7 LA Rams players hoping training camp success translates into season

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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Outside linebacker

The LA Rams did not accidentally sign outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. He was a former player for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Not just someone who showed up, but a player who understood that defense and his contribution intimately. He is the most knowledgeable about Staley’s defense because he has the longest history with Staley.

Statistics do not mean as much as you think. If Floyd defended a receiver well, the quarterback throws elsewhere. Floyd did his job, but statistics record nothing for his effort. So it is with his tenure as a Chicago Bear. He took the less glamorous role of defending the receiver while his teammate, Khalil Mack, targetted the quarterback. Floyd did his role, albeit not the role fans take much notice of.

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Teammate testimony

As Floyd has been competing with the LA Rams, the best witnesses of his capability are those players who face him the most. He’s been up against Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein the most, so what does he say?

Rams RT Rob Havenstein on practicing against new LB Leonard Floyd this month: "He runs long. He's a big body, and he chews up yards when he runs. He works his buns off, and it's really good competition for me."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 31, 2020

Floyd is getting plenty of positive reports out of training camp and scrimmages. Not only is he savvy about the defense, but the change of address seems to have rekindled a very strong passion to play. Floyd is a very gifted outside linebacker who can truly do it all.

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