Joshua Josephs is poised to be Tennessee football's next standout edge rusher, following in the footsteps of notable predecessors like Byron Young and James Pearce. Josephs, a senior at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, humbly acknowledges the expectations but emphasizes his unique skill set, distinct from those who came before him. Last season, he recorded comparable statistics to Pearce, yet felt overshadowed. Despite not receiving postseason accolades, his high defensive grade from Pro Football Focus highlights his potential. With younger talents backing him up, the Vols need Josephs to step up as a game-changer in the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Rams are in the process of reshaping their defensive line in the wake of Aaron Donald's retirement, a move that left a significant void. General manager Les Snead revealed that it took five top-100 draft picks to begin to address this challenge. Among the notable selections were Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner, each demonstrating potential to fill Donald's shoes in various capacities.

While they've started to see success—Verse was named the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and Fiske racked up 8.5 sacks—the Rams have struggled defensively against the run. To bolster this area, they've signed veteran Poona Ford, who brings experience and the ability to contribute in stopping the run. The Rams appear committed to building a young core while trying to maintain competitiveness, a balancing act that will be crucial in the coming seasons.

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a crucial NFC championship game against the Washington Commanders with some injury uncertainties, particularly on the offensive line. Center Cam Jurgens is listed as questionable due to a back injury, which could lead to Landon Dickerson stepping in at center, while Tyler Steen may take Dickerson's usual left guard spot. Despite Jurgens' limited practice participation, Jalen Hurts, Dallas Goedert, and Quinyon Mitchell are expected to play without issues.

Hurts is recovering from a left knee injury and anticipates wearing a brace during the game. Goedert, who practiced fully after an ankle issue, reported feeling good and ready to contribute. The Eagles have also ruled out wide receiver Britain Covey and defensive tackle Byron Young due to injuries. Coach Nick Sirianni expressed confidence in Dickerson's ability to handle the center role, citing his college experience, which might be critical as the Eagles aim to secure their place in the Super Bowl.

Aaron Donald's retirement has left a significant void within the Los Angeles Rams, prompting a strategic overhaul in the team's defensive lineup. Head coach Sean McVay emphasized Donald's uniqueness, describing him as 'one of one.' This offseason, the Rams focused on enhancing their defensive capabilities, culminating in the selection of promising talents like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske during the draft. Under defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the young defense has transformed from a liability to a formidable unit, evident in their recent playoff performance against the Minnesota Vikings, where they achieved a record-tying nine sacks.

Despite the early season struggles, highlighted by a humiliating 41-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams regrouped after a Week 5 bye. They rebounded by winning nine of their final eleven games, showcasing a newfound resilience and teamwork among their defensive players. The competition for sacks among the young pass rushers, sparked by a playful 'beard competition,' has further fueled their performance, with Fiske leading the rookie class in sacks. The Rams' defense, while still echoing Donald's influence, is poised to make a statement in the upcoming divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles, with a focus on proving their mettle without their legendary leader.

The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round at Lincoln Financial Field, following a recent wild-card victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The weather forecast predicts challenging conditions with temperatures in the low 30s and possible sleet or snow, contrasting sharply with the warmer environment at State Farm Stadium during their last game. The Eagles previously defeated the Rams 37-20 in November at SoFi Stadium. However, the Rams have gained momentum, winning five of their last six games, and are looking to uplift a community affected by recent wildfires.

Key strategies for the Rams include neutralizing Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley, who had a standout performance earlier in the season against them. For the Eagles, maintaining a strong offensive line to protect quarterback Jalen Hurts and ensure Barkley's effectiveness will be crucial. Injury concerns are present for both teams, with notable names like Rams linebacker Troy Reeder and Eagles defensive tackle Byron Young ruled out of the matchup.