Under head coach Sean McVay, the Los Angeles Rams have become known for their offensive scheme but the 2025 season might be the year their defense captures the headlines.
The Rams boast a young, but ferocious defense that features reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and other talented defensive linemen. The middle of the field got a boost when Los Angeles signed Nate Landman in free agency, and he’s already made an impact as he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Houston Texans in Week 1.
Even the secondary shows signs of improvement, with Ahkello Witherspoon leading the cornerbacks and Quentin Lake patrolling the back side of the field as well as close to the line of scrimmage.
Curiously, Darious Williams didn’t play in the win against Houston and McVay explained it was part of the defensive game plan.
“Darious has done a great job. We felt like the approach was going to be with those three corners. I’ve always told you guys, I look at it as we’ve got four guys that have been excellent. We felt like the three-man rotation was going to be what was best for our group as it related to approaching that game. Darious handled it like a total stud. He was ready to go if need be. I was really proud of him and how he’s practiced, how he’s responded, but that was the thought process there.”
The three corners McVay referred to are Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Witherspoon and the trio of defensive backs had strong performances against the Texans pass catchers. The unit did a great job of limiting Nico Collins, Houstons’ premier receiving threat and C.J. Stroud’s number one option, to just three catches for 25 yards.
Williams was considered a key part of the defensive secondary last season, taking over the other outside spot as well as playing nickel in certain packages. McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula deserve the benefit of the doubt considering their Week 1 performance, but it would be surprising to see Williams expunged from the rotation entirely the rest of the way.
Matthew Stafford’s back feels good after Rams’ Week 1 win against Texans
The most positive update from Week 1 is how Matthew Stafford looked on the field. Stafford missed most of training camp due to a back issue, but he said his back felt good after the win against the Texans.
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