The Los Angeles Rams lost a tough one to the Seattle Seahawks. As each week goes by, the rookies continue to settle in. Ironically, this time the Rams defensive rookies really stepped up and so for the first time. We’ll lead off with Wade Phillips’ young pups.

S John Johnson

The Rams drafted a safety in the third round which raised some eyebrows with Maurice Alexander returning and LaMarcus Joyner moving to safety. While I had the opportunity to see Johnson a lot as lower-tier ACC fan (I’m a Wake Forest graduate), I couldn’t have foreseen the immediate impact Johnson has had so far. After slowly working into more defensive packages, Johnson was elevated to the starting lineup and gave the team enough comfort to waive Alexander.

Johnson finished his first career start with three tackles, two passes defended, and an interception.

DL Tanzel Smart

Tanzel Smart has quietly become a consistent starter for the Rams. While many including myself though Brockers was the perfect fit at NT for a 3-4, it seems that Wade Phillips is more inclined to give Brockers more free reign as a base defensive end. Look for Smart to continue to be the Rams man in the middle, gaining valuable experience.

TE Gerald Everett

While it is promising to see the tight end position to get some love with 11 total targets for the group, Tyler Higbee was the bigger beneficiary with four catches on eight targets for 98 yards. Everett finished with one catch on three targets for eight yards.

WR Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp continues to be a safety blanket for Jared Goff. In a game where Sammy Watkins failed to get a catch. Kupp managed to see 11 targets and although he finished the game with three catches for 44 yards, the catch he just missed is the one people will remember.

Can’t blame the whole game on the young rookie because the Rams literally fumbled their chances throughout the game but look for Kupp to continue his strong rookie season as the security blanket for Goff and the Rams offense.

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