"Edge rusher Jared Verse was the 2024 NFL defensive rookie of the year. Lineman Braden Fiske was a finalist, following in the footsteps of 2023 finalist Kobie Turner. So the Rams defensive front is not searching for an identity. They already have one. "For one, we're young," Fiske said at the start of training camp. "And two, we're relentless." With the addition of veteran nose tackle Poona Ford, brought in specifically to help stop the run, the Rams are banking that the front-loaded defense can harass quarterbacks into mistakes - and prevent Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley from jetting for long touchdown runs."
"The first test comes Sept. 7, when the Rams play host to the Houston Texans in the season opener at SoFi Stadium. Two weeks later, they travel to Philadelphia, where they will face Barkley and the defending Super Bowl-champion Eagles. Last season, Barkley rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-20 Week 12 victory over the Rams at SoFi Stadium. He rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles' 28-22 NFC divisional-round victory at Lincoln Financial Field."
"Enter the 5-foot, 11-inch, 310-pound Ford, who signed a three-year, $17-million contract. He joined a front that also includes linemen Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison and rookie Ty Hamilton and edge rushers Byron Young, Nick Hampton, rookie Josaiah Stewart and Desjuan Johnson. "I'm just here to add my little spice," Ford said, "like seasoning to the pot." What kind of seasoning? "Sweet heat," he said."
The Rams defensive front blends youth and proven talent, anchored by 2024 defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse and finalist Braden Fiske. The team added veteran nose tackle Poona Ford on a three-year, $17 million deal to strengthen run defense and interior disruption. The defensive line group includes Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, Ty Hamilton and multiple edge rushers such as Byron Young and Nick Hampton. The front aims to harass quarterbacks and limit explosive rushing plays, with early evaluations set for the season opener against the Texans and a key road test at Philadelphia versus Saquon Barkley and the defending champions.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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