This is it, the first litmus test of the Los Angeles Rams' new and improved defense. This is the team that seemed to allow anyone in football cleats to put up career-high numbers in the first half of the 2024 season. It's the same defense that never solved the riddle of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
The Rams tried hard to get better. From run-stuffing free agent signings of NT Poona Ford and ILB Nate Landman, to drafting rookie defenders Pooh Paul Jr., Ty Hamilton, and Josiah Stewart, the Rams front office heard the pleas from DC Chris Shula to give his defense reinforcements.