The Los Angeles Rams’ defense has struggled to meet expectations during the 2024 season. Despite being anticipated to take a step back, the unit has emerged as one of the weakest in the NFL. This disappointing performance is particularly striking given that the Rams invested heavily in their defense during the offseason, using three of their first four draft picks on defensive players and adding two starting-level cornerbacks through free agency.
The Pressure on Chris Shula
New defensive coordinator Chris Shula finds himself under scrutiny as the team grapples with its disappointing performance. The Rams’ defense has recently had to adapt after a trade involving Ernest Jones, now relying on Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom to fill the linebacker role. Shula’s situation mirrors that of Liam Coen, who faced challenges during the 2022 season with an offense depleted by injuries to key players like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford. Despite the absence of superstar Aaron Donald, the Rams’ defense has remained relatively healthy outside of injuries to Darious Williams and John Johnson III.
Shula’s circumstances are far from ideal. The Rams currently rank last in defensive spending at $44.2 million, a stark contrast to the Kansas City Chiefs at $75.3 million. This $31.1 million gap in spending is significant and highlights the team’s financial constraints regarding defensive investments.
Potential Changes Ahead
While immediate changes seem unlikely, Sean McVay may be compelled to reevaluate his coaching staff if the team’s defensive performance doesn’t improve, particularly after the upcoming bye week. History suggests that mid-season coordinator firings are rare, but there are precedents that McVay might consider. For example, Mike Macdonald was given a second season with the Baltimore Ravens, while the Philadelphia Eagles made a change in their coaching staff after a mid-season loss last year.
If the defense continues to falter, McVay might have to consider adjustments not just at the coordinator level, but also among position coaches. Aubrey Pleasant, who has served as the passing game coordinator on defense, was promoted to assistant head coach this offseason. Pleasant’s previous tenure with the Rams ended when he moved to the Detroit Lions, where he faced challenges in improving pass defense metrics.
Struggles in Pass Defense
Despite leading the NFL in quarterback pressure rate, the Rams’ pass defense ranks 31st in defensive DVOA and EPA. Comparatively, teams that rank below the Rams in pressure rate have shown more effectiveness in pass defense, indicating that pressure alone isn’t translating to positive outcomes. The performance of secondary players, including Kam Kinchens, Kam Curl, and Tre White, has been particularly concerning.
Although McVay and the Rams value Pleasant’s contributions, his past record with the Lions raises questions about the effectiveness of the Rams’ defensive strategy under his guidance. With the potential for shifts in roles or responsibilities, McVay may have to act decisively if the Rams don’t show signs of improvement in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The Rams are not devoid of talent, as players like Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, and Byron Young have shown promise on the defensive front. However, the team’s overall performance remains a concern. With their season on the line and a crucial bye week approaching, McVay faces a challenging decision regarding whether to shake up his coaching staff or stick with the current strategy. As the pressure mounts, changes may become inevitable if the Rams are to turn their season around.
