he Rams are redefining what it means to build a great defense. With one of the youngest and least expensive units in the league, they’ve managed to stifle some of the NFL’s best offenses. Their Wild Card win over the Vikings showcased a defense that is fast, disciplined, and perfectly tailored to Sean McVay’s vision.
Jared Verse and Byron Young have been revelations, combining speed and power to dominate opposing offensive lines. Meanwhile, Chris Shula’s schemes emphasize simplicity and execution, allowing young players to thrive. The result is a unit that consistently outperforms its talent level on paper.
The Rams’ defense isn’t just effective—it’s sustainable. Their reliance on youth and athleticism over expensive veterans has given them the flexibility to invest in other areas of the team. It’s a model that could reshape how teams approach roster building in the salary cap era.
Other teams should take note. The Rams’ ability to find and develop talent on a budget is a blueprint for success in the modern NFL. If they continue to build on this foundation, Los Angeles could be poised for another Super Bowl run in the near future.
