Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens was not necessarily a must-win—it was more of a cannot lose. The Rams seemingly approached this game as such, as they played down to the Ravens’ level and this matchup was far closer than it ever should have been. Give LA credit for coming out on top. They win 17-3 and advance to 4-2 on the season.
While it was mostly an ugly outing, this is who stood out on an individual level in both positive and negative ways:
In what is becoming a trademark for the veteran, Landman punched the ball loose and the defense recovered for at least the second such time this season. That was far from the extent of his involvement, as he also recorded 17 (!) total tackles for the franchise record. This led the team and the next closest defender was Byron Young at eight.
The Rams signed Landman to only a one-year deal this offseason. He’s been the team’s best linebacker since at least Cory Littleton if not even further back. I wrote after the season opener that LA should consider extending him before the price tag goes up, and it’s only increased from that point. Landman deserves to be a multi-year starter for the Rams. If they don’t re-sign him, he could command a large deal like Zack Baun did this past offseason with the Eagles.
Lake secured two turnovers for the defense, including his first career interception and a recovered fumble. Lake is amidst a breakout year in his fourth season and could be on his way to Pro Bowl-type honors. While the outside corners have consistently struggled, Lake has been a reliable stronghold in the slot.
Similar to Landman, Lake is also set to become a free agent this offseason.
You don’t make the “winners” list because of two garbage time sacks, which Young earned in this game. Young is included in this group because he was consistently around the football and lived in the Baltimore backfield. While run defense has not always been his strong suit, he held up well in this game against Derrick Henry.
Young is emerging as a dynamic threat off the edge in his third season. Opposing offenses cannot account for all the pass rushing talent the Rams have, and to some extent Young is also a beneficiary of the additional attention paid to Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, and Jared Verse.
On paper 13 rushes for 50 yards (3.8 avg) and a touchdown is not an eye-popping outing; however, Williams was responsible for LA’s best and most important offensive play on the day. Matthew Stafford dropped back on fourth down with no one immediately open, and he was able to find Williams along the sideline for a 30-yard gain. Williams completed the catch in bounds by a single butt cheek. He later finished the drive with...
