Young Rams defense has a chance to set the record straight right out of the gate
By Bret Stuter
![Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4639,h_2609,x_0,y_486/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/54/01j2hcame3afqdcwstg8.jpg)
Fallacy 1: Rams 2024 secondary is not among the best in the NFL
While the Rams secondary has gotten another deep refurbish, it's tough to argue that this group is not an obvious upgrade over 2023. For starters, the Rams invested in adding three new veteran defensive backs in Darious Williams, Tre'Davious White, and Kamren Curl. Then the team drafted a ball-hawking rookie prospect in Kamren Kinchens.
Much like the way the team scrutinized and assembled key rookies to play on the defensive front, the front office clearly blended complementary skillsets with the two new Rams Kams. The thing about the secondary is that with so many new faces, and fierce competition ahead to determine who will start this season, the secondary will still be familiarizing with one another as the season approaches.
One of the main themes around restocking the Rams secondary was the push to include ball-hawking defensive backs. With the exception of Kamren Curl, who was added for other necessary reasons, the team scored high marks by ensuring new faces were as skilled at picking off passes as breaking up the pass.
Look for the secondary to create far more takeaways in 2024.
As of right now, the Rams defense will be challenged early and often this season. Just check out Rams reporter J.B. Long's summary of the team's first five games:
We won't have to wait long to learn what new-look Rams defense is all about.
— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) July 11, 2024
First 5 Weeks - 2023 Offensive EPA
atDET - 5th
atARI - Top 10 once Kyler returned
SF - 1st
atCHI - Best offense a 1.1 QB has been drafted into, potentially NFC's best skill group.
GB - 3rd from W10 on https://t.co/crlDibveKP
Of course, there is no surrender to be found in this article. After all, the Rams ended the 2023 NFL season with a running record of 7-1, and the defense appears stronger than last season. But will this be a defense that can regroup in time to face the onslaught of offensive juggernauts bearing down on them to open the 2024 NFL season?
I expect no less. While a new defensive coordinator means new strategies, keep in mind that the Rams promoted long-time positional coach Chris Shule, all but guaranteeing continuity while ensuring that this defense will optimize the roles of individual players.
The LA Rams defense is out to set the record straight. And with five of the projected top NFL offenses in the holding pattern before the team's Week 6 BYE, they will have plenty of opportunities to make their statement.
While I expect the fortune of the LA Rams 2024 season to rest on the shoulders of the offense, the defense can go a long way to helping the cause by proving to be better than expected. And with a group of passionate players who love to compete, I can see it happening.
Thanks for reading.
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