This Nate Landman's super-power gives the Rams defense its secret ingredient

When it comes to the 7-2 Los Angeles Rams' track record with inside linebackers, the likelihood of a long-term relationship is a bit remote. But the valor of inside linebacker Nate Landman has been so over the top this season that it's almost impossible not to see him commanding this defense for years to come.

We'll see.

While fans ponder over Landman's future, there is no debating the impact his performance has made for this defense. Of the eight fumble recoveries for the team this season in nine games, Landman has recovered two of them. And he has punched out the football three times.

In Week 10, at a point in the game that may have turned into a 6-4 San Francisco 49ers offensive rally, the Land Man struck again. And the result was a drive-killing turnover.

The offense made the 49ers pay by converting that 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk fumble into the third touchdown of the day, and improving the lead to 21-0. Los Angeles would cruise to a 42-26 victory. Landman's peanut punch has been a difference-maker for a defense that needs that final ingredient to dominate.

Landman is that final piece.

Nate Landman's peanut punch elevates Rams defense to Super Bowl tier

Stepping back from the details, let's take a 10,000-foot glance at where the team is right now. The last occasions for Los Angeles to reach a record of 7-2 have resulted in Super Bowl appearances. In 2018, the team competed in Super Bowl LIII. In 2021, LA won Super Bowl LVI.

While the future for this season is yet to be determined, the team is certainly ripe for postseason success

While the team no longer enjoys the savage production of legendary defensive lineman Aaron Donald, don't discount the momentum-changing impact of Landman's ability to punch out the football for a fumble.

Turnovers are a benchmark of NFL success. The Week 10 victory resulted from two turnovers. For the season, LA enjoys a net turnover differential of (+7) after nine games. That is huge and has contributed to the team's phenomenal success so far.

Matthew Stafford is having an MVP season. Still, let's not overlook the incredible leadership from the defense's quarterback, too. It's one thing to tackle. But it's an entire next level to be a threat to create turnovers on any play.

Landman gives this defense that aura of danger on every play. While Los Angeles has had incredible success since hiring Sean McVay as the head coach in 2017, the defense has never looked this dangerous. And perhaps, that is how the team plans to get Matthew Stafford enough wins to ensure he makes it into the NFL Hall of Fame.

One peanut punch at a time.

As always, thanks for reading.