The Los Angeles Rams got back on track in Week 6 when they were able to beat the Arizona Cardinals, moving to 3-3 during the 2023 season.
The Rams suffered a slow start in the first half as Sean McVay opted to try and throw the ball downfield against a Cardinals defense that gave them several different and exotic looks. Ultimately, Los Angeles had to settle for two field goals and went into the half trailing.
However, things changed in the second half as the Rams decided to run the ball and were able to finally get into the end zone. Defensively, though, Los Angeles turned things up as they got pressure on Joshua Dobbs and force him into multiple turnovers.
Byron Young had another strong performance rushing off the edge and as a result he was named the NFL’s Week 6 Rookie of the Week:
.@byron_97 is really like that ‼️
Congrats to the Week 6 @pepsi Rookie of the Week! pic.twitter.com/0O3QZFQu8M
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 19, 2023
Much has been made about L.A.’s lack of a pass rush, but Young has been steadily improving week after week and had his best game as a pro. The rookie has great speed and get off and is persistent on each of his pass rush attempts.
This is now the third time a Rams player has been named Rookie of the Week, with Puka Nacua taking home the title twice for his performances in Week 2 and Week 4. Los Angeles looks like it might be ahead of schedule in its remodel as they’ve got two pieces in Young and Nacua who look like keepers for the long haul.
Defensively, the Rams have been about middle of the pack throughout the season but the young players have shown flashes in key moments. Young has definitely been the most impressive rookie for the defense and it’ll be fun to watch him continue to improve the rest of the way.
Aaron Donald explains how defensive line can be better
Prior to the game against the Cardinals, Aaron Donald took stock of how the defensive line looked up to that point. Donald said he’s been pleased with how hard guys are playing, but added that he’d like to see them win more of their one-on-one opportunities and generate more pressure on the quarterback.
