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By: Cameron DaSilva | 1 hour ago
There’s no doubt about who the Los Angeles Rams’ top three pass rushers are this season: Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews and Samson Ebukam. They’re going to get the most playing time of any outside linebackers, but injuries do occur.
It’s important to have a deep pass-rush rotation, especially with Matthews having the ability to play inside linebacker. The Rams have been waiting for role players to step up since last season, and on Saturday night, two may have emerged as formidable backups.
Natrez Patrick and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo were two young players who stood out in somewhat limited playing time against the Cowboys. Patrick was seemingly around the ball on every snap he played, while Dallas’ offensive linemen had trouble slowing Okoronkwo down without holding. Together, they drew three holding penalties and hit the quarterback once each; Patrick had a half-sack, too.
After the game, Sean McVay was asked what he saw from both players and it was all positive from the head coach.
“Natrez has done a nice job. Really, we just transitioned him to outside linebacker a couple weeks ago almost by necessity as a result of Justin Lawler’s injury and (Trevon Young) being banged up. He’s really done a good job,” McVay said. “I think (outside linebackers coach) Chris Shula’s been outstanding, in terms of helping him develop and progress quickly. Then, getting Obo out there, it’s been great to see him. You see some of the flashes of why we liked him so much, why he was such a productive player at Oklahoma. He drew a couple holdings tonight and made his presence felt. Like we said, we’ll look back at the film, but you definitely felt those guys and that was a positive for sure.”
This is a positive development for the Rams, who don’t have much proven talent behind their starters at outside linebacker. Okoronkwo’s sample size has been as limited as any since being drafted in the fifth round last year, but he’s finally healthy and his ability was evident on Saturday night.
Patrick is only an undrafted rookie, and one who’s switched between inside and outside linebacker. It seems his more natural fit is at edge rusher and he’s certainly taking advantage of the opportunity with a couple players injured at the moment.
Patrick and Okoronkwo are trending in the right direction after two preseason games and will make things interesting at outside linebacker in the coming weeks.
Sean McVay liked what he saw from Okoronkwo, Patrick vs. Cowboys
There’s no doubt about who the Los Angeles Rams’ top three pass rushers are this season: Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews and Samson Ebukam. They’re going to get the most playing time of any outside linebackers, but injuries do occur. It’s important to have a deep pass-rus
theramswire.usatoday.com
