The Los Angeles Rams crushed the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12, winning 37-14 and placing themselves back into legitimate playoff contention as the 2023 NFL season reaches a home stretch. One of the biggest reasons for the Rams success on Sunday was the work on safety Jordan Fuller against the Cardinals offense.
Fuller was everywhere on Sunday, recording three tackles and a career-high four pass deflections. Although he did not turn any into interceptions, his mark on Sunday’s game was absolutely felt. The former sixth-round draft pick from 2020 has become an integral part of the Rams defense.
And even he could feel he was having a special game. Fuller was mic’d up for his outing against the Cardinals and made it known that he was playing well and helping the team in the victory, via the Rams:
Some of the highlights include when he told his teammates that he was playing out of his mind and the praise he received from Cardinals tight end Trey McBride about the quality of a tackle. He was also on the receiving end of several jokes about his dropped interceptions on the day.
There was also the entire defense celebrating Fuller’s big pass deflection on a Cardinals fourth down in the final minutes of the first half. It was a big day for Fuller in a big win for the Rams and the positive emotions from that game were more than evidenced in his mic’d up moments.
Kobie Turner credits offense for defensive success
Rams rookie defensive lineman Kobie Turner noted that the Rams offense sustaining long drives and staying on the field allowed the defense not only to rest, but also to look at what happened on that opening drive and make the necessary adjustments.
“It feels really good, their first drive(s) of the game (were) really long drives, so we’re able to go through each one of those plays (on defense), talk adjustments,” he said, “and they’re still running the ball. It means a lot to be able to sustain some long drives, it gives us rest (and) allows us to be fresher when we go out there and get after the passer. Feels incredible. It gives you a lot of momentum, too, when you’re running the ball like that. You’re physically exerting your will on the other team.”
The Rams defense is starting to find its footing with young guys like Fuller and Turner playing a big role in that, which is great to see.
