The Los Angeles Rams' defense made a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season, propelling the team to a second consecutive postseason berth. After a shaky start, the young unit, led by rookie safety Kamren Kinchens, tightened up, limiting opponents' scoring and rushing yards.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — When asked about the success of the Los Angeles Rams on defense during the second half of the season, rookie safety Kamren Kinchens said it plainly. 'We're relentless,' he said about this year's rookie class . 'Outside of the first Cardinals game, where it was kind of a lopsided score, you could see in the rest of the games we were right there. It was just about us finishing, limiting our mistakes and making sure we're coming out on the right side, which is getting a W.
' After a 1-4 start, the Rams won nine of their last 12 games to close out the season, earning a postseason berth for a second straight year. A defensive aboutface had a lot to do with L.A.'s turnaround. The Rams allowed 25.5 points per game and 141 rushing yards a contest through the first five weeks of the season. Those numbers included the humbling 41-10 road loss to Arizona that Kinchens referenced, in which the Rams gave up a season-high 231 rushing yards. First-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula said the young group struggled to get its footing early on, with one of the best defensive players in NFL history having retired during the offseason. Aaron Donald made occasional appearances at the facility during the year to lift and hang out with his former teammates, but the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year had no intention of coming out of retirement. 'It was a test of who we truly were,' Shula said. 'You play that game , and you were almost shocked how bad you played. To go out and put on that type of performance, it was embarrassing to be honest. To see what type of guys we are, we challenged them.' The Rams responded to Shula's challenge. With some self-scouting to fix things during the team's bye week, the Rams held opponents to 17.6 points per game and 118 yards rushing a contest from Week 6 to the end of the seaso
Please follow us on Google to support us NFL Los Angeles Rams Defense Turnaround Rookie Class
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Buffalo Bills defense wastes Josh Allen's spectacular performance in loss to RamsThe Buffalo Bills defense struggled to hold their end of the bargain as Josh Allen had his best performance of the season in losing to the Los Angeles Rams.
Read more »
Los Angeles Rams Insider Podcast: Rams Pull Off Insane Upset Over BillsOur latest episode of the Los Angeles Rams Insider Podcast recaps the Rams' incredible victory at home over the Buffalo Bills in the highest scoring game of the NFL season. The Rams keep their playoff hopes alive with their biggest win of the year.
Read more »
Los Angeles Rams Insider Podcast: Rams Grind Past 49ers For Third-Straight WinOur latest episode of the Los Angeles Rams Insider Podcast recaps the Rams' key victory over the San Francisco 49ers on the road on Thursday Night Football. A game that featured zero touchdowns was dug out by the Rams defense and a few clutch field goals.
Read more »
Colorado State Rams and the VCU Rams meet in Henderson, NevadaThe Colorado State Rams face the VCU Rams at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada. Saturday's matchup is the first of the season between the squads. Colorado State is 4-1 at home, and VCU is 0-0 on the road.
Read more »
Rams' Defense Has Tough Task Against JetsThe Los Angeles Rams are facing New York Jets starting QB Aaron Rodgers who will give than all they can handle.
Read more »
Rams Defense Shuts Down Run Game, Finds Success Late in SeasonThe Los Angeles Rams have turned their defense around, particularly against the run, during their recent four-game winning streak.
Read more »