The Los Angeles Rams have played seven games so far this season, and for a roster full of stars, the narrative of the season hasn't gone exactly to plan. Fortunately, there's a lot of the season left, and the Rams are slowly finding themselves after some gut-wrenching losses.
Part of the reason they're getting back to winning ways is the effort of the entire roster. There are many players who did not get offseason acclaim who are stepping up for the franchise.
These three in particular have done so in big ways and are deserving of more opportunities.
Tyler Davis
Davis was starting to break through last season as a premier depth option on the interior defensive line, but if he keeps up his solid performances with increased snaps, the team could have a clear
successor to the injured Poona Ford. Even if Ford was playing, his contract might be a bit much for the Rams to keep in 2027, and Davis isn't a free agent until after next season.
Davis might genuinely become the glue for the Rams' defensive line because he can do it all, and currently is stepping up big time for the injured Kobie Turner.
Omar Speights
Speights took over for Nate Landman (concussion) against the Las Vegas Raider and he was outstanding. Continuing to be a tackling machine, Speights snuffed out ball carries, making tackles for losses, and his work as a coverage defender prevented the tight end duo of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer from wrecking the Rams' game plan.
It's clear that he needs to play more, and I would like to see Shaun Dolac a bit more, as well. Both were great against the Raiders, and more specifically, a Shanahan-style offense. Their head coach, Klint Kubiak, was the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator last season. Yes, it was a different roster, but Speights and company did not let them off the hook.
Impressive stuff.
Tyler Higbee
While Higbee has been one of the Rams' most reliable players for years now, he is having a resurgent season, which is wild considering his age and injury history. Through seven games, he has 260 receiving yards on 26 catches and one touchdown.
He's lost two fumbles this year, which are the first two in his career, but that's nothing compared to what he brings as a safety valve to Matthew Stafford and his critical work as a blocker in the run game. He's currently on pace to have his second-best campaign ever as a professional, and it seems he's adjusted well to his new role, with Colby Parkinson taking more of the TE1 duties.
At 33 years old, Higbee still has good football ahead of him. In fact, it's some of the best football we have witnessed from him in some time. Almost reminiscent of his early work with Gerald Everett, Higbee's ability to work with whatever teammates are around him truly makes him the glue guy for the team.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 players who have stepped up for the Rams this season
