Rams' newfound strength has every reason to continue getting better

After struggling to stop a nosebleed in 2024, the Los Angeles Rams' run defense tightened up ship last season. Two years ago, running backs shredded the group for 130 yards per game, 11th-most in the league. In 2025, that number decreased to 110.8, 12th-fewest. That massive improvement is largely thanks to the arrivals of nose tackle Poona Ford and inside linebacker Nate Landman.

But changes are afoot. This offseason, the front office focused almost exclusively on upgrading the pass defense. In addition to netting All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher Myles Garrett in blockbuster trades, the team also signed corner Jaylen Watson.

That shifting emphasis came in response to last season's wet-paper secondary and fatigued pass rush. But alongside an improved pass defense, could the Horns be even stingier against the run? While that may seem overly optimistic, there are solid reasons to reach that conclusion.

Fans know better than to discount general manager Les Snead and his knack for securing under-the-radar upgrades all along the roster.

Subtle upgrades could yield even better run defense

Let's start at square one. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula returns for his third season in charge. That's important for an obvious reason. Not only is he more familiar with his players, the same is true of the players and Shula's scheme.

1. Ford and Landman will be more familiar with the system

Snead made a point of dialing in the run defense last offseason when he signed Ford and Landman. The pair combined for 179 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, and had a hand in seven turnovers. All in their first season in Horns.

In 2026, they won't be burdened with learning a whole new system: coaching tendencies, teammates' strengths and weaknesses, organizational philosophy, and schematic strategy. Instead, they can arrive at training camp ready to master the finer details of their run-stuffing responsibilities. As excellent as both Ford and Landman were last season, each has room to improve. Fans should be excited to witness their growth in Year 2.

2. New cornerbacks are sturdier against the run

While the team lost five interceptions and significant rotational snaps through the cornerback exodus this offseason, tackling against the run is one area in which the Rams should expect major improvement. Both cornerbacks McDuffie and Watson are far better tacklers than the outgoing personnel. All those whiffs last season hurt the run defense.

3. Rams' d-line depth chart could be in for some upgrades

Rookie Tim Keenan III may very well seize the primary backup role at nose tackle. Don't forget about sophomore Ty Hamilton, though. Even if he loses out to Keenan, he'll be pushing hard to prove himself after an underwhelming first season. Undrafted defensive lineman Payton Zdroik, who signed a three-year contract with the Rams in April, could provide quality practice-squad depth.

Los Angeles had only five draft picks this year, but the team more than compensated with 18 UDFA signings. More could be on the way, as the team has multiple open slots to reach the 90-man training-camp roster limit. As the roster comes together and positional battles break out, training camp and preseason games will provide clear indicators of what's to come this season.

All signs thus far point to substantial progress.

As always, thanks for reading.

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