How 6 Rams rookies can flip the entire NFC Playoff race on its ear in Week 3

The LA Rams are down but not out. Down is a subjective term, so let's reframe the matter with a few historic facts. Every starting offensive lineman, the starting tight end, the two top starting wide receivers, and a host of other players has been injured already this season. And it's only two games into the new NFL season. Adding insult to injury, the team is winless in two games. The Rams record is 0-2.

So what? The Rams have not started an NFL season 0-2 since 2011. And jumping out to a new season winless becomes its own problem. The pressure to win their first NFL game becomes the narrative, putting far more pressure on players already under great pressure. But now is the time for some rookies to step up and shock the entire NFL. Here's how:

(6) - OLB Jared Verse

The Rams have a good one in rookie OLB Jared Verse, He has been a non-stop tidal wave of chaos and power so far in two games. But being good on this defense is simply not good enough. He needs to be great. What does that mean? It means that he needs to be more than a 'supporting cast' member. This defense is on the ropes, the worst in the NFL. Someone has to step up and turn this thing around.

I think Jared Verse can be that guy.

It needn't start with 5.5 quarterback sacks and four tackles for a loss. It can begin with one or two key quarterback sacks that change the momentum of a game. and any game against the San Francisco 49ers is an ideal setting for him to step up and make an appearance.

I'm no sure if placing that burden on Verse in just his third NFL game is fair. But it must be expected. After all, he is the first Round 1 rookie added to this roster since QB Jared Verse was selected first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. So the pattern of first-round rookies excelling at their craft is not foreign to the Rams history.

This defense is loaded with talent. But everyone is waiting for someone to step up. Jared Verse needs to be that catalyst. Not only is he already oh-so-close to having a breakout game, but as soon as he makes a momentum-changing play, the rest of the defense will take on an entirely new look.

I believe that Verse can put up 1.5+ quarterback sacks and 6.0+ quarterback pressures in Week 3.