The Los Angeles Rams’ pass rush is already proving to be one of the team’s biggest strengths after just two games. This defense has generated eight quarterback sacks, picking up right where it left off in last year’s NFL playoffs. After all, 16 sacks against two of the most accomplished offensive lines in postseason competition was a jaw-dropping performance. By comparison, the unit had just three sacks through two games in 2024.
This year’s defense is far more equipped to execute DC Chris Shula’s scheme. After a full season of young players learning the NFL and veterans getting comfortable in their roles, things are humming along nicely. The unit has allowed just 258.5 yards per game (fourth-ranked) and only 14.0 points per game (first). Best of all, the pass defense is giving up just 147.0 yards per contest (fourth). And one rookie edge rusher has already notched the first sack of his NFL career.
Rams rookie OLB Josaiah Stewart gets his first career sack
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) September 14, 2025
Six different defenders have logged at least one sack. Veteran OLB Byron Young is leading the charge with 3.0. But of all the players getting after opposing quarterbacks, rookie Josaiah Stewart has sent the clearest message to future opponents: ignore him at your own risk.
Rams defense is just starting to get warmed up
While the overall performance has been superb, fans may not have seen this unit’s best just yet. In fact, the ceiling for this group could be much higher than many realize. So far in 2025, neither OLB Jared Verse nor DT Braden Fiske has recorded a sack. Neither have NT Poona Ford, DT Ty Hamilton, or OLB Nick Hampton.
That’s not something likely to continue for long.
That’s not to say the defense isn’t getting contributions. Through just two games, it’s being powered by standout efforts from ILB Nate Landman (18 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery), SAF Kam Curl (17 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss), SAF Kam Kinchens (14 tackles, 1 pass defended), and Young (14 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble).
Fortunately, Stewart is developing rapidly. He played just 15 defensive snaps in Week 1, but that number jumped to 25 in Week 2. With the added reps, he responded with a sack, two tackles, and two quarterback hits. It may have been a small moment in the box score, but it sets the stage for a bigger role in Week 3.
The Rams need a third reliable pass rusher to take the load off veteran DE/OLB Michael Hoecht, and Stewart is quickly filling that void. At just 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds, he’s using speed, power, and agility to outflank and outhustle larger offensive tackles. Better yet, he’s already shown he can make plays against both the run and the pass.
So far, he’s been a pleasant surprise. Week 3 will be a litmus test for everyone on the roster, and while mistakes are bound to happen, Stewart has looked the part through his first two games. Rams fans should keep him on the radar against the Philadelphia Eagles — he could be a huge factor in that one.
As always, thanks for reading.
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