LOS ANGELES (AP) — From Nate Landman to the Land Shark, the Los Angeles Rams’ defense is staking a claim as the strength of the team.

It’s a somewhat surprising development for a unit that struggled pretty badly a year ago, but the Rams have begun the new season with an extension of their best stretch of play since Aaron Donald retired.

The defense carried Los Angeles to a 14-9 victory over the Houston Texans in the season opener on Sunday.

The Rams held C.J. Stroud and his teammates to 265 yards and three field goals, shutting them out in the second half. Coordinator Chris Shula’s group allowed only four snaps in the Los Angeles red zone, all on the same drive in the first half.

Going back to last December, the Rams have held five of their past seven opponents under 10 points — and th

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