Remember how last year the Rams defense was a significant problem? Forget all that noise, because through three weeks, this crew looks like a totally different beast. They’re rocking the league as the seventh-ranked defense in EPA per play, officially making the jump to a defensive-first team this season. Seriously, what a turnaround from that 2025 squad.
The Pass Defense Is Straight Up Nasty
If you’re looking for where this defense really shines, just check out what they’re doing against the pass. These guys are ranked third in EPA per play for passing, sixth in passing rate success allowed, second in yards per attempt allowed, and third in completion percentage allowed. Those are elite numbers, no joke. And yeah, they’ve gone up against a couple of underperforming quarterbacks in Jameis Winston and Bo Nix. But don’t forget, they also stared down Brock Purdy, the NFL’s statistical best QB in almost every category, back in Week 1, and still put up those kinds of stats. They’re limiting explosive plays, too, ranking fourth overall there, and they’re third in missed tackle rate. That kind of discipline tells you everything you need to know about how well-coached and locked-in this unit is.
Run D Is Holding Its Own, Despite The Injuries
Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The run defense is currently 23rd in EPA per play, which isn’t ideal. But here’s the kicker: they’re still limiting explosive plays on the ground, coming in at a respectable eighth in that category. Plus, they’re only allowing 2.5 yards after contact per carry, which is good for 10th in the league. So while they might not be stuffing every single run at the line, ranking 31st in zero-yard runs or tackles for loss, they’re definitely not letting offenses rip off those soul-crushing long gains.
What’s even wilder is they’ve done all this without Myles Garrett, arguably the best defensive player in football, at 100% health; he’s missed two full games. Their new acquisitions, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, are absolutely paying dividends. But the hits keep coming: Garrett is still out for a few more weeks, and Watson is expected to be sidelined for this weekend’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. There’s a real question mark about whether Josh Wallace can adequately step up for Watson, but the signs about this group’s overall capabilities once they get everyone back are super encouraging.
What’s Next for the 1-2 Rams?
Look, the 1-2 hole this team is in isn’t pretty. Most people will point fingers at the defense after that rough performance in Australia against the 49ers or the second-half collapse versus the Broncos. But let’s be real: this group also held a weak Giants offense to just six points. The defense is doing its job, plain and simple.
The real talk needs to be about the offense getting consistent, scoring more points, and taking care of the football. And special teams? They need to be a value-add, not a hindrance. It’s going to take all three phases pulling that wagon to dig out of this early hole. But hey, at least the defense looks absolutely ready through these first three games. Let’s see if they can hold it down against the Eagles this weekend while the rest of the team catches up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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