For the first month of the season, the inexperience of the Los Angeles Rams on defense was undeniable. Since veteran cornerback Darious Williams came off injured reserve in Week 5, it's the Rams defense that's been virtually inescapable.
After four weeks, LA ranked 31st in the NFL in defensive Expected Points Added, a comprehensive measure of situational performance. Since their bye, they're third in that metric.
Aside from Williams putting things in order in the secondary, what's led to the turnaround?
"I think pressure. Getting home," Williams told us this week. "You know, Jared Verse. We've got Braden Fiske. We've got all these guys up front that are just causing havoc. So, makes it easier on the back end."
In the last five games since the bye, the Rams defense is only allowing an average of 20 points per game with 11 takeaways and 18 sacks. Their growth has enabled the team to rally from a 1-4 start to 5-5.
Williams arrived in Los Angeles as a rookie at 25 years of age. As we've documented previously, he was undrafted out of UAB, released by the Baltimore Ravens, and claimed off waivers.
Now, he's 31, on his third NFL contract, and has a Super Bowl ring.
This week on Rams Revealed, Williams detailed what's changed – and what's stayed the same – since he first became a Ram.
"As a man, I've got a (four-year-old daughter), I've got a family – kid and a wife," the Jacksonville native said. "Coming here and gaining knowledge of football. That's not something I had in college."
After a two-year stint with the Jaguars, Williams returned to LA in free agency this spring. The organization has moved from Thousand Oaks to Woodland Hills. There's been staff and roster turnover. But what made the Rams Super Bowl LVI champions remains.
"That's the thing about this place, I think. Les (Snead), Sean (McVay). They do a real good job of just keeping a culture here. A culture that's unchangeable. Like, from my rookie year until now, you know we've been about family… And I think they do a real good job of just understanding that we're here to win, but it's also enjoyment of winning."
Williams and the Rams play host to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12, a Sunday Night Football showcase at SoFi Stadium.
We invite you to join us in Inglewood, and you can secure your tickets here.
Rams Revealed presented by Sleep Number is also available on YouTube or in audio format wherever you get your podcasts.
