LA Rams: Sean McVay talks Matthew Stafford and reserve RBs

Mandatory Credit: John McCoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: John McCoy-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 3
Matthew Stafford LA Rams Training Camp
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Linebacker lineup

In most scenarios, being the rookie amongst veteran players gives that young player a lower standing than the others. I’m not convinced that is what is happening for the LA Rams linebacker situation this year. Of course, the pads just went on today, and nothing can be truly measured or evaluated until the team sees how the guys handle the traffic at the heart of the defense with contact.

Still, I’m not sure that returning veterans truly hold an advantage this year. Contractually, all four players from last year’s 53-man roster (well, I am including Travin Howard in that group) faces the last year of their respective contracts in 2021. From a purely logistical standpoint, tiebreakers should go the way of the rookie Ernest Jones, or at least to Christian Rozeboom or Derrick Moncrief, as their contracts extend beyond one year.

This will be a tough group to sort out. Whether due to the fact that everyone’s talent levels are nearly at the same level or the fact that the coaches are assessing each position in pairs, this will take some time. The group had some flashes of expert play last season, particularly when Micah Kiser was on the field. Trouble was, he was on the field a lot early, and not on the field very much later in the season.

When Kiser fell to injury, the LA Rams had just defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, were 7-3, and were probably playing some of their best football.  With his absence the rest of the season, the LA Rams were 3-3 to close out the regular season, and 1-1 in the playoffs. Now, I’m not saying that Kiser was the keystone. But I do believe that defensive continuity is crucial for the Rams’ defense.

However the team stacks the depth chart for the 2021 season, durability should play a solid part in the evaluation.

Schedule