The Los Angeles Rams (4-4) are playing their best football at the most ideal time as they look to make an NFC West title run in the second half of the season. The biggest reason for the three-game winning streak rests on the shoulders of one of the youngest defensive groups in the league.

In last week’s overtime win over the division rival Seattle Seahawks (4-5), the Rams saw 24 tackles, three interceptions and 3.5 sacks from the rookie linebacker. This group of first-year point guards is a different animal.

One thing is for sure, these young guys will only improve and gain valuable experience in an extremely competitive division. The success they showed as a unit last week proves they can compete at the highest level right out of the gate.

“I think it just is,” head coach Sean McVay said Thursday. “It’s filled with a bunch of guys that keep getting better. They come to work every day and they’re incredibly coachable. There’s a lot of versatility in terms of what the skill set of these individuals that you’re talking about has I think (defensive coordinator ) Chris Shula and our defensive coaching staff have done a great job of really bringing that to life or giving them an opportunity where ultimately players bring it to life. There’s a presence, but there’s an ability to know, let’s move on to I’ve really enjoyed being around this group. It’s hard not to want to see these guys do well. They have an infectious energy and enthusiasm about them.

Overall, the Rams are the second-youngest team in the NFL with an average age of 25. In a defense that just a few years ago had veterans in the likes of Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, the defense has turned upside down on its age .

There have been several starting rookies on defense who have all made big plays in key moments over the course of this season. They have shown their early impact over the past three games, holding teams to an average of 18.3 points per game with seven total turnovers.

The most consistent defenseman so far this season has been one in his first season of professional football. Rookie linebacker Jared Verse has been making waves throughout the league as the next rising defensive star.

Verse leads all rookies in sacks (3.5) and quarterbacks (39). The former Florida State Seminole has made a big impact in the first eight games of his NFL career. He was awarded Midseason Defensive Rookie of the Year by the NFL on FOX earlier this week.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford weighed in on the youthful energy that Verse brings on a daily basis and how many of the young athletes are adjusting to the speed and feel of the professional level. The ceiling for this young core is through the roof with how special they have been early on.

“They’re doing a great job,” Stafford said. “I just think about (Jared) Verse’s first couple of practices here in OTAs without pads on. He’s running people over. We’re trying to teach him to practice with our own team and do all that stuff. The growth that he’s had has been amazing to watch and see. I think there’s a bunch of young guys on our team who are growing up fast and doing a good job. I don’t know if they’re taking any cues from me I don’t talk as much as verses, but if they’re taking cues, they’re taking the clues.”

This stout defense will get another chance to show its stuff this Monday night when the Rams host the struggling Miami Dolphins (2-6) in Week 10. Another solid defensive performance and a win makes this team one of the most dangerous throughout NFC.

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