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

It took some time to fall into place, but the data tells a positive tale about Rams defense

By Bret Stuter

Las Vegas Raiders v Los Angeles Rams, Chris Shula
Las Vegas Raiders v Los Angeles Rams, Chris Shula / Ric Tapia/GettyImages
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Rams 2024 is far different from 2023

While we can all point to the team's 3-6 start to the 2023 NFL season that exploded into a 7-1 playoff run last season, many factors are quite different this season. For openers, while the team invested in plenty of youth, the team was not as dependent upon rookies in all aspects of the game. And for the rookies who were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, they were unexpectedly incredible in their first NFL season.

All the while, the backbone of the 2023 Rams roster was still veterans.

But it was the very success of that 2023 rookie draft class, particularly on the defensive side of the football, that raised the bar for the 2024 rookie draft class. And higher expectations for these rookies as they gain experience and navigate the twists and turns of an NFL season only leads to greater disappointment. Or less euphoria when they realize those lofty expectations.

It's not that the rookies who are competing are not playing well. It's that many rookies this season did not open the season by playing to expectations. And those expectations are on the fans, fueled by the record-setting performance of WR Puka Nacua, or the DROY-worthy seasons of both OLB Byron Young and NT Kobie Turner.

The opening act from rookies in 2023 made it awfully difficult to impress fans so far this year.

Still, first impressions are not always the best way to just NFL rookies. Just check out these data points from two of the team's rookies so far this season:

The Rams may have struggled to create a beachhead to open the season. But that is true of any group that has reformed with new and unfamiliar faces. As the season has developed, this team's defense has shown signs of turning the corner. Is it real? Or is this simply a spike from a team in a couple of games, only to get punked in Week 9?

So let's get out of the habit of basking in the glow of the latest victory, and take a discerning look at this defense. Are they getting better, or not?

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