4 Rams who can play their way into larger roles for HC Sean McVay after Week 12

LB Omar Speights

The LA Rams defense faces one of the most dominant NFL rushing offenses in Week 12. The Philadelphia Eagles are 8-2, are coming to SoFi Stadium riding a wave of a six-game winning streak, and are even just one road win away from having a winning season on the road. The Rams are conversely just 3-2 at home. And now, the team faces an opponent that leads the league in rushing yards per game, entering with a staggering 181.3 yards per game average. That is nearly double that of the Rams 95.4 yards per game average.

So how can this team stop the juggernaut?

After ILB Troy Reeder fell to injury, Speights was tapped to take over. And so far, he has shown enough promise to expect he will grow into the starting role this season. And so far, despite the late start and the hesitancy of the coaching staff to afford him playing time, has been one of the defense's top performers. Per Pro Football Focus, Speights has an overall grade of 78.6. Contrast that to the PFF 57.9 grade of his predecessor, Troy Reeder. You could also contrast his grade to that of teammate, Christian Rozeboom, who scored 55.7 in 2024.

The most notable quality of Speights is his instant decision of when and where to make the play, his willingness to meet the ball carrier in the hole, and his physical presence that shows no tepidation or hesitation. The Rams are 3-2 since installing LSU undrafted rookie Omar Speignts as the new starting inside linebacker.

But Week 12 will be his ultimate test. He will face Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, and must shed one of the best offensive lines to get to him. Speights knows what's at stake this week. Now, he just has to go out and prove to the Rams and to the entire NFL that he can do his job.