Following their bye week, the Los Angeles Rams got a much-needed win against the Las Vegas Raiders and the story of the game was the young defense.
Through the first third of the 2024 season, the Rams defense has had its fair share of ups and downs. However, it shouldn’t have been unexpected considering the youth and inexperience both up front and in the secondary.
Despite the growing pains of working with such a green unit, defensive coordinator Chris Shula was able to push the right buttons in the victory over Las Vegas as he put the players in great positions to make plays. The star of the afternoon was defensive back Jaylen McCollough, who came away with two interceptions to help seal the win.
After his strong performance, McCollough recalled a conversation he had with Cooper Kupp where he promised the star receiver he would come up with two picks against the Raiders via Gary Klein of L.A. Times:
“Before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Rams safety Jaylen McCollough said he enjoyed an exchange with injured star receiver Cooper Kupp.
“You got another one for me?” Kupp asked McCullough, who had intercepted a pass against the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago.
“Nah, bro,” McCollough replied, “I got two.”
McCollough was true to his word.”
McCollough, an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee, made an impression on the team during training camp and carried over his level of play and confidence into the regular season. Although he wasn’t a highly-touted prospect during the draft, he clearly has the talent to stick in the league.
The safety’s first interception came in the third quarter when Gardner Minshew’s pass came off the receiver and landed perfectly into his hands. His second pick sealed the game for the Rams as Minshew launched a ball downfield in a last-gasp attempt to keep the Raiders’ drive alive. McCollough read the football perfect and came down with the pass to end Las Vegas’ drive.
Coming off two strong games now, it seems like McCollough’s earned his place on the team and will be counted on again in Week 8 against a formidable Minnesota Vikings team on Thursday Night Football.
Rams were favored for first time during 2024 season
The Rams have found it to be tough to come by victories during the season as injuries have ravaged the roster. However, for the first time this season they were favored to win against the Raiders.
