Rams Find Strength in Adversity Against Eagles

It’s not something you’d usually expect to hear from an NFL head coach—that losing a couple of star players could actually benefit the team. But, oddly enough, sometimes that’s exactly what a squad needs, especially when it happens in October.

Of course, injuries, while unfortunate, are just part of the game. They’re not a hidden blessing. Championship teams rely on more than just a few superstar athletes. They’re built through tough situations where the next player on the depth chart has to step up and show they can handle pressure.

This was the lesson learned by the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday during their game in Philadelphia.

With Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, sitting out due to back soreness and another standout, Myles Garrett, recovering from knee surgery, the Rams entered Lincoln Financial Field missing two of the league’s most formidable defensive players.

Yet, they emerged with a surprising 24-20 win—along with a valuable takeaway for the upcoming months: a defensive front that can succeed, even without their star players.

The Eagles struggled, totaling only 172 yards, with a mere 93 in the air. They averaged a dismal 3.0 yards per play and went 0-for-12 on third downs. This all happened against an offense that includes Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, backed by one of the strongest offensive lines in football. The Rams’ defense turned those critical plays into a stark challenge for the Eagles.

What stands out most isn’t just who made the critical defensive plays—but how many players participated in them.

Kobie Turner took on 48 defensive snaps (almost 80% of the total), while Braden Fiske had a heavy load with 44 snaps, creating seven pressures. Other players like Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, and even rookie Wesley Bailey all contributed significantly. It seems almost everyone had a role to play on that memorable day—even those who may not typically get noticed.

These statistics aren’t just insignificant figures buried in the game log. They symbolize a solid investment in a defense that may need every one of those players as the season progresses.

As Turner pointed out, developing camaraderie and understanding among players is crucial. “That’s what those games do for us,” he emphasized.

He’s spot on. Establishing a strong defensive line isn’t something a coach can simply draw up on a board. That sense of teamwork and understanding is built through countless moments of gameplay—learning when a teammate will make a move, or when to cover a gap that could expose a quarterback.

These instincts come from experience, not from a playbook.

And facing a playoff contender on their turf is the ideal way to earn that experience.

With Garrett and Donald, who combined have 236.5 sacks, out of the game, Byron Young stepped up and delivered an impressive performance, notching 2.5 sacks on Hurts, among other impactful plays. His big effort now places him alongside some notable names on the Rams’ all-time list.

However, it’s essential to point out that this victory wasn’t solely about one player. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula clearly leaned into the team’s depth, trusting his players to deliver. This strategy paid off as the Rams halted the Eagles on three out of four fourth-down attempts, including pivotal stops that shifted momentum in the Rams’ favor. They capitalized on this energy, scoring two touchdowns in the final quarter to secure the win.

Now, the Rams are preparing to host the 3-1 Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium with Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP. That presents a whole different set of challenges.

Fortunately for the Rams, Donald is expected to return for the upcoming game.

Last week’s game in Philadelphia becomes even more significant when you think about how it relates to the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs. That Super Bowl-winning team heavily relied on a younger defense that built confidence over time. Key players stepped up in their absence during injuries, and they ultimately went on to win the Super Bowl.

The takeaway isn’t that injuries improve teams, but rather that such situations help build depth, rapport, and confidence—all vital components for championship success.

As Turner mentioned, “To know we have two former DPOYs sitting back at home, but these are still the guys. There’s no drop-off.” It’s clear they have a standard to uphold.

Donald echoed this sentiment on Friday, noting that younger players had already made their mark long before he and Garrett arrived on the scene. “We’re just extra pieces to the puzzle,” he stated, highlighting the necessity of trusting the next player up.

This reflects a significant evolution for a player who once was the focal point of opposing teams’ game plans.

Admittedly, one solid performance doesn’t eliminate all concerns. The Eagles were dealing with their own injury issues, and losing Barkley early made things tougher for them.

It’s unlikely the Rams will be able to hold the Bills’ offense to under 100 passing yards, let alone 200 total yards.

Yet, the Rams shouldn’t dismiss what transpired in Philadelphia.

Eventually, the Rams will see Donald and Garrett play together. When that happens, they’ll finally have that formidable defense they aimed to assemble back in August—complemented by the growth and confidence of the players behind them who now know they can rise to the occasion.