The Los Angeles Rams are sitting at 10-3, and despite a brief stumble against the Carolina Panthers, they look very much like a team finding its rhythm at the right time. That loss to Carolina?
Painful, yes - but not a collapse. It was a three-point defeat, fueled by three costly turnovers, all courtesy of the Rams’ offense.
Matthew Stafford, the veteran signal-caller, had a rough outing, highlighted by a pick-six that ultimately became the difference on the scoreboard.
But here’s the thing: this wasn’t a loss that shook the Rams to their core. In fact, if you asked someone like defensive lineman Kobie Turner, it might’ve done the opposite.
“Honestly, I'm excited about where we go from here,” Turner said after the game. “Gives you a little extra motivation to make it right this next week. I feel sorry for who we (have) got next week.”
That’s not just talk. That’s a player who knows what this team is capable of - and someone who’s been in the trenches for the ups and downs of two straight 10-7 seasons.
Turner’s not the loudest voice in the room, but when he speaks, you listen. When he plays, you really listen.
The Rams’ Defensive Turnaround Starts Up Front
Turner’s role in this defense has evolved, and that evolution has been key to the Rams’ resurgence on that side of the ball. Last season, Los Angeles struggled to stop the run - they were getting gashed on the ground far too often. So the front office went out and added some muscle: veteran nose tackle Poona Ford and inside linebacker Nate Landman brought much-needed toughness and experience to the core of the defense.
But the real glue has been Turner. He’s not lighting up the stat sheet with sacks like he did in previous years, but his impact has been undeniable. Whether he’s clogging up running lanes or collapsing the pocket, Turner’s versatility has given defensive coordinator Chris Shula the freedom to get creative - and aggressive.
And the results speak for themselves. After allowing 22.7 points per game last year, the Rams have shaved that number down to just 17.5 through 13 games this season.
That’s a 5.2-point swing - essentially taking a touchdown off the board every week. In today’s NFL, that kind of defensive improvement is gold.
Not Just Beating Up on Bottom-Feeders
It’s important to note: this turnaround hasn’t come against soft competition. The Rams are playing a first-place schedule, which means they’ve been tested by some of the league’s best.
And they’ve held up. That’s a testament not just to the coaching staff, but to players like Turner who have embraced the grind and elevated their game in the process.
Week 14’s performance against Arizona was a clear response to the Carolina loss - a statement that the Rams aren’t going to let one off day define them. Turner was right in the middle of it again, recording one of three sacks on the day and helping to set the tone early.
Looking Ahead: Detroit on Deck
Next up? A showdown with the Detroit Lions - one of the most physical offenses in the league.
It’s the kind of game where toughness in the trenches will decide the outcome. And if you’re looking for someone to keep your eyes on, Turner’s at the top of that list.
He may not be the loudest guy in the locker room, but once the pads are on, he’s a force. Whether he’s plugging gaps or chasing down quarterbacks, Turner has become one of the most reliable pieces in a defense that’s quietly becoming one of the league’s best.
So yeah, Kobie Turner said he felt sorry for whoever they had next. After watching what this defense has done lately - and what Turner continues to bring each week - you can see why.
The Rams are rolling again. And if this defense keeps playing like this, they’re going to be a problem for anyone standing in their way.