Rams Quietly Build Roster Designed to Beat Defending Champion Eagles originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Rams have been quietly assembling the perfect formula to challenge the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. After three years of compelling battles, the Rams may finally have the pieces in place to flip the script when they travel to Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 21 for a 1 p.m. ET showdown on FOX.
The recent playoff history tells the story. In their last meeting, the Eagles escaped with a 28–23 victory when Jalen Carter’s sack on Matthew Stafford prevented a likely touchdown pass. The Rams still drove 60 yards on their final possession, falling just short with an incomplete pass to Puka Nacua at the Philadelphia 22-yard line. That heartbreaking defeat shaped Los Angeles’ entire offseason approach.
The Rams made calculated moves to address their weaknesses. They secured Stafford with a new contract while moving on from injury-prone Cooper Kupp, whose declining production made him expendable despite his Super Bowl pedigree. In his place, they signed Davante Adams to a $26 million deal. Adams brings nearly 1,000 career receptions and more than 100 touchdowns, along with the reliability and red zone prowess Kupp could no longer consistently provide.
NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis believes these changes position the Rams perfectly. “When you look at the Rams, they are a dark horse,” Bettis told RG.com. “In their division, they are the favorites. I think the team they’re going to have to beat is going to be the Eagles. They’re built to beat the Eagles, and if they can slow down the running game, they’ve got a chance.”
That running game remains the key. Saquon Barkley has tormented the Rams, rushing for 460 yards and three touchdowns of 70-plus yards in just two games, including 205 yards in their playoff loss. But Los Angeles specifically targeted this weakness by signing veteran defensive tackle Poona Ford, who earned an 80.3 Pro Football Focus run defense grade in 2024 and helped the Chargers improve from 22nd to 15th in rush defense. They also drafted Ohio State’s Ty Hamilton, who ranked eighth among interior linemen in run stop rate.
While the Rams improved, Philadelphia faces vulnerabilities. The Eagles lost key defensive lineman Milton Williams to the Patriots on a four-year, $104 million contract. Williams generated the second-highest pressure rate among defensive tackles last season at 12.5 percent and was crucial during their Super Bowl run. His departure, along with other defensive losses, diminished what was previously the league’s deepest defensive line.
Sean McVay can now exploit Philadelphia’s aggressive defense with Adams’ precise route-running and reliable hands, giving Stafford a consistent safety valve to neutralize the Eagles’ pressure-heavy approach. The combination of improved run defense and an enhanced passing attack creates a blueprint specifically designed to beat Philadelphia.
The Sept. 21 matchup serves as an early-season measuring stick for both teams’ championship aspirations. For the Rams, it’s a chance to prove their strategic improvements translate to on-field success against their standard-bearer. For Philadelphia, it’s an opportunity to show their championship was no fluke while dealing with a motivated challenger seeking revenge.
If Bettis’ assessment proves accurate, the NFC championship race may run through Los Angeles this season. The Rams have methodically addressed their weaknesses while building upon their strengths, creating a team specifically constructed to dethrone the defending champions. Their Week 3 collision course with Philadelphia will provide the first real test of whether these improvements can deliver championship-caliber results.
Related: Watt Trade Proposal Would Mark Eagles’ Worst Nightmare
Related: Eagles TE Trade Predicted Ahead of Training Camp
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.