Why 9 winners and 4 losers from Rams victory could start 2nd winning streak

(8) - OT Warren McClendon

I cannot mention offensive linemen in this list without calling out backup offensive tackle Warren McClendon. While he has struggled at times, this former Georgia Bulldog offensive tackle did not allow a quarterback sack. While he has appeared in special teams throughout the season, this was his third start at offensive tackle. And as it just so happens, this was his best performance yet.

Even as Noteboom has struggled with on-field production and brittleness, McClendon has grown in the opposite direction. He seems to be showing in larger in games, and is durability is not a question. He was injured in Week 1, but suited up and started in Week 2 as well. With Beaux Limmer shocking the Rams coaching staff by staking a compelling claim to the center role, McClendon is emerging as the natural successor to veteran RT Rob Havenstein.

This was a huge step in the right direction for McClendon, and happened at a perfect time for his status as a swing tackle/ successor starting offensive tackle in 2025.

(7) - DB Kamren Kinchens

Okay, now we are starting to get into the more thrilling aspects of Week 11 heroics. The first player to be recognized for his appearance on my virtual Week 11 highlight reel is rookie defensive back Kamren Kinchens. He is a rookie out of the University of Miami, and was noted as a ball-hawking safety with good instincts in pass coverage.

Much like the selection of former Arkansas center Beaux Limmer, we loved Kinchens fit and upside with the team. While the Rams' secondary appeared to be bursting with talent at the safety position, Kinchens penchant for snagging the football out of the air and turning it back over to the offense was something that the Rams' front office and newly hired Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula desperately sought to infuse into the 2024 defensive DNA.

And Kinchens seems to have gotten the memo:

While he is still learning the pace and physicality of the NFL, he has accounted for three interceptions already in just 218 defensive snaps. Much like undrafted rookie teammate Jaylen McCollough, Kinchens opportunistic style of play has resulted in one pick-six, 112 yards after intercepting passes, and a style of defense that makes quarterbacks pay for mistakes.

He has not perfected his coverage technique just yet. While he has broken up three passes and snagged three interceptions, he has allowed a completion rate of 69.2 percent of the passes targeting his receiver. And he has allowed three touchdowns this season.

But it was his interception that sealed a win for the Rams in Week 11. And with that pick, he is rapidly growing in stature and respect in NFL circles.