5 Questions Rams Defense Must Answer in Week 3

The Los Angeles Rams' defense is set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles' offense in what could become another classic

Sep 7, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) pressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams' defense made its presence known in the NFL playoffs last season, as they dominated the Minnesota Vikings and made the Philadelphia Eagles look human for the first time in months.

With the Rams set to take their first trip to Philadelphia since their playoff loss, here are five questions the defense must ask of themselves.

1. Is Byron Young a superstar?

Young has been a revelation in year three as an expanded role has not only increased his influence on the defense, but it has also been wreaking havoc on offenses. From a player standpoint, we're talking about the NFL's second-highest rookie sack leader in 2023, only coming behind Kobie Turner, who had the benefit of playing off Aaron Donald.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) during the first quarter at Niss | Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Young's numbers did drop, but that's because the defense needed to learn how to play together and play without Donald, but in the big moments, Young shined. Now with three sacks in the first two games of the season, this is Young's platform to wake the NFL up, as Jared Verse did against this opponent last season.

2. Can the Rams' defensive line continue to endure adversity?

In the Eagles' playoff matchup last season, the Rams' defensive line lost Braden Fiske early and still set the team up to win. Against Tennessee, both Fiske and Verse saw fewer snaps, either due to injury or another health concern that pulled both men off the field, and yet, Tennessee scored less than 20 points.

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske (55) celerates after a sack of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The defensive line is all about playing together, and it's them against the world. However, this is a powerful opponent. Can they handle the pressure again?

3. Is Nate Landman truly the difference on defense?

Sep 7, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman (53) celebrates after forcing a fumble during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Last year, the Achilles heel on defense was Christian Rozeboom. No offense to him, he just wasn't the right fit for what Chris Shula needed. With that being said, Landman has been the perfect fit so far, but this is the Eagles, and this is Saquon Barkley. Will Landman make the game-winning play again?

4. How will Emmanuel Forbes respond in his return to the NFC East?

Forbes' tenure with the Washington Commanders was awful, with many pointing out his matchups against A.J. Brown as a clear indication he's a first-round bust. Turns out first-round talents need proper coaching and environments because once Forbes was removed from the Commanders and given a fresh start in Los Angeles, he's become the golden ticket for the Rams' secondary.

Sep 7, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (1) in the second half against the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As Forbes rewrites his story, what will be written about his return to Philadelphia? Forbes did not play in the Rams' postseason last year.

5. How do you stop Jalen Hurts?

Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Jalen Hurts is able to hurt defenses as a runner and passer. Which poison will the Rams choose to live with?

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