Rams defensive front faces its greatest challenge in their Week 12 opponent

The LA Rams boast one of the most dangerous and energetic defensive fronts in the NFL. That's neither hyperbole nor boasting. It's just a statement of fact. Because the front office focused on improving the pass rush over the past two NFL drafts, that is what this team has done. As a result, the Rams pass rush has compensated for the absence of All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald by placing a bit of the burden on everyone, And the task of making up for his absence has been on the shoulders of five players.

And that's about right.

Despite his larger-than-life presence in the Rams defense, Donald struggled to impose his will against the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line. Whether it was the fact that the Eagles double-teamed Donald on every play, or the fact that Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce seemed to save his best for the Eagles defensive tackle, the results were the same.

Donald seldom had incredible games against the Eagles offensive line.

The Eagles offensive line in still pretty impressive. Even without Jason Kelce, they have two of the NFL's best offensive tackles in Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. And they lead one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. How can I tell?

RB Saquon Barkley is putting up monster yards behind that offensive line.

So how can the LA Rams plan a way to stop that? Well, as we have stated all week, it's about the line of scrimmage, and how well the Rams can control it on both sides of the football.

While the Rams are not a veteran defense, do not mistake that to be a reason why they are not accomplished or ready. They may be young, but they are incredibly talented and passionate. And it's that love of football that has fast-tracked their rapid ascension into the higher tiers of NFL defenders.

While the team has a pass rush to be feared, how is their run defense? After all, you have to believe the Philadelphia Eagles will give them a steady diet of Barkley. So can the team stop that?

Curiously, the same pass rushers provide solid run defense. Players like NT Kobie Turner and OLB Jared Verse are constantly making tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage. They are joined by DT Bobby Brown III, DT Tyler Davis, and ILB Omar Speights in forming a formidable defense that has shown up better and better of late.

While all the pregame speculation and analysis is anyone's guess, the Rams have shown an ability to improve each week. Are they prepared to handle one of the best offenses in the NFL? We will soon discover the answer to that question.

As always, thanks for reading.

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