Myles Garrett will undoubtedly change how the Los Angeles Rams play defense in 2026. He’s a game-wrecker who knows how to shed blockers, get to the quarterback and stop ballcarriers. And while those traits aren’t new to the Rams, Garrett’s presence could unlock a new scheme for Chris Shula’s defense.
Sumer Sports’ Tej Seth predicts the Rams will use a lot of dime packages (six defensive backs on the field) as well as personnel groups that include just four total pass rushers.
Why? For one, Garrett and the Browns were one of the NFL leaders in sack rate vs. expected points added on dropbacks in 2025 (per Underdog) on four-man rushes. The Rams, meanwhile, were pretty average at it. L.A. also made it a point to add two sensational cornerbacks in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson and keep safety Kamren Curl to fortify their secondary. Finally, the Rams’ weakest defensive position, linebacker, is now its least important.
It’s not a bad prediction given how the Rams used a good pass rusher to build their defense in 2025, but they couldn’t turn that into crushing defensive wins, especially against good offenses down the stretch. The new trio of McDuffie, Watson and Garrett change that math more now as the Rams look to build off the success of last year and clean up the gaps in their defense that plagued the team during their losses and in the playoffs.
We’ll see what Shula does now with his new pieces, but it stands to reason they’ll at least attempt to find ways to make opposing offenses cower with just four-man rushes.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Analyst predicts how Rams defense will look with Myles Garrett
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
