Rams vs. Colts: Winners and losers from Week 2

Rams Loser: Kenny Young

The LA Rams starting inside linebacker made some incredible plays in week one. In week two? Not so much. It was not going to be a great game for Young, He was making some tackles, but the Colts were able to attack the middle of the field by showing a series of high-low routes.  That is, they sent two receivers into the zone covered by the inside linebacker.  Kenny Young bit on the guy in front of him and allowed the guy behind him to catch the pass and get healthy gains.

But the true bad play occurred on first down and three on the LA Rams three-yard line. After tackling running back Jonathan Taylor for a one-yard loss, Young emerged from the pile quite animate. As he flailed his arms passionately, he made contact with the referee, which draws automatic unsportsmanlike conduct for contacting an official and an automatic ejection.

It was nice to see the LA Rams defensive leaders talk to Kenny Young in real-time directing him to keep his head in the game. But passion is only as good as it allows a player to play. Kenny Young’s passion resulted in his ejection. That is not good, not in the least.

Inside linebacker is one of the roles where passion is very helpful. But the position itself requires the player to remain mentally engaged. The linebacker must read multiple keys, react effectively, and deliver a tackle with precision and physicality. Losing track of the game situation, even for a moment, can be fatal to any chance of success.