#DAWGWORK lives on in Fiske's work ethic
One of the most significant losses in 2024 from the LA Rams football team is former DL Coach and Defensive Run Game Coordinator Eric Henderson. He was instrumental in ensuring the team had a constant supply of talented young defensive linemen each season. He infused the #DAWGWORK mantra into them as soon as they arrived in the NFL. That mantra meant:
- Discipline
- Attitude
- Work-ethic
- Grit
- WORK
It is a simple but provocative mission statement, reminding defensive linemen that the glory of playmaking on game day requires the taxing daily grind of putting in the work to do so.
While Coach Henny is no longer aboard with the Rams coaching staff (He is wowing USC fans as their Assistant Defensive Coordinator/DL Coach), his teachings remain as permanent as the brick-and-mortar of SoFi Stadium. You can see how seriously Braden Fiske worked out in the offseason, even before he showed up to compete with the Rams:
Frontal plane speed is important for all positions. Being explosive off the edges of your feet allows you to maximize lateral speed. This was a great a session with LA Rams D-Tackle Braden Fiske with lateral movement as the focus. pic.twitter.com/oPQ6m7tLYj
— Eric Griffin (@GriffAcademy) July 15, 2024
He drilled until he was exhausted, paused, and then worked once again, even more furiously and intensely. He was not getting into shape to impress his new coaches, or even his new teammates. He was getting into shape to make a positive impact for the Ramss in the 2024 NFL season.
Of course, he could not help but impress his teammates and coaches in the process.
Physical. Explosive. Fast.
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 2, 2024
🎥 Matthew Stafford gives his thoughts on rookie DT Braden Fiske. pic.twitter.com/bPSYrB32AM
Braden Fiske won't compete in 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps. He will be sharing defensive snaps in a rotation that will include Kobie Turner, Bobby Brown III, Desjuan Johnson, Tyler Davis, and Neville Gallimore. But when he steps onto the football field, you can bet that he will be ready.
Sean McVay on how Rams rookie Braden Fiske approaches football: "His demeanor reminds me very similarly to (Aaron Donald's) in terms of how locked in he is on the field, the focus and concentration."
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) September 2, 2024
I'm not convinced that offensive linemen whose task will be to block him will be.