It looked like the Los Angeles Rams were destined for another tough season in 2024 after they started the year 1-4, but a Week 6 bye helped them right the ship and get back on track. They finished with a 10-7 record and took the Philadelphia Eagles down to the wire in the divisional round of the playoffs, nearly pulling off a stunning upset on the road.
So what’s next for the Rams in 2025? Aaron Donald believes they can go even further, saying he thinks they’ll be a better team this season.
“A better year,” Donald told On3 at a recent event. “Obviously, the offense is going to be stand-packed. Still got a lot of veteran guys, a lot of good players. But when it pertained to the defense, had a young defense that impressed a lot of people. Now they’re coming back for a second year together. They got that experience with each other.”
Donald has high expectations for the defense, in particular. Having seen the young group led by Jared Verse, Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske shine toward the end of 2024, he believes they’ll keep improving the more they play together.
“I know they’re going to be that much better with each other,” Donald said. “The more you play with the team, play with guys, the more comfortable you feel. You understand how to play off guys, and do things like that. So I’m hoping that it’s going to be a better year than what it was last year, and it was a pretty good year. So I’m just going to be, as a fan in the stands, or on the couch watching, cheering them on. That’s it. But sky’s the limit for them guys.”
The Rams made a good run last season but there is plenty of room for improvement. The offense ranked 20th in points per game (21.6) and 15th in total yards (5,633), both of which were among the worst in the Sean McVay era.
The defense found a rhythm late in the year and only allowed more than 10 points twice in their final six games, but the Rams still finished 17th in points allowed and 26th in total defense.
The pass rush should continue to wreak havoc on opponents, but if the coverage on the back end can take a step forward, the Rams have a chance to be one of the best defenses in football.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Aaron Donald shares his expectations for the Rams in 2025
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
