Rams’ Dominant Defensive Line Lauds Eagles QB Jalen Hurts’ Running Ability

Rams’ Dominant Defensive Line Lauds Eagles QB Jalen Hurts’ Running Ability

 

 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The phrase “earning the right to pass rush” is a core principle for many defensive linemen and coaches, and it will be put to the test by the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. The challenge is heightened by the Eagles’ potent run game, which includes quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley.

 

 

 

 

Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula emphasized that the goal is always to control the line of scrimmage. “You want to stop the offensive line from gaining ground, contain the play, and make sure you’re tackling in numbers,” he said.

 

 

 

 

While the Rams (5-5) have improved their rush defense after a rocky start, the Eagles (8-2) lead the NFL with an impressive 181.3 rushing yards per game. Barkley, behind a tough offensive line, is a major factor in their success, but Hurts’ ability to run adds another layer of complexity to their offense.

 

 

 

 

“It changes the blocking scheme,” said Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner. “When a quarterback is a major threat in the run game, it forces defenses to account for him, gaining an extra blocker for the offense.”

 

 

 

 

Typically, the Rams’ defensive front—three down linemen and two outside linebackers—can handle the five offensive linemen. But with Hurts involved in the run game, it forces the defense to adjust, especially on the backside.

 

 

 

“The defender can’t just crash on the dive; he has to respect the quarterback as well,” Turner noted. “That opens up opportunities for double teams, making it a more challenging situation for me.”

 

 

 

 

Last season, the Eagles ran for 159 yards to defeat the Rams 23-14, even with standout defensive tackle Aaron Donald still on the roster. Hurts rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown, with much of his success coming from Philadelphia’s signature “tush push” quarterback sneak.

 

 

 

 

Shula acknowledged that it’s difficult to simulate the play effectively. “You can’t really replicate the `tush push’ in full pads,” he said. “It’s a tough play to stop, and they’ve mastered it. We do what we can in walkthroughs, but it’s a play you just have to prepare for.”

 

 

 

 

If the Rams can limit the effectiveness of the “tush push,” Shula believes they’ll have a better chance of pressuring Hurts. The Rams’ defense has accumulated 16 sacks over the past four games, with rookies Jared Verse (outside linebacker) and Braden Fiske (defensive tackle) contributing 7 1/2 of those.

 

 

 

 

Shula praised the young players for their role in strengthening the entire defensive line, which also includes second-year talents Turner and Byron Young. “There’s a lot of competition within the group, but they’re not selfish. They support each other, and they love rushing together,” Shula said. “They’re improving week by week.”