Nate Landman doesn't deserve all the criticism for Rams' up-and-down defense

After showing up in a huge way last season for the Los Angeles Rams defense, linebacker Nate Landman's honeymoon is over. It's not that the fans no longer admire his peanut punch superpower. It's that Landman's production has fallen off.

It's concerning. But is it truly justified?

Despite an overall drop in production, Landman continues to be a dependable tackler. His 29 tackles make him the team's runner-up in that category, second only to safety Quentin Lake. That puts him on pace for 120+ tackles by season's end.

By comparison, he put up 132 tackles, four forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception in 2025. Thus far that disruption has been missing this season.

That loss to the San Francisco 49ers is hard to forget. By Pro Football Focus grade, Landman was among the Rams' bottom five defenders. On the season, his 58.1 grade sits on the cusp of the bottom third in the league. We were all reminded of that regrettable Week 1 performance when the Denver Broncos scored 30 points in the second half of Week 3.

This defense has had its share of ups and downs. Since Landman calls the shots as the 'green-dot' communicator, relaying play calls from the sideline to the rest of the defense, some are holding him accountable for the downs.

Nate Landman may not be the problem of embattled Rams defense

In reality, Landman may not be the problem of this injury-battered defense. Holding anyone accountable for collectively poor performances also means crediting him for solid accomplishments. And while the Rams defense has struggled at times, it has also put up two great games against the Eagles and Giants.

And after all, despite injuries to multiple stars, the Rams defense has allowed just 20.8 points per game (9th best) and 247.5 yards per game (2nd best).

Let's hear it for the boys.

Injuries not only rattle the team in terms of losing key contributors. This defense has been forced to reconstruct itself for every game. New players create the need to reestablish communication and chemistry.

Landman is the glue guy. He is not only responsible for himself, but for every player around him. Perhaps his performance will improve dramatically as soon as injuries subside and he steps onto the football field with the same cast of teammates surrounding him.

Don't be too quick to judge Landman. Judge the overall defensive effort for now. When the Rams can field the same defense week-to-week, Landman's individual performance should improve.

As always, thanks for reading.

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