Los Angeles Rams’ Young Pass Rushers Make Strides Amid Upcoming Test Against Philadelphia Eagles

The Los Angeles Rams‘ young pass rushing unit, comprising key players such as Byron Young, Caleb Fiske, Dwayne Turner, and Jared Verse, has been showcasing substantial progress this season. Despite entering the NFL as overlooked prospects, these players have quickly elevated their performance, currently amassing a total of 27 sacks, ranking them twelfth in the league. «There’s a hunger and drive that comes from all of us from being the underdog,» Fiske commented on their collective journey and mindset.

The Rams’ defensive line faces a significant challenge this Sunday as they host the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. The Eagles, boasting an 8-2 record and a dynamic offensive lineup led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, and star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, present a formidable opponent. The Eagles’ offensive line, although missing retired center Jason Kelce, remains strong with veterans such as Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson. «They’ve got a lot of vet players on the line that have played a lot of ball,» observed Jared Verse, the Rams’ rookie drafted from Florida State.

All four Rams players began their college careers at smaller schools before transitioning to larger programs, sharpening their skills and drawing the attention of Rams’ scouts, including General Manager Les Snead. Snead himself started his journey from a similar underdog position in college before making his mark in the NFL. «I would think there’s a net-positive version of intangibles there,» Snead remarked, referring to players’ willingness to thrive in challenging environments.

Sean McVay, head coach of the Rams, has praised the group’s resilience, noting how they’ve bonded over shared experiences of perseverance. The team has demonstrated strong synergy, supporting each other both on and off the field. Veteran outside linebacker Michael Hoecht, who also began his career in the Football Championship Subdivision, serves as a mentor to these rising stars. «You have to constantly prove to yourself, day in and day out, that you’re worth your keep,» said Turner, reiterating the group’s collective ethos.

Looking towards their matchup, the Rams focus on one of the Eagles’ notorious plays, widely known as «The Brotherly Shove» or «tush push,» spearheaded by Hurts. This tactic, involving players pushing the quarterback into defensive lines, has seen high success rates for the Eagles. «It’s been really difficult for people to stop,» McVay commented, acknowledging the challenge. Defensive efforts to counter this play highlight strategies of physicality and timing, such as «staying lower than their guys and beating them off the ball,» according to Fiske, though practicing this play remains risky due to potential injuries.