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Sean McVay Points to Two Rams Players to Step Up Amid Myles Garrett Injury
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- Sean McVay Points to Two Rams Players to Step Up Amid Myles Garrett Injury
(Matt Marton-Imagn Images)
After the Los Angeles Rams lost handily to the San Francisco 49ers , more bad news came in. It was revealed that the defensive end Myles Garrett has to undergo surgery to correct his nagging knee ailment.
With Garrett out and Aaron Donald still not ready for his return, Rams head coach Sean McVay is looking for linebackers Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart to step up and take over as the lead pass rushers.
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It is hard to imagine anyone stepping up after the Week 1 loss, as the team was simply not itself.
Granted, it could have been the long travel and the choice to leave the day before that may have impacted the Rams' ability to be fully ready. Excuses or situational issues aside, the team must now rebound in Week 2 against the New York Giants .
The big issue with that rebound is that Garrett will now be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks due to knee surgery, and he could be out for even longer based on how the recovery goes.
That said, McVay poinred to Young and Stewart as players he envisions stepping up on defense with Garrett now out.
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"You know, obviously BY (Byron Young) has just continued to ascend throughout the course of his career. We just want him to continue to be himself. Josiah Stewart's a guy I have a lot of confidence in going into year two. Very tough and physical in both phases. He's got a, you know, a savvy; he's got a great feel for the game. Uh, play sturdy against the run. He's got some rush creativity as a pass rusher and great instincts, and so looking forward to seeing him," McVay said.
Young had a career year in 2025, as he brought in 12 sacks em route to his lone Pro Bowl nod.
Stewart saw some decent success of his own, bringing in three sacks in his rookie season.
Young did what he did without the help of Garrett, but the Rams defense did have Jared Verse on the team, who made a clear impact on the unit as a whole. Now, it is the veteran linebacker along with second-year defender Stewart that need to become those who elevate everyone else.
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As stated, Donald is expected to be back soon, though it is not known yet if that will be in Week 2. Either way, the Rams pass rush needs to rebound, as they will be facing another strong passer in Giants signal caller Jaxson Dart .
A major reason Los Angeles struggled was that the pass rush simply was not there, and Brock Purdy had every opportunity to attack the middle of the field. 49ers tackle Trent Williams was also facing an injured Garrett the entire time.
Just like with the loss, the Rams must now shake their downfalls in Week 1 off and get ready for Week 2. If the defense can return to its proper form, they can certainly make life tough for the Giants.
The Rams certainly have enough with defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Poona Ford , along with Young, Stewart, and defensive end Braden Fiske.
