Chris Shula – Syndication Server

Rams DC Chris Shula admits ‘it’ll definitely be weird’ seeing Ernest Jones with Seahawks

Chris Shula shared a bit about what it’ll be like to see Ernest Jones in Seattle and his feelings on the former Rams linebacker

It’s been a roller coaster year for Ernest Jones. The Rams traded him to the Titans in August, a shocking move that netted Los Angeles almost nothing in return. Then less than two months later, the Titans traded him to the Seahawks.

He made his debut with Seattle last week, playing every snap and recording a team-high 15 tackles. On Sunday, he’ll face his former team, the Rams, for the first time.

Chris Shula coached Jones during his time in Los Angeles, building a relationship with the standout linebacker. It’ll be odd for Shula to see Jones in a Seahawks uniform this weekend, but he’s been thinking about Ernest as a person during this unpredictable season.

“It’s weird. It’ll definitely be weird,” Jones said. “I thought about it when I saw the trade last week. You love the person. We will be connected and friends for life. He knows I’m here no matter what, forever, as long as he needs me. I just thought about his wife. He just had his baby. I just thought about him as a human, having to move twice in the same year. You feel for him. You hope he’s doing well, and you hope he’s in a great place.”

Jones has landed in a good spot with Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks, a team that will utilize his skill set properly in the middle of the defense. That already showed last week against the Bills when Jones stuffed the stat sheet, and he’ll try to do the same on Sunday against his former team.

“I know they’ve got really great coaches over there,” Shula added. “It hasn’t been necessarily weird yet this week because it’s kind of one of those things – the offense is playing him, so I’m not exactly seeing him on tape or playing against him. When we go out there for pregame warmups or whatever it is and I see him on the field, that’s definitely going to be a little bit weird.”

Jones was an impact player for the Rams since being drafted in the third round in 2021, which is what made their decision to move on from him so surprising. As a pending free agent, he’ll have a chance to pick his next team in 2025, unless the Seahawks like what they see and extend him before he hits the market.

Sean McVay loves the recent changes made by Chris Shula on defense

The Rams have undergone several changes on defense, but Sean McVay loves the adjustments made by Chris Shula

Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula came out of the bye week with a new approach to attacking offenses. Shula has been aggressive, on the money with defensive calls and has shown a hunter-like mentality in the second half, helping the Rams win two football games in five days.

His improvements have not gone unnoticed, especially by Sean McVay.

The Rams head coach spoke highly of Shula in a recent press conference, applauding Shula for adapting to a tough situation with the injuries and changes Los Angeles has dealt with.

“I think they’ve done a good job. Number one, we’ve earned the right to be able to (rush the passer). You get into some of the pass situations, I thought that was reflected really after we got through the first two drives of the game against the Vikings and that was on display really throughout the course of the game against the Raiders. What he and the coaches have done a great job of is saying, ‘OK, here are these guys that we have. Here are the skill sets that they have. Let’s figure out ways to mesh, mold, and to continue to figure out really what the identity of this defense is.’ I think we’re starting to find that but it is a week-to-week thing. I think he’s done a great job of being able to identify – I think it’s really been for the last three weeks – there were some things that we can learn from against the Packers but really, there have been some opportunities for things to be on display and shoot, we’ve scored each of the last three games defensively with two touchdowns, one against the Packers, one against the Raiders, and then getting the safety the other night.”

Shula has had to face an uphill battle since getting promoted to defensive coordinator. Not only has he dealt with the departure of Aaron Donald but the Rams are starting a number of players with fewer than two years of experience.

Despite that, the young defenders have shown up and shown out. Jared Verse continues to impress, Braden Fiske is slowly coming along and undrafted rookie Jaylen McCollough has been a welcomed addition with his three interceptions on the season.

Shula however will face a big test this week with the pass-happy Seattle Seahawks, as their offense is averaging close to 24 points per game.

Chris Shula details improvements he’d like to see from Rams defense

Chris Shula spoke candidly about his defense, citing what he feels need to change in order to have success on Sunday.

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.

Chris Shula’s first four weeks as Rams DC have been a nightmare

Rams DC Chris Shula’s first four games have been dreadful. What are the issues plaguing his defense?

There’s nothing more to be said that isn’t already known by Rams fans: The defense, while loaded with young talent and burgeoning superstars, has been nothing short of worrisome through four weeks.

That’s a result of the defensive play calling and scheme implemented by first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula. In four games, Shula’s defense has given up an average of nearly 29 points per game, or a touchdown every quarter.

Compared to 21.1 PPG a year ago, a near eight-point differential, gives teams essentially an extra possession that the Rams have struggled to make up.

Now, why is this the case? There are many reasons. The Rams have had blown coverages left and right, they fail to not only limit but simply contain WR1s across the league, and their linebacking corps is playing at a troubling level. But the answer is much simpler than that.

The Rams have yet to stop the run. The team is ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, a fact made evident by D’Andre Swift putting up a season-high 93 yards on Sunday. His previous high was 30. Swift also scored his first touchdown of the year.

This simply can not continue. It’s fair to give Shula grace because he’s only four games on the job but something needs to change and it needs to change soon.

Shula is Sean McVay’s first promotion at the defensive coordinator position. Shula’s predecessors, Raheem Morris, Brandon Staley and Wade Phillips, were hired from other organizations. Shula was an assistant coach under all three but his scheme has not worked thus far.

Rams are spending $31M less on defense than any other team this year

The Rams are only spending $44M on defense this year, $31 million less than any other team and the least in the NFL since 2018

Looking at the Los Angeles Rams’ roster, it’s not hard to see where most of their expensive assets lie. The majority of their high-cost players are on offense, led by Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.

In fact, the six highest cap hits on the team are all offensive players: Stafford, Kupp, Rob Havenstein, Jonah Jackson, Kevin Dotson and Joe Noteboom. After Noteboom’s cap hit of $11.6 million, there’s a steep drop off to Darious Williams, who owns the seventh-largest cap hit at $4.7 million.

When you compare the team’s spending on offense to defense, the difference is jarring. According to Over The Cap, the Rams are spending $176.4 million on offense, which is the highest of any team – $22.4 million than the next-closest club.

On defense, the Rams are only spending $44.1 million this year, by far the lowest amount in the league. The next-closest team is the Chiefs, who are spending $75.1 million – a whopping $31 million more than the Rams.

The Steelers lead the league in defensive spending with $145.8 million allocated on that side of the ball, three times more than the Rams. Incredibly, Stafford’s cap hit of $46.2 million is larger than the cap hits of every defensive player on the Rams combined.

Going as far back as 2013, there’s never been a gap between 31st and 32nd teams in defensive spending as wide as the one this year between the Rams and Chiefs. The closest example was in 2019 when the Giants spent $8.9 million less than the 31st-ranked team in defensive spending.

Furthermore, the last time a team spent as little as the Rams are on defense was in 2018 when the Colts had just $39.5 million allocated on that side of the ball. Of course, the salary cap was only $177.2 million that year compared to $255.4 million.

The Rams are clearly a very offense-heavy team with a lot of players who are on rookie contracts on defense, which is the reason for the lopsided spending difference. Plus, now that Aaron Donald isn’t on the team anymore, he lessens the cost on that side of the ball significantly; he still has a $23.83 million dead cap charge, which isn’t included in the above numbers.

The Rams have young talent on defense with players such as Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Jared Verse, Quentin Lake and Cobie Durant, all of whom are on rookie contracts, but they’re also not paying veterans very much, either. Chris Shula has his work cut out for him in Year 1 as a defensive coordinator.

Rams DC Chris Shula thinks about an Aaron Donald return ‘every day’

Chris Shula is always thinking about the possibility of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has a young and hungry defensive unit heading into his debut season as the shot-caller of the Los Angeles Rams defense. The Rams added two rookies from Florida State, Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, with their first two selections in this year’s NFL draft. With additions such as Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White, and Kamren Curl, it became clear the Rams’ No. 1 offseason priority was to upgrade defensively.

Despite those upgrades, the Rams lost one of the greatest defensive players in league history via retirement as Aaron Donald hung up the cleats following his 10th season with the team. Despite Donald stating he lost the passion for the game of football, it has not stopped the Rams defensive coordinator from trying to persuade Donald to hold off on retirement for another season.

Donald was present at the Rams’ joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, which caught people’s attention and had some wondering if Donald was mulling a return.

Following the joint practice, during media availability, Shula was asked if he has thought of asking Donald if he was “sure” about retirement. Shula responded with:

“Of course. Think about that every day, and he is all over our cut-up, so we see him all the time,” Shula said. “I know he is in a great spot and (had) such a great career. He has earned the right to do whatever he wants right now. So, he’s welcome back anytime. Anytime he wants to come coach and help out, he knows the door’s always open.”

Shula also welcomed the idea of Donald helping out with coaching if he pleases, saying Donald was at practice giving tips to rookie defensive lineman Braden Fiske.

“The cool thing was seeing him give some tips to Fiske and I’m standing there listening,” Shula said. “So, it was really good to see him. Great to have him out here.”

While an Aaron Donald return is unlikely based on the statements he has made during the offseason, it sure does not hurt to try to convince the greatest Ram of all time to return for an 11th season with the team.

Rams rookie Jared Verse is getting better ‘every single day’

Chris Shula spoke about the progress Jared Verse continues to make in Year 1

It’s been a long time since the Los Angeles Rams had the opportunity to draft a player in the first round of the NFL Draft and develop them into a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

The Rams took Jared Verse with pick No. 19 in April’s draft and so far, his development has been nothing but promising as the former Florida State Seminole has impressed defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

“He’s gotten better every single day. You see exactly what you saw on tape at Florida State and you see him making the corrections where he needs to and understanding stuff,” said Shula.

Verse was a highly decorated edge rusher coming out of college with honors such as being a two-time NCAA All-American, ranking third in the ACC for sacks (9).

As he is coming into his first NFL season, Verse will not only be learning how to play in the NFL, but he will also be learning a different scheme as the Rams will be running a 3-4 defense this season.

“A guy coming from Florida State, a little bit of a different scheme whereas now, we go to a 3-4 [defense], [and] ask him to do a few different things. He’s really taken it as a professional. He’s gotten better every single day,” Shula added.

This past offseason, the Rams defense took a major toll as future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald announced his retirement from football at 32 years old. Donald has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL over the last 10 seasons and will be a player the Rams will miss coming into this season.

As the Rams begin their first season with Verse rushing off the edge, he’s a player the team hopes will blossom into a young star.

Watch: Chris Shula mic’d up for first week of OTAs as Rams defensive coordinator

Chris Shula is in his first offseason as the Rams’ defensive coordinator and he was mic’d up during OTAs

After Raheem Morris was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as their new head coach, the Los Angeles Rams stayed in-house when it came to finding his replacement. They did interview outside candidates, but they ultimately landed on Chris Shula as their defensive coordinator. He’s in his first offseason as the team’s DC and he’s bringing the same energy that both Morris and Brandon Staley brought before him.

Shula was mic’d up for the Rams’ first week of OTAs, which showed a little bit of his coaching style on the field. Sean McVay and the front office think highly of Shula, the grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, and it’s easy to see why.

Take a look at the mic’d up video below.

Chris Shula: Kobie Turner’s versatility will ‘keep people guessing’

New Rams DC Chris Shula is excited to use Kobie Turner all over the defensive front, which will “keep people guessing”

When Aaron Donald was on the field, the Los Angeles Rams knew there was a very good chance he’d be double-teamed by the opposing offense. They’ll no longer have that luxury moving forward after Donald retired from football this offseason, but the Rams have someone else who will help fill the void left by No. 99: Kobie Turner.

While he may not get doubled as much as Donald, Turner is going to command a lot of attention along the defensive front. To counter that, the Rams plan to move him around the line in order to keep the opponent guessing.

“He’s going to be a guy who’s on the field a ton,” Chris Shula told FOX Sports. “We love to have the flexibility to move those guys around, depending on the personnel group that’s in the game. We’re lucky, because he can play multiple spots pretty easily, whether it’s physically or mentally.

“We can keep people guessing where we can kind of move him around. And the nice thing about Kobie is he’s so selfless, he’s always going to do what’s best for the team. So it will be fun to use that chess piece accordingly.”

Turner played both nose tackle and 3-technique last season, but 435 of his 695 snaps were over the B-gap as a defensive tackle, with 198 snaps coming as a nose tackle over the A-gap. With Donald gone, it’s reasonable to think Turner will play more 3-tech, but that’s also a position rookie Braden Fiske plays.

Turner’s ability to line up anywhere up front will give Shula a lot of options in his first year as a defensive coordinator, but he’s aware of the challenges that come with Donald being gone – like trying to diagnose how teams will set their protections against L.A.

“Obviously, we’re going to have to step up as a group,” Shula said. “We made a big point to Kobie Turner that we don’t expect him to be an Aaron Donald, because he really is one of one. We knew when he was in the game how offenses were going to protect against us. Now, it’s a little bit more of a guessing game.”

Rams continue to forge new defensive identity in 2024 NFL draft

Under new defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Rams are forging a new defensive identity on that side of the ball, and it’s exciting to see

The 2024 NFL draft has officially concluded and on paper, early draft analyst grades are ranking the Rams’ 2024 haul amongst the best in the league. What we’ve learned over the course of the last 72 hours is this: The Rams defense is taking on a new identity. And frankly, it’s exciting.

The Rams made 10 selections over the course of the NFL draft, with five of the first six selections allocated to adding much-needed talent to the defensive side of the ball, filling glaring roster voids at outside linebacker, defensive line, and safety.

The selections of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kamren Kinchens, Brennan Jackson and Tyler Davis reveal similar traits between the five, and could be interpreted as a new defensive identity. This defense intends to inflict a relentlessness and physicality that could draw comparisons to famed Rams defenses of the past.

It’s still unclear what wrinkles new defensive coordinator Chris Shula will fold into the Rams defensive scheme. He’s been a part of the Rams coaching staff since the beginning of the Sean McVay era and has served under prior coordinators Wade Phillips, Brandon Staley, and recently departed Raheem Morris.

One thing is clear, though: He has a plethora of young talent to galvanize into a formidable defensive unit. And the Rams fan base is excited to see how it materializes.