The Los Angeles Rams have spent years being defined by Sean McVay’s offense, but the loudest unit in camp has been lining up on the other side of the ball. Over the final stretch at Loyola Marymount University, the defense kept stacking wins in practice, then carried that same energy back to Woodland Hills on Saturday.
Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reported that the Rams defense won the final two days of training camp at LMU. One of the biggest moments came from Shaun Dolac, who had a pick-6 off Stetson. Emmanuel Forbes and Quentin Lake also stood out in coverage, Cam Lampkin turned in another strong day, and the tight ends got a wide range of work, including Max Klare.
That momentum followed the team into its first practice back in Woodland Hills, where safety Kam Kinchens came up with an interception to headline the afternoon.
McVay said Wednesday’s offense had left him frustrated because of the overall level and the execution. Saturday, though, he saw something different, even with turnovers on offense.
“A lot of those plays were more of a reflection of great individual plays than necessarily poor execution,” said McVay. “The plays that happened today, there were a handful of turnovers, but I thought it was a really great reflection of excellent execution defensively…I thought the defense was great today and it wasn't as good for the offense, but it was more of great defense than it was bad offense.”
The defense has also gotten a lift from Myles Garrett, who missed three practices late in camp before returning to the mix. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue said Garrett can completely take over a practice, and he backed that up Saturday with a pick-six off a screen pass.
Out at Rams practice today. They might have to start giving that Myles Garrett guy more “veteran rest” days.
Can totally take over a practice drive. Including a pick six right off a screen and high-step into the end zone late in the session.
😳
The Rams weren’t exactly a defensive liability last season, but the front office still went looking for upgrades in the spots that hurt them late in the year. That led to help in the secondary with players like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, plus the trade that brought Garrett over from the Browns.
Garrett has looked the part throughout camp, and McDuffie has emerged as a major addition on the back end. The Athletic’s Nate Atkins wrote that McDuffie has been the single biggest boost to the roster, pointing to his versatility, coverage instincts and communication.
The Rams’ identity will still be tied to the offense, with Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams leading that side of the roster. But the defense is catching up fast in talent, and the team believes that unit can become the backbone of the group. If that holds, the Rams will be dangerous.
For now, the trend line is clear: as camp ends and the Rams reset in Woodland Hills, the defense is the unit making the strongest statement. Garrett and McDuffie are doing exactly what the team brought them in to do. If that carries into the regular season, the Rams will be right where the expectations say they should be.
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