ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky has voiced significant concerns regarding the Los Angeles Rams' defensive strategy and its coordinator, Chris Shula, following the team's 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne. Orlovsky suggested that the defense, despite its perceived talent, has struggled in recent games, pointing to performances against quarterbacks Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold, and Brock Purdy as evidence.
Defensive Scheme Adjustments
Analysis of the Rams' defensive play-calling in the Week 1 game revealed a notable departure from their 2025 regular season tendencies. During the previous season, the Rams employed defensive line stunts on approximately 41.7% of opposing dropbacks. This rate dropped to 19.4% against the 49ers. Similarly, the use of schemed pressures, a category encompassing blitzes and simulated pressures, decreased from 39.1% to 25%. Traditional blitz frequency also saw a decline from about 18% to 14%.
This shift in pressure packages may suggest an oversimplification of the rush plan, potentially relying too heavily on individual talent like defensive end Myles Garrett without schematic assistance. If the intention was for the four-man rush to generate disruption independently, the strategy proved ineffective in the game against San Francisco. Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, finished the game without a sack, tackle, or quarterback hit.
Coverage and Personnel Decisions
Coverage choices also drew scrutiny. In 2025, Cover 3 and Cover 2 were the Rams' most frequent coverages, utilized on roughly 33% and 19% of dropbacks, respectively. Against the 49ers, Cover 3 and Cover 4 each appeared on approximately 31% of plays, while Cover 2 was not utilized in the limited sample. The Rams' rate of man coverage also decreased from about 20% to 14%.
While Cover 4 can incorporate man-coverage principles, the reduction in traditional man coverage is considered curious given the Rams' investment in cornerback Trent McDuffie, who excels in man coverage. His acquisition was expected to provide more flexibility in Shula's defensive schemes, including the use of aggressive pressure packages enabled by strong cornerback play.
Personnel usage also presented questions. The Rams' nickel package increased from about 42% to 47%, while their dime package decreased from approximately 32% to 25%. This occurred despite the presence of multiple defensive backs in their secondary, including McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Kamren Curl, Quentin Lake, and Kamren Kinchens, who could potentially allow for more dime formations without compromising run defense. The effectiveness of the dime package may be further complicated by an ankle injury to Kamren Curl, a versatile defender whose ability to play multiple roles within the defense connects various schematic elements.
While acknowledging that one game is insufficient to define a team's entire defensive identity and that factors like the absence of Aaron Donald and Garrett's knee issue, as well as opponent-specific game plans, are relevant, Orlovsky's critique highlights a concern that the Rams' initial defensive plan may have underutilized the strengths of their roster.