This under the radar fact could prove to be a huge advantage for Rams in Week 15

The LA Rams are facing the San Francisco 49ers for the second time this season. While that happens every season, here is something that has never happened before. For the first time in their NFL careers, 2024 rookies will face the same opponent. And that could be a huge advantage for a rookie class that has played so very well this season. It could prove to be a contributing factor to a victory.

And that's a good thing.

We have held the rookie pair out of Florida State, OLB Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, in high regard since they joined the team. We never made a secret of our lofty expectations for the pair. But now, those expectations are rising again. For the first time in their NFL careers, they are familiar with their upcoming foe. And that rule does not apply to just the two players on the defensive front.

Every rookie on the team, plus second-year players, have an opportunity to use their NFL experience of facing the Niners to plan and prepare to face them once again. It's a small but significant transition for players, as they no longer have to guess at what to expect. Now, they begin to know. And that knowledge, and what they do with it, can make a world of difference.

For seldom-used wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who caught all three passes thrown his way in Week 3 for 28 yards, it's a chance to build on a small but promising sample of his offensive acumen. For punt returner/wide receiver Xavier Smith, it's a chance to prove that his incredible punt return to set up the game-winning field goal in Week 3 was no fluke and that he can contribute in many ways when given the chance. For rookie kicker Joshua Karty, the hero of Week 3, it's an opportunity for him to win back the fans and prove that he is capable of all the promise and hype that followed him into the NFL.

For defensive rookies, like OLBs Jared Verse and Brennan Jackson, DTs Braden Fiske and Tyler Davis, and even defensive back Kamren Kinchen, it's an opportunity to reclaim a bit of respect to the defense's tarnished reputation. Even as the Rams have improved to a record of 7-6, this defense has surrendered an average of 31 points per game in the past three outings. And that simply cannot be if this team hopes to win.

Production throughout the season defines the team and its starters. But games against rivals defines the future leaders of this team. Which young player will step up in Week 15? We are about to discover who is ready to lead this team.

As always, thanks for reading.

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