# Rams' Season Start Concerns > Rams' defense struggles despite strong talent additions. - Title: Rams' Season Start Concerns · SI | Shortify - Summary: Rams' defense struggles despite strong talent additions. Rams' run defense and offensive depth concerns after rough start against 49ers. - Keywords: rams, 49ers, miles garrett, aaron donald, jalen duren, joey porter jr, broncos, davis webb, seahawks, nfl, sports, Rams' - Source: SI — https://si.com/nfl/video/albert-breer-on-rams-rough-start-porter-jr-contract-and-broncos-panic-meter-01m2n9v4rxhs5sjpxt50 - Published: 2026-09-16T14:34:30+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: rams, 49ers, miles garrett, aaron donald, jalen duren, joey porter jr, broncos, davis webb, seahawks, nfl, sports ## Rams' Season Start The Rams opened the season in Australia with a Thursday game against the 49ers after a long flight and time difference challenges. > It's that they were in Australia. So they were opening on a Thursday. ## Rams' Defense Concerns The Rams run defense allowed 174 yards on 30 carries from the 49ers despite strong defensive additions. > The 49ers rushed for 174 yards on 30 carries. ## Rams' Offensive Depth The Rams struggled to threaten defenses downfield with only two plays over 16 yards in the game. > The Rams only had two plays in the entire game of over 16 yards. ## Rams' Pass Rush Miles Garrett played hurt but the Rams' pass rush remains a concern with his bulky knee. > Miles Garrett was really good in Cleveland, but if he's got this bulky knee, how's it gonna affect him? ## Rams' Rivalry Context The Rams and 49ers rivalry has a history of the 49ers controlling the game tempo. > The 49ers believe that they are the more physical team when they play against the Rams, and that's always been their edge. ## Joey Porter Jr. Contract Joey Porter Jr. is seen as a good but not great player with a significant gap in contract market expectations. > Joey Porter is seen as a good, not great player. ## Contract Market Gap The top corner market has moved slowly while the second tier players have a significant gap in contract values. > Joey Porter Junior was probably anticipating the top of the move of the market moving, moving faster. ## Broncos' Play Calling Davis Webb's offense struggled with only 17 to 28 passes and 61 yards on 15 carries. > Bo Nix, 17 to 28, 131 yards, a touchdown, a pick. ## Broncos' Future Sean Payton believes in Davis Webb and the Broncos' potential to become Super Bowl contenders. > Sean Payton really believes in Davis Webb. ## Rams' Long-Term Outlook The Rams have concerns about their run defense but are expected to improve with time. > I think they're gonna be just fine. ## Rams' Defense Strength The Rams defense has added talent including Miles Garrett and Aaron Donald. > They had Trent McDuffie, they had Jalen Watson, they had Miles Garrett, they've got Aaron Donald coming back. ## Rams' Offensive Strategy The Rams' offense uses a 13-personnel strategy to counter physical defenses. > Going 13 personnel and investing in tight ends and being able to roll that personnel grouping out there was in so many ways, a counter to what we've seen from those sorts of defenses playing that style. ## Rams' Speed Concerns The Rams' offense lacks speed to take the top off defenses. > The one thing that I heard people from opposing teams talk about with the Rams was team speed on offense. ## Broncos' Play Calling Davis Webb's play calling is expected to improve with experience and time. > I think Davis Webb as a coach will take a lot from having had to face Spagnolo in his first game as a play caller. ## Rams' Future Concerns The Rams need to address run defense and offensive depth concerns. > The run defense with the group that they put together, I think you at least have a little bit of concern on that. ## Broncos' Potential The Broncos have potential to become Super Bowl contenders with Davis Webb. > The Broncos are gonna get it. ## Key takeaway Rams' run defense and offensive depth concerns after rough start against 49ers.