Rams early opponent set to test run defense with this latest roster move

It would make a lot of sense for Los Angeles Rams opponents in 2025 to revisit how easily Philadelphia Eagles running back punished them in two showdowns last season, and try to replicate that beatdown in 2025. Of course, that is far easier said than done. The Eagles boasted one of the healthiest and efficient offensive line units in the NFL last season. And there no question that running back Saquon Barkley was a custom fit in that offensive gameplan.

The Rams run defense will be challenged over and over this season. Not only do the Rams face the Top Five running backs from 2024, but the team faces seven of the top ten rushing offenses from 2024 this season. So when we asked the question that is on the minds of every LA Rams fan: "What have the Rams done on defense to stop Eagles RB Saquon Barkley?", we were just touching the tip of a much larger iceberg.

One team that was rather competent in running the football is the Houston Texans. Their featured running back, Joe Mixon, ran for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns without a single fumble last year. Now, the Texans are investigating adding another prominent name in NFL circles, former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb:

The 5-foot-11, 227-pound veteran running back Nick Chubb had been a staple of the Browns offense for seven seasons. Chubb is returning to competition after two injuries. In 2023, his season ended after two games due to a devastating knee injury. But after playing eight games with minimal production, he was shut down for good in Week 14 due to a foot injury suffered while playing against the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is on the comeback trail once more, and prepared to sign with the Houston Texans soon if he passes his physical:

The Houston Texans proved to be adept as a landing spot for former Cincinnati Bengals running back last season. But Mixon was coming off an outstanding 2023 season, and simply kept pace with his season average with the Texans.

For Nick Chubb, he is attempting to reboot his career after an injury-riddled season. He carried the football 102 times for 332 yards in 2024. Those numbers fall far short of his career averages.

Even if the 29-year-old veteran is unable to return to his former prime-time productivity, he can provide the Texans a potent one-two punch out of the backfield.

The Rams struggled to stop the run last season, so you can bet that until they manage to do so in 2025, the defense will face plenty of rushes by many of the NFL's premier running backs. And it appears that the list of premier running backs lining up to face the Rams is getting longer all the time.

But facing the Rams will not go as planned this season. Unlike 2024, a year when the Rams were trying to learn a new defensive philosophy, the Rams are a year wiser and more experienced for DC Chris Shula. At the same time, the front office has restocked the defensive depth chart to meet Shula's specifications.

Nick Chubb may reboot his NFL career with the Houston Texans in 2025. But don't look for that to start against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. And as always, thanks so much for reading.

Update:

Veteran RB Nick Chubb passed his physical and has signed with the Houston Texans. He joins fellow AFC North veteran RB Joe Mixon to give the Texans a respectable and perhaps formidable rushing attack.

The Rams will be the first opponent on the Texans schedule. As it now looks, the Rams run defense will be put to an early test this season.

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