Quentin Lakecaptain of the Rams' defense could be the catalyst to turn things around. Rams» a battered secondary heading into their showdown with the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.
Through the first 11 weeks of the season, the Rams have held opponents to 17.2 points per game, trailing the Houston Texans as the NFL's second-best defense. Lake missed seven games after suffering a dislocated elbow in a match against Seahawks in NovemberThe Rams allowed an average of 24.8 points per game.
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Gary Klein breaks down what went down for the Rams in their 37-20 win over the Cardinals as the team turns its attention to the Carolina Panthers.
The 26-year-old guard is expected to return against Carolina. turned out to be the cornerstone on the Rams' defense with his leadership and versatility.
Lake also ingratiated himself with his teammates, as evidenced by Coby TurnerA big smile when Lake's name came up to the reporters after Rams win 37-20. over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
“Captain Q,” said Turner, who played a role in helping the Rams record six sacks against the Cardinals. “There's really no words that can explain it – you turn on the tape and see exactly who he is.”
Added safety Camren Kinchens: “Having him off the field, you know, I certainly wouldn't say it's a disappointment – but that's Q, right? He brings that extra juice that we need.”
Lake could be the juice that helps the Rams stop a repeat of the explosive plays that Bryce Young engineered in Panthers win over Rams 31–28 November 30. In that game, Young threw touchdown passes of 35, 33 and 43 yards.
The Cardinals also found success against the Rams' secondary on Sunday. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett connected with receiver Michael Wilson, who stuttered before bursting past cornerback Akello Witherspoon for a 43-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Ultimately, the game was a moment for the Rams where coach Sean McVay said he was glad his team was “pushed.” But it was a reminder of how explosive play put the team's comfortable wins in jeopardy.
“You make a few moves, sometimes you get beat,” Witherspoon said. “But it all depends on how you react.”
The answer lies in the mind of outside linebacker Jared Wehrs. Wehrs, who has 7.5 sacks this season, still had memories of the Carolina loss from five weeks ago on Sunday. He noted that Chuba Hubbard's 35-yard touchdown run in that game was a lesson — and a reminder — for the Rams.
“It’s a natural thing,” Wehrs said. “If a team gets you, a team beats you, you always want to get them back. We're excited.”
Carolina (8-9) gives the Rams a tantalizing chance to prove they can be a force on defense again with Lake back in the lineup. The Panthers averaged the sixth-most points per game (18.3) in the NFL and the seventh-most passing yards per game (179).
However, there likely won't be any room for errors in judgment if the Rams are going to advance to the divisional round.
