How Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions restore momentum?
Rams 2026 New Year’s Resolutions
Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions are nonnegotiable if Los Angeles wants to snap a late-season slide. Fans deserve clarity, and they deserve fixes that actually change outcomes. However, the roster’s recent form leaves more questions than answers.
Since Week 13 the Rams have stepped back defensively and on offense. They dropped three of their last five games, including back-to-back losses that exposed the run defense. In key matchups opponents broke explosive runs, and long touchdown rushes showed bigger schematic holes. Because of that, team identity blurred late and momentum slipped.
This piece lays out five focused resolutions the Rams must fix in 2026. Each resolution combines film study, personnel moves, and coaching adjustments. As a result, we will argue which fixes can return Los Angeles to sustained contention. Read on if you want an analytical, fan-first roadmap that balances numbers and real-world context.
However, these resolutions are not cosmetic. They must address run defense, offensive line depth, and the cornerback rotation. Fans want accountability, and coaches must deliver clearer plans. Therefore, the coming offseason matters more than ever.
Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions — run defense reality
The Rams’ run defense flipped from steady to brittle after Week 11. Since Week 12 opponents have attacked seams and exploded for big gains. As a result, Los Angeles now faces clear schematic and personnel questions.
From Weeks 1 through 11 the Rams allowed a 47.1 percent rushing success rate. However, explosive runs were rare early. The explosive run rate sat at 1.7 percent, and 9.5 percent of rushing yards came via explosive plays.
Since Week 12 the picture changed. The team now allows a 45.3 percent rushing success rate and a 5 percent explosive run rate. Even worse, 35.6 percent of rushing yards now come from explosive runs. That swing matters because one long run alters field position and game script.
Key statistics at a glance
- Weeks 1–11 rushing success rate: 47.1 percent
- Weeks 1–11 explosive run rate: 1.7 percent
- Weeks 1–11 rushing yards from explosive plays: 9.5 percent
- Since Week 12 rushing success rate: 45.3 percent
- Since Week 12 explosive run rate: 5 percent
- Since Week 12 rushing yards from explosive plays: 35.6 percent
- Notable long touchdown runs allowed: 44, 62, 78 yards in playoff game
- Recent long TDs allowed: 55 and 93 yards (last two weeks)
Personnel and performance
Los Angeles added Poona Ford and Nate Landman to shore up gaps. Jared Verse and Byron Young improved on the edge early, however the interior still struggled to finish tackles. Landman’s post-extension regression coincided with the run defense slide, which complicates personnel evaluations.
Poona Ford has schematic value because he can clog A gaps. Nevertheless, missed tackles and late penetration reduced his impact in several games. As a result opponents found cutback lanes more often than they should.
Why this derails the team
Explosive runs flip win probability and shorten games for the offense. Consequently the Rams’ offense faces more fourth down situations and longer third downs. Therefore the passing game sees fewer controlled, downfield opportunities.
Analytical takeaways and fixes to prioritize
- Re-emphasize gap integrity and tackling drills in offseason practice
- Evaluate linebacker rotation and workload for Nate Landman
- Add interior disruption via free agency or the draft because short gains kill drives
- Continue developing Jared Verse and Byron Young as edge setters
For more context on roster and schematic changes, see earlier analysis on RamsNews: Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions and the LA Rams offense primer: LA Rams offense primer. League defensive benchmarks are available at the NFL stats page: NFL stats page.
Offensive Line Analysis
Offensive line spending and depth shape the Rams offense. The team ranks 11th in positional spending on the offensive line, yet depth and rookie starts create questions. The table below summarizes contracts acquisitions and recent performance for starters and backups.
| Player | Position | Acquisition | 2025 Role | Notes and Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaric Jackson | Offensive tackle | Paid veteran signing | Starter | Paid as part of the OL spending pool. Provides veteran reps and pass protection stability |
| Kevin Dotson | Guard | Paid free agent | Starter | Primary run blocker. Team invested in him as part of the OL spending commitment |
| Coleman Shelton | Center | Paid veteran | Starter | Veteran leader at center. Helps pre snap calls and interior continuity |
| Warren McClendon | Right tackle | 2025 fifth round pick | Starter | Rookie starter on the right side. Growing pains but durable and serviceable |
| Jarquez Hunter | Running back | 2025 fourth round pick | Mostly inactive | Selected 117th overall. Limited availability and snaps with Rams depth chart |
| Jalen Travis | Tackle comparison | 2025 fourth round pick (Colts) | Active elsewhere | Picked 127th by Colts. Over 200 snaps for Indianapolis, a contrast in rookie usage |
| Justin Dedich | Guard | Depth signing | Backup | Depth behind Avila and Dotson. Provides interior insurance when needed |
| Limmer | Guard | Internal depth | Backup | Has shown a step back in performance late in the season |
Analytical Takeaways
- Spending rank masks depth issues because top paid pieces still face inconsistencies. Therefore the team must address backup readiness and interior play.
- Rookie starts at right tackle show upside but also risk. As a result more veteran depth is sensible for short term stability.
- Keep evaluating Justin Dedich and other backups in spring practices because reliable depth prevents late season collapses.
Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions — stabilize the cornerback rotation and repair cohesion
Los Angeles never set a clear cornerback rotation this season. As a result, coverage mismatches cropped up late. Because of that, opponents targeted uncertain alignments and exploited situational matchups.
Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams provided veteran snaps, however neither sealed a dependable CB1 role. Consequently the Rams rotated frequently in nickel and outside sets. Sauce Gardner arises here as a benchmark, because elite corners lock down one side and let coaches simplify coverage concepts.
Off-field distractions made matters worse. Puka Nacua’s recent controversy produced noise in media forums and social feeds. Therefore locker room focus fractured at times, and message discipline suffered. Fans saw tweet threads and podcast clips, and coaches publicly warned players to be smart in public forums.
How instability shows up on the field
- Inconsistent matchups on third down increased completion rates against man coverage
- Slot coverage varied, so opponents found easier interior passing lanes
- Communication errors led to late switches and occasional blown coverages
Why this matters for Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions
A fixed rotation reduces playbook complexity and helps younger players. As a result, defensive calls become cleaner and tackling assignments improve. Therefore the Rams should prioritize a defined CB hierarchy and accountability standards.
Immediate offseason actions to consider
- Decide on a CB1 and emphasize his role in the scheme
- Add a press corner in free agency or the draft to reduce cushion plays
- Enforce media guidelines and teach social media discipline
Stabilizing the cornerback room will improve coverage consistency. Ultimately better cohesion boosts confidence across defense and special teams.
The Rams 2026 New Year’s Resolutions
The Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions center on four actionable themes: fix the run defense, shore up offensive line depth, settle the cornerback rotation, and reduce off-field distractions. Each resolution targets the clear weaknesses exposed late in the season. Therefore coaches and front office must prioritize measurable improvements.
Addressing run defense requires interior disruption and better gap discipline. Similarly, adding veteran offensive line depth will protect the quarterback and help the ground game. As a result, the team can avoid explosive opponent runs and maintain offensive balance.
Stabilizing the cornerback rotation will cut coverage mistakes and simplify play calls. Meanwhile enforcing media and social guidelines will protect locker room focus. Consequently the Rams can rebuild cohesion and clarity across units.
This analysis comes from Rams News LLC and draws on film study and statistics. For further reading visit Rams News and follow updates on Twitter. In short, the fixes are clear and attainable. With smart moves the Rams can turn the slump into momentum in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions?
The Rams 2026 New Year’s resolutions focus on fix run defense, add offensive line depth, settle the cornerback rotation, and limit off-field distractions. Each resolution pairs film study with personnel moves. Therefore the plan prioritizes measurable, short-term gains that restore consistency.
Why did the Rams’ run defense regress late in the season?
The unit allowed more explosive runs after Week 11. From Weeks 1 to 11 the explosive run rate was low, at about 1.7 percent. Since Week 12 the explosive run rate rose to near 5 percent, and 35.6 percent of rushing yards came from long gains. Consequently opponents flipped field position and changed game script.
Is offensive line depth a critical problem?
Yes. The Rams rank 11th in OL spending, but backups showed inconsistency. Warren McClendon started as a rookie, and depth pieces like Justin Dedich and Limmer varied in performance. As a result the line needs veteran depth to protect the passer and stabilize the run game.
How can the Rams fix the cornerback rotation?
Pick a clear CB1 and reduce rotational confusion. Add a press corner if needed. Enforce accountability in practice, and then simplify coverage calls. This will cut blown coverages and improve situational defense.
Do off-field issues like Puka Nacua’s controversy affect performance?
Yes, they can. Media noise distracts players and strains focus. However clear team rules and communication reduce that risk. Therefore disciplined messaging protects cohesion and on-field execution.