The Los Angeles Rams went from worst to first in points this past season, helping them earn an 11-5 record and division title. As good as the offense was, though, the defense deserves some credit, too.

Despite ranking 28th against the run, the Rams allowed the 12th-fewest points in the league. Their pass defense was particularly good, intercepting 18 passes and allowing just 21 touchdown passes. Part of the reason Los Angeles had so much success against the pass was the pressure guys like Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers were able to generate.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Rams had the fourth-most pressures in the league with 260, trailing only the Seahawks (261), Redskins (269) and Eagles (291). Donald had 65 of those pressures.

While the Rams’ top-ranked scoring offense stole the headlines during the team’s epic turnaround, their ferocious pass rush was just as big a factor in the team’s playoff berth. Led by Defensive Player of the Year winner Aaron Donald, Los Angeles racked up 260 pressures during the 2017 regular season. Donald bullied through offensive linemen all season, posting 65 pressures. He trailed only Chandler Jones (66) for the league lead in pressures, despite playing two fewer games than the Cardinals edge rusher.

Robert Quinn had a disappointing season, but late in the year, he began to find his footing. He generated pressures on 14.2 percent of his rushes, which is a solid number for a player with only 8.5 sacks.

Even though the pass rush had some success in 2017, the Rams still have a need at outside linebacker. Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin could be on their way out of L.A., leaving a gaping hole at the position.

As long as the Rams have No. 99, however, they’ll be in good shape. He can single-handedly carry the defensive line with at least 60 pressures of his own each year.