The Los Angeles Rams have started the past couple of seasons slowly, before reaching their form and making the playoffs.
Los Angeles started the 2023-24 season with a 3-6 record before going on their bye week, only losing one game after the week break. In the 2024-25 season, the Rams began with a record of 1-4 before entering the bye week. LA won 9 of the last 12 games of the season and made the NFC Divisional round and almost pulled off the win against future Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now looking to start the 2025-26 season off strong, the Rams began the season with a W in a low-scoring matchup against the Houston Texans, winning 14-9.
Primarily a defense-heavy game, the Rams held Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud under 200 passing yards and no passing or rushing touchdowns.
The Rams offense was able to get over 300 scrimmage yards in the season opener, but it was the defense that secured the win.
An NFL writer names the defense performance against the Texans as a winner in Week 1 of the season
NFL Writer Believes Rams Are Defensive Team
GettyNate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after facing the Houston Texans.
The Los Angeles Rams’ defense held the Texans’ offense to a scoreless second half. The defense was able to sack CJ Stroud three times and pick off the ball in Week 1.
Linebacker Nate Landman punched the ball out with less than two minutes left in regulation, which helped the Rams seal the win against the Texans.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano called the Rams’ defense a winner in Week 1 and mentioned that the Rams are no longer an offensive team.
“I think it might be time to accept that the Rams are more of a defensive team,” Manzano wrote. “It’s hard to overlook an offense that features Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but this defense constantly bailed out the stagnant offense last year and it’s clear that this unit is only getting better based on what it did to C.J. Stroud and the Texans during Week 1.”
“Los Angeles appears to have found a gem in linebacker Nate Landman, the former [Atlanta] Falcon who had a key forced fumble to seal the victory over Houston. There was also stellar play from defensive backs Kam Kinchens, Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant. It was only one game, but maybe this Rams defense offers more than just a stout pass rush.”
Los Angeles Rams Defense Getting Started
GettyLos Angeles Rams pass rusher Jared Verse.
Despite sacking C.J. Stroud three times in the season opener, none of the sacks were from any of the Rams’ more notable defensive linemen.
Defensive Rookie of the Year winner EDGE Jared Verse, defensive end Braden Fiske and defensive tackle Kobie Turner didn’t record a sack. The trio was able to generate 9 tackles against the Texans.
With Week 2 coming up, the Rams’ front 4 can settle down and prove to be the dominant D-line as they were last season.
The Los Angeles Rams defense recorded 38 sacks last season. If they continue to average 3 a game, they could break last year’s total.
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