The Eagles showed LA Rams what they're missing on their roster

The LA Rams were taught a lesson by the Philadelphia Eagles during a 28-22 defeat in the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs. That costly lesson learned is the timeless value of big men on either side of the line of scrimmage.

Not having enough of those left the Rams run over by 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley, who bullied the Rams' defense behind a massive offensive line. Meanwhile, an equally beefy Philadelphia defensive front crushed protection in front of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will probably have nightmares about Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter for years.

The game went as expected, with the Eagles using their obvious size advantage on both sides of the trenches to dominate in key moments. It was all so predictable because a fearsome Rams defensive line with the potential to be the NFL's best isn't short of dynamic pass-rushers, but still lacks a natural run-stuffer.

Things look the same along the O-line in front of Stafford. There are some excellent players, but nobody who could manhandle Carter of Jordan Davis in the middle.

The Rams simply weren't equipped to stand up to the big bully of the national conference. It's a problem general manager Les Snead must fix this offseason if the young Rams are going to reach greater heights in 2025.

Rams need smart recruitment at defensive tackle

You don't replace inevitable Hall of Famer Aaron Donald with defensive tackles the quality of Kobie Turner and rookie Braden Fiske, and not know a thing or two about recruiting up front. Snead and his scouts need to work their magic again this offseason, but with an approach targeted more toward acquiring a true force against the run.

This year's free agency market doesn't offer many riches beyond B.J. Hill of the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos nose tackle D.J. Jones. Both could be out of the price range of a Rams team projected by Spotrac.com to have $49,349,804 worth of space under the salary cap.

Snead will need that cash to resolve the futures of his own pending free agents, notably offensive tackle Alaric Jackson and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. There's also the not-so small matter of resolving the futures of Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

Tackling this to-do list and inflating the D-line could lead Snead to a potential bargain like 6-foot-5, 335-pounder Leki Fotu of the New York Jets. The Rams don't need a ready made starter, just somebody who can effectively handle a niche role against run-heavy teams like the Eagles.

Somebody who can eliminate plays like this game-sealing 78-yard touchdown run by Barkley.

Notice how quickly defensive tackles Kobie Turner (91) and rookie Tyler Davis (90) were dominated and taken out of the play. This was Barkley's fourth 60-plus yard score against the Rams in two games this season, a first in league history, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark.

Barkley's success, along with what Derrick Henry has done for the Baltimore Ravens, has made power running popular again in the NFL. It means the Rams can expect to see a lot more of this in the years to come.

The only way to be ready for it is to have at least one immovable interior D-lineman big and powerful enough to control blocks and clog rushing lanes. If the Rams can't find one on the veteran market, draft prospects like Michigan's Kenneth Grant and Oregon stud Jamaree Caldwell, both classic nose tackles, fit the bill.

Adding more mass to the front four was an obvious need earlier in the season, so Snead can't ignore it again. Nor can he neglect to add a similar force to the opposite side of the line of scrimmage.

Rams must get bigger inside to avoid a repeat of Jalen Carter problem

The Rams aren't exactly lacking for size in front of Stafford. Not when guard Steve Avila tips the scales at 338 pounds.

What's missing is a true mauler who knows how to move the pile. Jonah Jackson couldn't do it before a shoulder problem sent him to injured reserve, and the former Detroit Lions starter was benched soon after his return to the lineup.

What the Rams needs is a center or guard in the style of Kansas City Chiefs trio Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. The latter is a free agent who loves the rough and tumble of competing against game-wreckers like Carter.

Being able to handle the most disruptive interior defenders is the cornerstone of the Chiefs' success. The Rams found out to their cost what not being able to do the same can mean when Carter routinely bossed double teams, per Next Gen Stats.

Greater size over the ball than what 312-pounder Beaux Limmer can offer will help the Rams stand up better to football's monsters in the middle. Unfortunately, it's a poor draft for center help, so Rams head coach Sean McVay should consider moving Avila over the ball.

However they do it, the Rams must get bigger along both lines. Otherwise they risk being overpowered again come playoff time a year from now.

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