Rams Defense Thrives Without Aaron Donald, Eyes Divisional Round

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams faced a monumental challenge in 2024: replacing future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald after his retirement in March. Despite the loss of the legendary defensive tackle, the Rams’ defense has emerged as a formidable force, culminating in a dominant 27-9 wild-card victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Head coach Sean McVay called Donald “one of one,” acknowledging the irreplaceable nature of his impact. General manager Les Snead had been preparing for this moment for years, knowing the team would need to adapt. “When Aaron retires, there’s not going to be another one of him,” Snead said at the league meetings in March. “We were going to have to play defense differently.”

The Rams invested heavily in their defensive front through the draft, selecting players like defensive tackle Braden Fiske and outside linebacker Jared Verse. These rookies, along with second-year players Kobie Turner and Byron Young, have transformed the unit. After a rocky start, including a Week 2 loss where they allowed 489 total yards, the defense has held opponents to fewer than 10 points in five of their last six games.

In the wild-card game, the Rams tied an NFL playoff record with nine sacks, showcasing their growth. “It’s a huge credit to Les and our front office for identifying the right guys,” said first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula. “Having a front that can affect the passer is huge in this league.”

The defense’s resurgence has been fueled by a competitive spirit among the pass rushers, including a friendly beard-growing contest. Fiske led the team with 8.5 sacks in the regular season, while Turner and Young combined for 13.5 sacks. “They’re doing a hell of a job,” said quarterback Matthew Stafford after a Week 17 win.

Despite their success, the Rams face a tough challenge in the divisional round against the Detroit Lions, who defeated them 37-20 in Week 12. “It was a humbling night,” Shula said of the earlier loss. “We’ve made corrections and are ready to move forward.”

With Donald watching from the stands, the Rams’ young defense has proven it can thrive without him. “We just had to show him he left it in good hands,” Verse said after the wild-card win.