New Rams LB fighting for roster spot just took a subtle shot at old team

One of the challenges for the Los Angeles Rams in shopping the annual NFL Free Agency market for talented players is distinguishing who deserves credit for their past production. Some players were a great fit in their former team, and may not translate as effectively as hoped for on the Rams roster. Other players may be an even better fit, opening an opportunity for even better production.

Free agent IOL Jonah Jackson is an ideal example of the first scenario. Former Pittsburgh Steelers IOL Kevin Dotson is a perfect example of the second scenario.

The Rams are hoping free agent linebacker Nate Landman follows the same path as Dotson, and so far, he’s delivered everything they could’ve hoped for, maybe more. Based on his early comments about the change of scenery, he might already be set up to succeed simply by leaving his former team behind.

Did Nate Landman just throw some shade at the Atlanta Falcons?

The Rams knew that the inside linebacker position was a weak link in the defense for much of the 2024 season. And some of that simply was a calculated risk taken on after trading away former starter Ernest Jones IV. But the team was unable to find a suitable combination of players to lead the defense.

That created a need and opportunity for signing Nate Landman. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound veteran earned his stripes playing three seasons for the Atlanta Falcons. After his release, he is laying claim to the Rams' starting ILB position, teaming up with last year's starter Omar Speights.

So far, Landman has impressed everyone. From coaches to teammates, his ability to stuff the run and force fumbles with well-placed peanut punches is already the talk of training camp.

Landman was asked to share his vision about his role with the Rams young defense, to which he replied:

While his response assessed his views about the Rams' defense, it's almost impossible not to detect a bit of shade tossed to his former team, the Atlanta Falcons. He shared glowing praises for his teammates, as though he had not encountered similar defenders before:

"...The front we have in front of me. Those guys are insanely smart. And they play super hard. They're running out of the stack. They're playmakers. And they're talking. Just guys I could trust, guys elevating my game, allowing me to be a better linebacker and a better leader. "

Landman uses the comparative, suggesting that his experiences so far are better than before. Since his only other NFL experience is his three years with the Falcons, you could conclude that he is comparing the Rams' defense rather favorably to his former team.

And when asked if he had any conversations with Falcons HC Raheem Morris about a chance to play for the Rams, he instantly replied no.

Their loss is the Rams' gain. The 26-year-old is already filling in the role nicely.

There is still time to sort out the linebacker position. As it now stands, the team is leaning toward pairing Landman with Speights. That may create susceptibility for passes across the middle, but it will ensure that they have a solid run defense. And from what we learned last season, stopping the run is a huge priority this season.

As always, thanks for reading.

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