Los Angeles Rams New Defensive Coordinator Gives 1st Glimpse Of Aggressive Identity In Preseason Win

As a positional coach for the Los Angeles Rams , Chris Shula served under three different defensive coordinators. So when he was hired to replace, Super Bowl-winning coordinator, Raheem Morris, there were plenty of questions about what his defensive identity would be.

Would it be more like Wade Phillips, or Brandon Staley, or Morris? Shula’s answer all along has been that he will take the best bits of each and blend in his own essence. Here is what he said of each coach.

Chris Shula Puts His Stamp On The Los Angeles Rams Defense

“[Phillips] kept it simple he let the guys play fast and he let his coaches coach.”

“Brandon Staley came in. He was always studying the game and he was very innovative.”

“Raheem [is a] great relationship person, loves football, is a great teacher, and somebody you just want to be around all day.”

But what about his personal ethos?

“My belief is you get what you emphasize. With us, it’s killing blocks. It’s tackling. It’s takeaways and it’s pursuit to the ball.”

All of those things were on display (except for creating turnovers) against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 of the preseason. This kind of aggressive high-energy defense is new to the Rams. It wasn’t what they were known for over the last several years.

The cornerbacks were playing belligerent sticky coverage, the linebackers were flying to the ball, and the defensive line was getting near constant pressure.

Several players exemplified the Shula defensive identity on Sunday. Cam Lampkin made two great tackles and had a pass breakup to save a touchdown. Zach VanValkenburg led the quarterback pressure charge late in the game. While several D-linemen got pressure, he was the first to sack Dallas QB Trey Lance . Nick Hampton and Keir Thomas were also flying into the offensive backfield. 2023 seventh-rounder, Jason Taylor led the team in tackles.

The Rams’ defense also came up huge when their backs were to the wall. They stifled three of the five 4th down attempts and went 10 for 16 on 3rd down.

It wasn’t without its flaws. They allowed the Cowboys into the red zone three times and were unable to create a single turnover.

One (preseason) game doesn’t define anything in the broad scheme of the NFL season, but if this is what the Los Angeles Rams defense will be playing like under Chris Shula, the future is bright.

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