Rams’ Defensive Woes Highlighted in Loss to 49ers

Thursday night in Australia was anticipated to showcase the revamped Los Angeles Rams defense, with standout players like two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. Contrary to expectations, the Rams struggled against their rival San Francisco 49ers, conceding 379 total yards and falling 27-7.

The Rams’ defensive line, featuring Garrett, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Byron Young, is attracting significant criticism. On Friday’s episode of “First Take,” ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky shifted the focus to defensive coordinator Chris Shula. “I’m concerned about their defensive coordinator,” Orlovsky remarked, highlighting the team’s defensive lapses over the past four games. He noted how quarterbacks Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold, and Brock Purdy have all managed to exploit the Rams’ defense, despite the presence of substantial talent.

During these games, the Rams’ defense allowed a QBR of 98.3 on third downs, with only one sack recorded. This issue appears to have persisted over multiple seasons. Shula, who became the defensive coordinator in 2024 after joining the Rams in 2017, is under scrutiny for his strategies.

In contrast to their defense, the Rams’ offense has excelled, finishing last season with a 12-5 record. They nearly reached the Super Bowl, propelled by an offense led by league MVP Matthew Stafford and top receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Their offensive stats were impressive, leading the league with 394.6 yards and 30.5 points per game. Defensively, however, they ranked in the middle, allowing 327.5 total yards and 20.4 points per game.

This disparity continued in the playoffs, evidenced in their performances against the Panthers, Bears, and Seahawks. Sean McVay’s record against Kyle Shanahan has traditionally been challenging, and the recent game underscored persistent problems within the Rams’ defense.

Fans expected improvements following the offseason, especially given Shula’s reputation. However, his inability to optimize the defense with abundant talent poses a serious concern for the Rams management and supporters alike.