# The Rams defense has a coordinator problem

> A loaded Rams defense got run over by the 49ers, and the heat is landing on Chris Shula.
- Title: The Rams defense has a coordinator problem · Newsweek
- Summary: A loaded Rams defense got run over by the 49ers, and the heat is landing on Chris Shula. Talent did not fix the Rams defense, which means the problem sits…
- Keywords: nfl, los angeles rams, chris shula, defense, coaching, Rams, coordinator, problem, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/rams-dc-chris-shula-comes-under-fire-after-ugly-loss-to-49ers-12432531
- Author: Rowan Fisher-Shotton
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nfl, los angeles rams, chris shula, defense, coaching
## A debut that went wrong
Thursday night in Australia was supposed to launch the new-look Rams defense with Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie. The 49ers won 27-7.
## The box score was brutal
Los Angeles gave up 379 total yards, forced one turnover, and did not record a single sack against San Francisco.
## Blame shifts to the booth
The line of Garrett, Turner, Fiske and Young took most of the criticism, until ESPN's Dan Orlovsky pointed at defensive coordinator Chris Shula on First Take.

> I'm concerned about their defensive coordinator.
## Four quarterbacks, same result
Orlovsky noted the same defense was carved up by Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold and Brock Purdy, four very different passers.

> Myles Garrett was completely ghosted by Kyle Shanahan.
## Third down is the tell
Over those four games the Rams allowed a 98.3 QBR on third down, with 100 being perfect, and managed one sack. That is a two-year pattern, not a bad night.

> That is an issue that over two years is a carryover.
## The offense was carrying them
Last season's 12-5 run was built on Stafford, Nacua and Adams leading the league in yards and points. The defense sat mid-pack and gave up 31 in the NFC title game.
## Key takeaway

Talent did not fix the Rams defense, which means the problem sits with the scheme and the coach calling it.