LA Rams veteran ILB Bobby Wagner is crushing it this year

When the LA Rams lost the opportunity to re-sign OLB Von Miller, the team pivoted to add ILB Bobby Wagner. Some viewed the move as a consolation prize, a less-than-optimal option for a Rams defense that needed a bona fide pass rusher.

As both players enter December 2022, Von Miller has eight quarterback sacks and 21 tackles. Bobby Wagner has five quarterback sacks and  97 tackles. And Bobby Wagner has an interception as well.

Miller costs the Buffalo Bills $5.15 million this year and a dead cap of more than $45 million. Wagner costs the Rams $2.5 million this year, and a dead cap of just $10 million. The Bills placed Miller on IR on December 1st, following the Detroit Lions game.

With a four-week minimum inactive, Miller will likely be targeted to return to face the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023.

Meanwhile, the LA Rams ILB Wagner is durable, active, and quite productive. The need to decry the Rams’ defense seems to have tarnished the appreciation for the All-Pro inside linebacker, who is delivering better than the brochure in terms of tackles and sacks.

Bobby Wagner is not getting the fanfare and appreciation right now because the LA Rams team is struggling to find success. But what more can the Rama ask of the veteran inside linebacker?  He leads the team in tackles with 97. He is tied for the lead in quarterback sacks with five. He is tied for second place on the team with an interception. And he is tied on the team for third place for breaking up four passes. He has even blocked a kick.

That’s one helluva season, and the Rams have five more games to play.

I respected Bobby Wagner when he played for the Seattle Seahawks, but I absolutely love what he brings to this Rams defense. And I for one believe he is exceeding expectations.