Rams have one of the most diverse defensive schemes in NFL

At times, the Los Angeles Rams defense has looked like one of the best units in the NFL. While they've given up 99 points in the past three weeks, the Rams still rank eighth in points allowed on the year.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who is one of the top potential head coaching candidates this offseason, has put together a wildly successful unit with a combination of emerging stars like Jared Verse and Kobie Turner, quality veterans like Poona Ford and Akello Witherspoon and breakout starters like Nate Landman and Quentin Lake.

Shula's schematic prowess and the eclectic group of players have helped him put together one of the most diverse defenses in the NFL. Cody Alexander of Match Quarters graded each team's defense based on its varied use of personnel, coverages and blitzes.

The Rams finished fifth on his list, and well above the NFL average:

NFL Defensive Scheme Diversity

- Personnel
- Coverage
- Blitz

Combines all 3 to get a score of 1 to 100.

Texans = Straight Gas!
Chiefs = Smoke & Mirrors
-- pic.twitter.com/2Jf59cjY6f— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) January 2, 2026

It should come as no surprise, based on this list, that the best defenses are on either side of the chart. Some of the best units in the NFL are the most diverse, while some of the least-varied defenses are also considered among the best in the league.

Therefore, the top inference from this chart is simply that the best defensive coordinators know their identity — either as a complex defensive unit or a simplistic but effective one.

The Rams have proven this year that they are near the top of the league in their ability to hold opposing offenses. They wouldn't be top-10 in points allowed with 11 wins if they didn't. That flexibility, too, serves as a way to mold a gameplan around an opponent rather than stick with a rigid approach.

We'll see if it pays off in the postseason.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams have one of the most diverse defensive schemes in NFL