Josaiah Stewart is tiding the Rams through Myles Garrett's absence

If you recall, the Los Angeles Rams traded more than draft picks to acquire edge rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Including rising star Jared Verse in the package was viable in part because they already had his replacement. He is Josaiah Stewart, and he's playing very well so far in 2026.

Of course, adding Garrett has yet to have a positive impact on the defense. Playing hurt, he failed to generate much of anything in Week 1 and immediately went on injured reserve. Stewart stepped up and has been making plays ever since.

And while the results are premature, he compares quite favorably to Verse:

No one is proclaiming Stewart the superior pass rusher off a two-game sample. But his production has been undeniably impressive. For as long as Garrett is out, the Rams will need him to keep it up.

Josaiah Stewart's consistency is keeping Rams defense grounded

The Rams' defensive front is a revolving door of star talent. Even so, Stewart's dependable performance has helped anchor the group. In 74 defensive snaps, PFF credits him with six tackles, including three stops, and four total pressures.

That's outstanding for a young edge rusher who saw only 374 defensive snaps a year ago.

Stewart was never expected to start on a defense that boasts Garrett and Byron Young at edge rusher. But there he is, holding down a starting role due to Garrett's surprise injury. Stewart will only continue to gain experience, bolster his arsenal of pass-rush moves, and refine his ability to diagnose plays.

Stewart is not a gameplanning priority for offensive coordinators. They will focus double teams on Aaron Donald, Poona Ford, and Kobie Turner.

That's how Ram DC Chris Shula designed his defense: let the stars attract attention while their teammates clean up. No player on LA's defense begrudges being double-teamed as long as some one else can make the play. Stewart is more than capable.

At some point, Garrett will return. When that happens, Stewart will have less work. But he won't lose the experience. And the investment of playing time for the young stud today may pay huge dividends later in the season as the Horns make their playoff push.

Stay tuned for this one. Stewart is only just beginning his ascent. And with the Rams' payroll set to lose dozens of free agents at year's end, he could have a good chance to start in 2027.

As always, thanks for reading.

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