The Los Angeles Rams may have squeaked out a 21-19 win over the Seattle Seahawks last week, but they also lost a few players to injury, including safety and captain Quentin Lake.
With Lake’s loss, not only will the Rams be without one of their best players on defense, but they’re also losing one of their top leaders as well.
While it will be tough for anyone to step up and fill Lake’s shoes on the field, Rams linebacker Jared Verse revealed a pair of defenders who are really stepping up as leaders on that side of the ball.
“[Nate] Landman has definitely stepped up in that speaking role,” Verse told reporters on Thursday. “Landman leads on the field and he leads when he’s calling the plays. He’s taken the spot of ‘Q-Lake’s [leadership]. Kobie Turner has done that too. They’re both taking up that role, giving those long speeches that they give on Wednesdays and Thursdays. To know that they’re taking that over, it’s a good feeling.”
Landman, 27, signed a one-year deal with Los Angeles this offseason and has been an absolute steal, recording 91 tackles (four for a loss), four passes defensed, four forced fumbles, three quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries and 1.5 sacks.
Turner, 26, joined the Rams as a third-round pick (No. 89 overall) in the 2023 NFL draft out of Wake Forest. Through 10 games this season, he’s totaled 22 tackles (two for a loss), six quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and one pass defensed.
Overcoming Lake’s loss won’t be easy, but having multiple guys who are playing a lot and playing well who are willing to step up and lead can make a huge difference.
More Rams: 8 stats and facts to know for Rams vs. Buccaneers in Week 12
