Rams fans can expect run-stuffing crew to come back stronger than ever

You can thank veteran nose tackle Poona Ford or inside linebacker Nate Landman. But if gratitude for the Los Angeles Rams' stingy run defense is your goal, you'll be thanking players all day. Edge rushers Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart helped out. So did defensive strongmen Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner.

That strength was on display in last week's joint practice against the Saints. While a joint practice features only vanilla offense versus vanilla defense, players can only achieve goals that are laid out for them in scripted scenarios. While Ford and Landman handled business as usual, Turner and Stewart were delighted to help out. It was another strong showing by a consistently solid crew.

Stuffing the run is not just great for fans; it's vital for any playoff-caliber defense. As temperatures cool and leaves fall from trees, running the football grows in importance. And so does defending it. Rams fans know this all too well.

Rams' run defense tightened the screws last season

In 2024, Rams defenders were shredded by the powerful strides of Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley demolished the defense in two games by rushing 52 times for 460 yards and four touchdowns. In 2026, he rushed 18 times for 46 yards. How about that.

This year, the Rams have balanced the scales by upgrading the pass defense as well. They now have a strong pass rush, a run-stuffing defensive front, and sticky coverage in a newly refurbished secondary. Still, the run defense has to hold for the pass defense may never have a chance to make plays.

Fans love high-scoring offenses. But we also love to see the defense force a three-and-out series. And despite LA's success over the years, much of that period has been spent struggling to cheer for former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' bend-but-don't-break defensive strategy. It was effective enough, but it was not what fans were looking for.

Fans are eager to see what Chris Shula can design. In 2026, they'll get their chance. Shula finally has the defensive firepower to match his innovative inclinations. This season's defense is checking all the boxes.

As always, thanks for reading.

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