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Rams defense must do something that few other NFL defenses have done in 2024

Is the Eagles rushing attack unstoppable? Or does it only appear that way?

ByBret Stuter|
Oct 6, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (92), defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) and Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (95) during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (92), defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) and Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (95) during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
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THe LA Rams defense is not exactly what I consider a dominating defense. It's a young defense. It's an energetic defense. It's an opportunistic defense. It's even a bit of the bend-but-not-break defense of yesteryear. But in terms of a dominating defense? I think the team will grow into the role.

For a prime example, this team is the 18th-ranked run defense after 11 weeks and 10 games of football in 2024. Nowhere near the best rush defense in the NFL, but not the worst either. And they must take on the top-ranked rushing offense in the league. That's right, the Philadelphia Eagles are numero uno when it comes to handing off the football and letting star running back Saquon Barkley churn out his 100+ yards per game.

And that ability to run has not only allowed Eagles QB Jalen Hurts to play a much better brand of football, it allows the Eagles defense to rip and snort their way to win, after win, after win.

The Philadelphia Eagles are 8-2, and red hot on a six-game winning streak. If you simply take their team and their winning streak at face value, Week 12 is a tough task that is an almost certain loss. But you know we do a little digging here.

NFL rankings are never a perfect statistic. How well a team does is entire dependent upon who they play and how well that team is performing. A 200-yard rushing performance against the worst run defense is nowhere nearly as impressive as a 100-yard rushing performance against the best run defense. A winning streak is far more eye-popping if it comes at the expense of good teams.

Only a handful of defenses have managed to corral Eagles RB Saquon Barkley this season. While that has not always meant victory, nobody who has beaten the Eagles in 2024 has allowed Barkley to run for over 100 yards. So that seems to be the prerequisite.

Don't despair Rams fans, as there may be some reason for hope. You see, the Rams have faced excellent rushing offenses this season. As for the Philadelphia Eagles? They have never faced a Top-10 run defense.

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