Overview

• The Rams targeted their run defense in free agency, headlined by defensive tackle Poona Ford on a three-year, $27.6 million deal that includes about $17 million guaranteed, and added linebacker Nate Landman on a one-year contract.
• Through two wins over the Texans and Titans, Los Angeles has allowed minus-.03 EPA per rush and no runs of 15-plus yards, and the defense has yielded only one touchdown, according to team and Next Gen Stats reporting.
• Last season, Barkley gashed the Rams twice with 255 and 205 rushing yards and four long touchdown runs (70, 72, 62 and 78 yards), performances that helped drive the Rams’ offseason recalibration up front.
• Rams voices emphasize eliminating explosive runs, with defenders recalling frequent stacked boxes in those losses and coaches stressing every-snap discipline against a runner who can break the game open.
• Barkley enters Week 3 averaging 3.7 yards per carry without a 100-yard game and says he is focused on the current offense and process rather than last year’s results.