So far throughout training camp, one of the standouts on defense for the Los Angeles Rams has been defensive back Quentin Lake. Last season, Lake began to emerge as an essential piece of the Rams secondary both as a safety and eventually moving into what is known as the ‘star’ cornerback role.
While his role often changed last year, this season Lake has been able to focus solely on that ‘star’ cornerback position and it is allowing him to shine in camp. And that is something Lake, the son of former NFL cornerback Carnell Lake, appreciates.
Lake recently spoke on this in an interview with Adam Grosbard of the L.A. Daily News, saying that this role gives him a lot more chances to make plays around the ball and maintain communication across the defense:
“They really trust me at that position and I’m able to do it well, gets me around the ball so a lot more playmaking opportunities which has been fantastic,” Lake said. “And the biggest thing is you can still have that communication aspect at that position, which helps the defense. Seamless, flawless transition into that position.”
It has certainly been beneficial for Lake to lock in on one position, but the former safety still has the ability to play multiple positions which defensive coordinator Chris Shula appreciates:
“He’s a guy that seamlessly can from safety to star, whereas other guys it’s hard to switch positions,” defensive coordinator Chris Shula said. “He allows us to get our best 11 on the field and he knows going to be on the field in some form or fashion. As long as he’s out there, he’s happy.”
The Rams have some good talent on defense and if things come together this unit can be a very good one. Players like Lake could make all the difference and so far he looks poised to be a major playmaker for this squad.
Rams coach Sean McVay says Cobie Durant has been ‘excellent’ in training camp
Another player who could be very important in the Rams secondary is third-year cornerback Cobie Durant. With some injuries throughout the secondary in camp so far, Durant has had a chance to really establish himself and head coach Sean McVay has been impressed.
“I think he’s been excellent,” McVay said when asked about Durant’s performance in training camp so far. “I thought he had a really good offseason. I think he’s picked up where he left off in the offseason.”