Rams defensive back is erupting just in time to face next red-hot QB

Los Angeles Rams defensive back Quentin Lake has been on a tear this season, but his biggest challenge might be awaiting him in Week 4 when the Indianapolis Colts come to town.

While Los Angeles may have suffered a disappointing loss in Week 3, there are sound reasons to remain confident. The defense melted down in the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles, allowing three passing touchdowns after not allowing a single score through the air in the previous two games.

One of the reasons for the secondary's effectiveness is Lake's outstanding pass defense.

He is the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Darnell Lake, selected in Round 6 of the 2022 NFL Draft. It was clear that he was special, a son who not only inherited his father's athleticism but who learned from a father who knew everything about the NFL.

The younger Lake has been special in the secondary this season. He's built for zone coverage and has been used in a variety of ways within the secondary. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back has been one of L.A.'s best players in pass defense. Additionally, after just three weeks of play, he has already matched his 2024 season mark of five pass breakups, and he has limited wide receivers to a 44.4 percent completion rate this season.

Keep Rams' Quentin Lake on your radar

Lake has been a darling so far in 2025, showing up in the Pro Football Focus Player of the Week listings in both Week 2 and Week 3. Now, keep in mind that in those weeks, he's faced Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and the defensive back has been outstanding in coverage.

Further proof of his ability to play outstanding pass coverage was provided by Rams team writer Wyatt Miller, who shared that Lake had played 87 slot-coverage snaps, allowing just six catches out of 13 targets for 29 yards.

While still early in the season, it's an incredible performance in the early going.

Because he was drafted in 2022, this is the last season for Lake under his rookie contract. And it's quite common for players to show up better than ever in a contract year. So, Lake is not breaking the norm just yet. But what is so significant about his performance is the intensity of his improvement this season. His five pass breakups are outstanding, as was his four pass-breakup performance in Week 3.

Week 4's challenge is that he must queue up against the undefeated Colts and their resurgent quarterback, Daniel Jones, who is having a breakout season, successfully connecting with rookie tight end Tyler Warren (193 yards), wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (193 yards, two touchdowns), and wide receiver Alec Pierce (171 yards).

The young defensive back is physical, versatile, and covers receivers like a blanket. He may not be headlining the NFL just yet, because late Day 3 stars must earn the respect of analysts who overlook them in the draft. But Lake is already having a darling of a season. He may even be playing well enough to lure an extension during the offseason. And general manager Les Snead seldom extends safeties.

As alway, thanks for reading.

You may enjoy reading other recent Rams articles