Football teams often rely on their veteran players to make game-winning plays when the going gets tough. The Los Angeles Rams rookies have shown they can also be called upon in tough moments. The 2024 season continues to provide Rams fans with phenomenal rookie performances, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Previously, we reviewed the Rams rookies coming off their Week 3 performances against the Chicago Bears. In Week 9, the Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks in an overtime thriller, in which some rookies made key plays. The win places Los Angeles second in the NFC West race and extends their post-bye win streak to three games.
In preparation for the Rams’ Week 10 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, let’s evaluate the three rookies, all from Florida universities, who made huge plays on Sunday.
Three Rams Rookies Put on a Show Against the Seahawks
Jared Verse
What can be said about Jared Verse that has not been said? The rookie edge rusher from Florida State was selected with the 19th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. In his eight games for the Rams, Verse has recorded 33 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, and three and a half sacks. Verse also leads all rookie defenders with 38 total pressures.
In Week 9, Verse led the league in pressures and pass rush win percentage, winning 21.1% of the time. He also led the Rams with an 88.3-run defense grade, putting together his most well-rounded performances as an NFL pro.
Verse is a certified defensive stud and is far and away the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. The only thing keeping him from an A+ is that the sack total doesn’t quite match the pressure numbers. Verse has trouble finishing his pressures at times, but those numbers will only improve as he continues to gain experience.
His addition to the team following the retirement of Aaron Donald came at the perfect time. Verse continues to showcase his abilities as a game-wrecking outside linebacker and his rookie highlight tape will be one for the ages.
Braden Fiske
Verse’s college and now professional teammate, defensive lineman Braden Fiske is one of the best second-round selections. While Verse leads the class in pressures, Fiske ranks second in the statistics, highlighting their ability to thrive together and Fiske’s talents as a rusher.
Fiske had his breakout performance on Sunday, recording two sacks and a pair of tackles for loss. His most impressive play came in the fourth quarter when he executed a simple swim move on a pass rush and took down Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The former Seminole displayed a great mix of power and speed on Sunday.
In the past two weeks, Fiske recorded nine pressures, two sacks, and a 15.6% pass rush win rate. Those numbers were good enough for third, second, and tenth for inside defensive linemen. Fiske continues to play a key role on the front seven alongside Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and fellow rookie Tyler Davis.
Kamren Kinchens
The player with the biggest single play for the Rams on Sunday was rookie safety Kamren Kinchens. From the University of Miami, Kinchens has played a larger role in the Rams secondary recently, with injuries to teammates necessitating Kinchens to step up.
His big play came in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s contest with the score tied. With Smith and the Seahawks in the red zone and poised to score, Young’s pressure on the signal caller forced a hasty throw. Reacting quickly, Kinchens intercepted the path of the ball and caught the pick, taking it across the field for a pick-six.
Kinchens’ 103-yard interception return is the longest in Rams franchise history. It is also the longest from a rookie in the Super Bowl era.
Looking ahead to Week 10, the Rams will host the Miami Dolphins, a 2-6 team whose season is all but over. Still, with elite weapons like running back De’Von Achane and wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the mix, these Los Angeles Rams rookies must continue their improvement.
Main Photo: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
