Getting off to a hot start is vital for the LA Rams chances in 2024

Can this young defense grow up quickly enough for 2024?

One of the biggest challenges with any young roster is the simple fact that the players simply have very little experience. The less familiar a player is in game time circumstances and scenarios, the less their body is prepared to act instinctively on auto-pilot, and the more the mind directs they player's actions

For rookie defenders against high powered offenses, that is a tough row to hoe.

As Rams reporter J.B. Long points out, this young defense will be put to the test right out of the gates this season. Even by ignoring the challenges and pressure of facing some of the best NFC opponents instantly this season (due to the adverse effect of losing games to conference opponents in terms of NFL playoff tiebreakers), these games give the Rams plenty to think about early:

While I would counter with the argument that both the Rams offense and special teams are improved, it's clear that the weight of winning early in the season will be born by a very young and untested defense. Will the coaches be able to have so many young players prepared mentally to handle five straight games of highly effective offenses?

Let's hope so. With a Week 6 BYE this season, the Rams cannot afford to snooze though early games, banking on a post-BYE winning streak to carry this team into post-season competition. In fact, due to 2023's late season success, this team needs to find success early for many reasons. Here are just a few of them: