The RAMS Forum

The Los Angeles Rams’ defense was a rollercoaster in 2024, but under Chris Shula’s steady hand, it’s gearing up to be a powerhouse in 2025. From early struggles to late-season heroics, this young unit showed it’s got the chops to compete with the NFL’s best. Now, with smart additions and another year of experience, Shula’s squad is ready to take the leap.

https://www.theramsnews.com/chris-shulas-rams-defense/

I actually forgot Chris Shula was our defensive coach. Plus remember how many 'Rams" fans were jocking for Shula to be fired.

Jacksnow wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 5:14 pm I actually forgot Chris Shula was our defensive coach. Plus remember how many 'Rams" fans were jocking for Shula to be fired.

And many wanted him gone before werk one!!!

Ramsfan08ny wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 5:30 pm

Jacksnow wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 5:14 pm I actually forgot Chris Shula was our defensive coach. Plus remember how many 'Rams" fans were jocking for Shula to be fired.

And many wanted him gone before werk one!!!

Exactly! I never understood it. A very young defense.

It was the defense that led the charge into the playoffs.
I think it took some time for the defense and Shula to figure out a cohesive plan.

GlendoraRam wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 5:33 pm It was the defense that led the charge into the playoffs.
I think it took some time for the defense and Shula to figure out a cohesive plan.

Not only that but the unit was/is extremely young with serious deficiency at ILB, the disaster of White at CB the first quarter season and compounded by Not bringing back Witherspoon sooner with just one other slightly above average corner in Williams on the roster. The defense was WAY better by the last quarter season. And I think Forbes seriously will be that nickel ball hawk guy as an improvement. Shula didca fine job overall and I do not miss Raheem and his conservative calls.

CierraRam wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 6:19 pm

GlendoraRam wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 5:33 pm It was the defense that led the charge into the playoffs.
I think it took some time for the defense and Shula to figure out a cohesive plan.

Not only that but the unit was/is extremely young with serious deficiency at ILB, the disaster of White at CB the first quarter season and compounded by Not bringing back Witherspoon sooner with just one other slightly above average corner in Williams on the roster. The defense was WAY better by the last quarter season. And I think Forbes seriously will be that nickel ball hawk guy as an improvement. Shula didca fine job overall and I do not miss Raheem and his conservative calls.

Excellent points… touched on everything

Shula was very aggressive late in the season and it made a huge difference. Raheem didn't blitz Goff once in the '23 Wild card game and it cost us the game as we gave up 21 pts in 1st half and then brought the blitz in the 2nd half and we only gave up 3 pts.

Shula was outstanding in the 2nd half of last year. Our defense kept us in the game against Philly. For that defense to shut down the Eagles like we were doing was phenomenal. Can't wait for this year. Verse and company are coming.

Doesn't matter the coach or the scheme if one does not have the players to execute it well. Rams have holes that NEED to be filled, or it will likely bee the same roller coaster ride

I feel 2025 should be a good deal better on defense.

The DL has a alot of experience we added Poona which will be a strong addition.

The OLBs have experience and Verse will be better and adding Stewart will help add depth to the OLBs.

I am very happy with all the additions at ILB with Paul, Dolac and Landman. A lot of attention was paid here and hopefully it will be a stronger unit. Speights got a good deal of playing time which will benefit him greatly.

The CBs are still a concern but Forbes, DK and Akkello having a full training camp it should help for sure. Adding one more would shore it up nicely whether it's Ramsey or someone else.

Safeties will be better with McCullough getting reps last year and Kitchens in his 2nd year this group is solid.

Lastly the coaching a good deal of continuity with Shula having a full year under his belt.

Overall we need better ILB coverage and not letting those devastating long runs happen in 2 games Philly had 5 for TDs Saquon had 4 this must stop if we want to be a SB contender.

I think we should be very solid (top10) on defense. Mainly due to our DL/OLB play backed up by stronger ILB play everyone on the backend will benefit.

I think that they will be stronger for sure. One of the early issues was Verse learning to not over pursue. The big thing that I hope happens is the end of opposing teams hitting on 3rd and long, even very long. It often seemed like the Rams’ defense was better on 3rd and short than on 3rd and very long. I dreaded 3rd and long, which is nuts.

We will see IMO the jury is still out at CB and MLB.

GoldenRam wrote: ↑June 5th, 2025, 3:01 pm Doesn't matter the coach or the scheme if one does not have the players to execute it well. Rams have holes that NEED to be filled, or it will likely bee the same roller coaster ride

The old cliche. Jim's and Joe's vs X's and O's. Hard to make X's and O's work without the right Jim's and Joe's.

EastBayRamsFan wrote: ↑June 6th, 2025, 9:40 pm
We will see IMO the jury is still out at CB and MLB.

Agreed! I'm more concerned about CB than ILB however, at least the Rams made several acquistions targeted at improving the ILB position, especially defending against the rush.

CB still looks somewhat problematical though... :? :geek:

RAM SEASON!!

--The Commish

CierraRam wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 6:19 pm

GlendoraRam wrote: ↑June 4th, 2025, 5:33 pm It was the defense that led the charge into the playoffs.
I think it took some time for the defense and Shula to figure out a cohesive plan.

Not only that but the unit was/is extremely young with serious deficiency at ILB, the disaster of White at CB the first quarter season and compounded by Not bringing back Witherspoon sooner with just one other slightly above average corner in Williams on the roster. The defense was WAY better by the last quarter season. And I think Forbes seriously will be that nickel ball hawk guy as an improvement. Shula didca fine job overall and I do not miss Raheem and his conservative calls.

I truly wonder how different the season would have been if Ernest Jones stayed with the team.

Commish wrote: ↑June 8th, 2025, 9:46 am

EastBayRamsFan wrote: ↑June 6th, 2025, 9:40 pm
We will see IMO the jury is still out at CB and MLB.

Agreed! I'm more concerned about CB than ILB however, at least the Rams made several acquistions targeted at improving the ILB position, especially defending against the rush.

CB still looks somewhat problematical though... :? :geek:

RAM SEASON!!

--The Commish

I agree. I think our ILB issue is solved.