With Michael Brockers gone, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day will be tasked with taking on an increased role in the 2021 NFL season.
Joseph-Day already boasts quality starter experience as a stalwart in the run game. His efforts helped this defense finish the 2020 campaign as the No. 1-ranked group in the league.
However, Joseph-Day will now be relied on to make an impact in the pass rush as well. He revealed that this has been the biggest focus for him under defensive line coach and run game coordinator Eric Henderson, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
“(My pass rush) was a big thing for me and a big thing when I talked to Coach Henny,” Joseph-Day said after Monday’s practice at Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union. “I think he really wanted me to hone in on pass rush ability. Working on moves and working in edge and seeing things quicker. So, a lot of my off season was spent on that.”
Joseph-Day went into detail about the process of refining his pass-rush repertoire:
“Everyone’s different, everyone’s body is different,” Joseph-Day said. “You have to kind of find what suits you. What’s your foundation? What (is) your go-to? Then some counters off of it. Your strengths, kind of like that.”
Joseph-Day has tallied just 3.0 sacks so far in his career. Of course, this I due to the fact that he spent most of his time plugging up running lanes in the middle.
There is good reason to be optimistic that the 26-year-old can expand his skillset and make an immediate impact this season. After all, he emerged as quite a steal by developing into a bona fide starter after being taken in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Not only that, Joseph-day is playing alongside one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history in Aaron Donald. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is all too familiar with shedding multiple blockers in order to get to the quarterback.
Even if Joseph-Day’s skillset differs vastly from that of Donald’s, there is no question that watching a player of his caliber work will pay some dividends. The onus will ultimately fall on Henderson to find a way to help him make the necessary strides in his transition.
