Obscured by the disappointment of the Monday Night Football loss to Miami, the Los Angeles Rams got career nights from a pair of undrafted linebackers in the heart of their defense.
Rookie Omar Speights has become a fan favorite in the early months of the season, as they have anticipated his opportunity. And he's delivered. First, with a fourth down stop at Seattle in Week 9. More recently, with a start and a season-high Pro Football Focus grade of 77.0 against the Dolphins.
However, on a new episode of Rams Revealed, the 23-year old was more excited to talk about his running mate, Christian Rozeboom.
"He almost had two (interceptions) the other night," Speights said, referring to Rozeboom picking off Tua Tagovailoa and nearly snagging another with a full-extension pass break up. Rozeboom also posted a career-best grade of 89.6. "Anything that I need, any questions that I've got, you know, (Christian's) always there. Being able to have somebody that's been kind of down the same path as you, as far as like undrafted and stuff like that, you know, it's been a big help.
"I love him. Great leader. Great player. Great person."
Speights was referring to Rozeboom's ability to reach his fourth professional season despite also going undrafted out of South Dakota State. Rozeboom has walked the path that Speights is now following, as they team together going into New England in Week 11.
Also in this episode, the Philadelphia native details what it was like to earn a spot on the Rams' 53-man roster, one of five undrafted rookies on defense to earn that distinction this summer.
"That was crazy. Talking during that time with the undrafted guys, you're like 'Dang. This feels like we're a walk-on or something.'
"You go from being a guy to now you're just a guy, like it really doesn't matter."
Now that he's in the mix, Speights definitely matters to a defense that ranks second in the NFL in EPA since returning from their Week 6 bye. He and the Rams (4-5) look to start a new winning streak this Sunday against the Patriots.
Rams Revealed presented by Sleep Number is also available on YouTube or in audio format wherever you get your podcasts.