The Los Angeles Rams’ defense is shutting down opposing offenses this season. They have allowed only 16.7 points per game this season, which is the third-fewest in the league.
Before the start of the season, there was chatter about LA not having a legitimate elite cornerback in the secondary. But the defensive front four is getting to opposing quarterbacks, giving breathing room to the defensive backs.
The defensive line is playing like one of the best in the league, being headlined by the 2024-25 Defensive Rookie of the Year winner, Jared Verse. With how the former Florida State Seminole is playing, one NFL writer believes it puts him in a position to win an award for the second season in a row.
Jared Verse Win Another Award?
GettyLos Angeles Rams pass rusher Jared Verse
Jared Verse has almost tied and should surpass his sack numbers from his rookie season through 7 games this season.
The defender continues to make his name known around the league and to opposing quarterbacks.
ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett believes that Verse is a serious candidate to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, which would be his second major award in his first two years if he were to win.
“At first glance, Jared Verse’s numbers didn’t pop off the page as a rookie. He accumulated just 4.5 sacks, but the tape showed why he was the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Verse’s production, while still not jaw-dropping, has improved this season,” Bassett wrote.
“The Los Angeles Rams edge rusher has four sacks and three forced fumbles. The Rams are allowing the third fewest points against per game (16.7), and Verse is a big reason why. He’ll have to put up more gaudy numbers going forward if he truly wants to compete for the Defensive Player of the Year award, though.”
Verse had a slow start to the season, but has recorded 4 sacks in the team’s last 5 games, showing he is in stride to take down more quarterbacks.
A Different Rams’ Pass Rusher Wins The Award?
GettyByron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams
While Jared Verse is the household name in the Los Angeles Rams defense, there is another player on the team who people should know about, as he is playing like one of the best defenders in the league.
Byron Young is in his third year in the NFL after being drafted out of Tennessee. Young has 9 sacks through 7 games this season, which is the third most in the league, only behind Brian Burns and Myles Garrett, who both have 10 sacks.
While his sack numbers are up there this season, it should come as no surprise. Young logged 8 sacks in his rookie season and 7.5 in his second. Having a new career high in sacks this early in the season should at least put Young’s name as a dark horse candidate for the award.
If either Rams defender wins the award, it can be a good sign for Los Angeles’ defense heading into the future.
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