6 LA Rams who need to put up huge games in Week 2 vs the Arizona Cardinals

(1) - OLB Byron Young

Second-year outside linebacker Byron Young did indeed record his first quarterback sack of the 2024 NFL season in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. He played 49 defensive snaps, had 1.0 quarterback sacks, four tackles, 1.0 tackles for a loss, and one quarterback hit. So why is his name appearing on the list of players needing to put up a big performance in Week 2?

In Week 1, Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau put up 3.0 quarterback sacks, and Byron Young plays the equivalent position in the Rams defense.

I'm not suggesting that Young has to put up the same three sacks in Week 2. But Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum struggled in pass protection against the Bills, allowing two quarterback sack. I would argue that Byron Young, as a pass rusher with surprising speed and amazing agility, he is the ideal pursuer to not only flush QB Kyler Murray out of the pocket, but to chase him down and bring him to the ground.

Even as the watch list for defensive stars on this team's defensive front includes DT Kobie Turner, rookie DT Braden Fiske, and rookie OLB Jared Verse, I believe that OLB Byron Young is the player who can truly establish himself as an NFL elite pass rusher this season. In 2023, he was passionate but quite raw. Despite his unrefined technique, he still ended his rookie season as the runner up of the 2023 NFL Draft class in terms of quarterback sacks with 8.0.

This year, he is far more experienced. And over the course of last season and a new training camp, he has had ample opportunity to be coached up, making his pass rush moves far more effective and strategic. He already has one quarterback sack. I love his opportunity in this game. He is just far enough under-the-radar to not be the focus of the Cardinals offense. And yet, his repertoire of pass rush moves has improved significantly.

To win games, the Rams need some starts to shine. I like these six players to show up in a big way in Week 2. Not to pad stats. Not to set themselves up for a big payday in the future. Rather, these players have an unstoppable passion for the game of football. And the team, their coaches, and their teammates need the best from them to have a chance of success in Week 2.

As always, thanks for reading.