Let's not be too rigid in interpreting Coach McVay's recent ILB comments

ILBs may simply not be on McVay's Top-5 punch list

Let's be crystal clear. Coach McVay is fiercely loyal to his players, but none more than his veterans. And right now, two veteran, but ineffective, inside linebackers are trying to lead the defensive side of the football.

Even Rams beat reporters have noticed the stubborn persistence to stick exclusively with both inside linebackers, despite disappointing results. That prompted a recent question to Rams HC Sean McVay at a recent press conference asking about the status of rookie inside linebacker Omar Speights. And Coach McVay replied:

"Those guys (rookie ILB Omar Speights and veteran ILB Jake Hummel) do get reps in these settings. The preseason is somewhat similar, but very different than the regular season in terms of the things that we’re asking, the types of schemes that are being seen from the opposing offenses. You continue to give those guys opportunities throughout the course of these practices. If it got to a point where we felt like that was the best option for us, then those guys would be out there."

- HC Sean McVay

Some have already begun to throw up their hands and surrender to the fact that McVay's response means that the defense is stuck with Reeder and Rozeboom through the entire 2024. Call me unconvinced.

Consider this a fixer-upper home. As fans, we may notice the disrepair of the exterior of the home. But as the contractors hired to fix up the home to a livable status, the primary areas of urgency lies elsewhere. The Rams are not running well. The Rams offense in the Red Zone is ineffective. As far as scoring, RB Kyren Williams is almost the Rams' entire scoring offense and has been the lone touchdown-maker without Cooper Kupp suiting up. lie