead on a berth in the 2025 NFL Playoffs.

Can this team win in Week 9? Perhaps. But that answer belongs to later in the week. And nobody knows the future. Of course, we can speculate, assess the likelihood, and take it from there. But success in the NFL depends almost entirely on getting better. Are the Rams doing that?

In all three phases of the game? Yes.