The 9-6 Los Angeles Rams are closing in on an NFC West title, and a new physical identity has played a large part in that ascension.

According to Mike Sando of The Athletic, "Not quite two weeks ago, after the Rams outlasted the San Francisco 49ers in an ugly slog played in rainy conditions, an executive from another team made an observation: The Rams had surpassed the 49ers as the most physical team in the NFC West."

"I give the Rams credit because they were soft and they knew it, and they identified a couple things, and now they have become a grittier team than the 49ers," the executive added.

The Rams clearly prioritized physicality in recent years, re-signing offensive lineman Kevin Dotson this offseason and drafting Steve Avila last year. In the 2024 draft, they nabbed edge-rusher Jared Verse and defensive end Braden Fiske in the first two rounds.

"You look at how Detroit wins on the line of scrimmage, how Minnesota wins on the line of scrimmage, how Green Bay wins on the line of scrimmage," a coach from an opponent of the Rams said. "They are much in the same vein, where Verse is having a Defensive Rookie of the Year type season, and Fiske is in the mix as well. They are a physical team on defense and the offensive line is now healthy, so it is more physical too."

The Rams still have the Seattle Seahawks (8-7) lurking in the NFC West, so there is work to be done. But the team's new identity has them on the doorstep of a division crown, while the 6-9 Niners have been eliminated from playoff contention.