The Los Angeles Rams (4-4) are playing their best football at the most ideal time as they look to win the NFC West title in the second half of the season. The main reason for this three-game winning streak rests on the shoulders of one of the youngest defensive groups in the league.

In last week’s overtime win against the division rival Seattle Seahawks (4-5), the Rams recorded 24 tackles, three interceptions and 3.5 sacks from rookie defenders. This group of first-year point guards is a different animal.

One thing is certain, these youngsters will only progress, gaining valuable experience in an extremely competitive division. The success they showed as a unit last week proves they can compete at the highest level right out of the gate.

“I think it’s just that,” head coach Sean McVay said Thursday. “There’s a group of guys that continue to get better. They come to work every day and they’re incredibly coachable. There’s a lot of versatility in terms of the skills of these people that you’re talking about. I think (defensive coordinator ) Chris Shula and our defensive coaching staff have done a great job of really bringing that to life or giving them an opportunity where ultimately the players are bringing it to life but there’s an ability to know, let’s stay humble. and continue to improve. I really enjoyed being with this group and I think we can all see it. It’s hard not to want to see these guys succeed.

Overall, the Rams are the second youngest team in the NFL with an average age of 25. In a defense that just a few years ago boasted veterans like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, the defense has turned its age around. .

There have been several rookie starters on defense who all also made big plays in key moments during this season. They have shown their efficiency over the last three games, limiting teams to an average of 18.3 points per game with seven total turnovers.

The most consistent defensive player so far this season is in his first season of professional football. Rookie linebacker Jared Verse has been making waves throughout the league as the next rising defensive star.

Verse leads all rookies in sacks (3.5) and quarterback pressures (39). The former Florida State Seminole made a huge impact in the first eight games of his NFL career. He was awarded the NFL on FOX Midseason Defensive Rookie of the Year award earlier this week.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has taken a toll on the youthful energy that Verse brings to everyday life and the number of young athletes adapting to the speed and feel of the professional level. The ceiling of this young core is through the roof with how special they were early on.

“They do a great job,” Stafford said. “I just think about (Jared) Verse’s first few practices here in OTAs without pads. He’s crushing people. We’re trying to teach him how to practice with our own team and do all that kind of stuff. Growth is what “He’s been through it’s been amazing to watch and see. I think there’s a group of young guys on our team that are growing quickly and doing a good job. I don’t know if they’re taking cues from me. I only speak as much as Verse, but if they follow clues, they follow clues.

This strong defense will have another chance to showcase its talent this Monday night when the Rams host the struggling Miami Dolphins (2-6) in Week 10. Another strong defensive performance and a win positions this team as one of the most dangerous of all. NFC.

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