Los Angeles Rams Stars Jared Verse and Byron Young Spark Pass-Rushing Revival
The Los Angeles Rams are experiencing a resurgence this season, currently boasting a 4-2 record. Two standout players contributing significantly to this early success are Jared Verse and Byron Young, whose exceptional pass-rushing abilities have revitalized the team’s defense.
Jared Verse and Byron Young: Key Contributors
Jared Verse, in his second year, is making headlines with his impressive statistics. He has achieved the third-most pressures by a second-year player in Pro Football Focus (PFF) history, totaling 31 pressures through six games. His relentless performance ranks him third among all players in pressures, showcasing his skill and determination.
Byron Young, the former third-round pick, has emerged as a vital asset as well. With 26 total pressures and 7.5 sacks so far, Young ranks ninth in pressures and second in the NFL for sacks. This remarkable performance has allowed him to match his previous season’s sack total with fewer pass-rushing snaps.
Pressuring the Quarterback
The Rams’ duo has combined for a significant 59 total pressures, helping the team achieve the third-best knockdown percentage in the league. Here are the knockdown rates over recent years:
| Year | Knockdown % | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11.8% | 29th |
| 2022 | 12.2% | 26th |
| 2023 | 12.8% | 26th |
| 2024 | 11.6% | 28th |
| 2025 | 20.7% | 3rd |
Play and Performance Analysis
Verse has garnered his impressive pressure numbers through significant snap participation, ranking fifth in the NFL in total pass-rushing snaps. Meanwhile, Young’s versatility allows him to drop into coverage, which makes his high pressure numbers even more compelling.
Interestingly, all of Young’s pressures and sacks have come from the right side of the line, primarily against right tackles. Conversely, Verse specializes in facing formidable left tackles, including top-tier players like Trent Williams and Jordan Mailata.
Future Prospects
The duo’s combined performance symbolizes a shift in the Rams’ defensive identity post-Aaron Donald. General Manager Les Snead’s decision to draft Verse, despite concerns over his age, seems to be paying off as Verse leads the league in pressures since his selection.
The current effectiveness of the Rams’ defense significantly relies on their traditional four-man rush strategy. With a high pass-rushing grade when sending four rushers, they are proving most effective without over-committing to blitzing. The combination of Verse’s relentless edge rush and Young’s coverage flexibility gives the Rams a promising outlook for the remainder of the season.
