Rams Defensive Coordinator Under Fire After Disappointing Start

The Los Angeles Rams were massively disappointing on both ends of the field, culminating in a 27-7 loss to the San Fransico 49ers.

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However, given all of the additions to the defense, that was the side with the higher expectations.

Aaron Donald returned, albeit not for Week 1, while the best defensive player in the sport, Myles Garrett, was added via trade, along with two good cornerbacks in Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie.

In 2025, this unit was already one of the better groups in the league, and with so many upgrades, it was expected to be a super unit.

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

How the Rams defense played

The Rams allowed 27 points and had only a 5.6% pressure rate, dwarfed by the 49ers’ 27.6% rate. The Niners totaled 379 yards and 5.9 yards per play as well.

On third down, SF converted seven of 12 scenarios. The Rams allowed more explosive plays, and they had no answers in the run game.

Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, AUS; San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black (26) rushes the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Is Chris Shula the Rams’ problem?

After the Rams’ loss, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said the defense was a bigger concern than the offense, specifically calling out Los Angeles defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

“I am very concerned about that defense, and I’m very concerned about their defensive coordinator,” Orlovsky said on ESPN’s “Get Up!”

“The last four games that we have watched this defense on the field with all kinds of talent, they have stunk. Bryce Young lit them up. Caleb Williams lit them up. Sam Darnold lit them up. Brock Purdy lit them up.”

While Orlovsky is right that the Rams have disappointed in some marquee games defensively, this season is only one game old, and much more is to come from Shula.

The team stayed in heavy zone coverage rather than mixing in much man, which let the 49ers gash them.

The defensive scheme looked quite vanilla for the Rams overall, and they are known for hiding things they’ll do throughout the season early on.

All eyes will be on what adjustments they make once Donald enters the mix and Donald gets healthy.

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