Chris Shula’s first four weeks as the Rams’ defensive coordinator have been a welcome-to-the-NFL type of moment for him but with the first quarter of the season finished, Shula took time to evaluate his defense and addressed some of his desires in the media.
Shula discussed areas of improvement for Los Angeles’ defense, citing ways the Rams can get better at all three levels.
“I think there are always things that you’re going to want to improve upon on all three levels. When it comes to the front, it’s just being able to adjust, hit blocks and play consistently. In the second level, fitting the runs, being consistent with their drops, and things like that. I think it’s the same for the third level. We’ve been stressing [that] it’s about communication, playing together and I know we’ve had a few moving parts, but I don’t think it’s an excuse for anything. We have to play, and we expect to go play well.”
Communication seems to be the top priority for Shula and he’ll get some help with the reintroduction of veteran defensive back Darious Williams and possibly Ahkello Witherspoon into the lineup. In the DB room, Williams, Witherspoon, and Tre White combine for almost 20 years of NFL experience.