The Los Angeles Rams traded for Von Miller near the deadline of the 2021 season. Miller had a great run for the team, and he provided a terrific presence off the edge as he played opposite Leonard Floyd.
However, the days of Miller on the Rams came to an end this offseason.
The move paid dividends as the Rams went on to win the Super Bowl behind a magical playoff run from Miller. However, Los Angeles now needs to figure out a replacement for the former Super Bowl MVP.
The task is easier said than done. However, it is possible to do.
Who can replace Von Miller?
Luckily for the Rams, Floyd is still a present threat off the edge. However, the team needs some of its younger talents to step up in order to replace Miller’s production.
It likely won’t be a one-to-one replacement. Miller is a future Hall-of-Famer; despite his age, he produced heavily for the Rams in 2021. The veteran had nine sacks in 13 games and averaged one per game in the playoffs.
Floyd, however, is not overly concerned with Miller’s departure in free agency.
“My guys are hungry,” Floyd said Wednesday. “We looked at it as Von came in, did his thing, now he’s gone. Now it’s their turn to do their thing. We never looked at it as, ‘Aw, we lost Von.’ Nah, nah, nah. We hungry. We going to show that this year, too.”
Players like Justin Hollins and Terrell Lewis need to pick up their play. Combined, they have 43 games to their credit 10 sacks as members of the Rams.
Floyd is impressed with Lewis’ conditioning, but that only goes so far. Lewis needs to show it on the field.
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Their production needs improvement if the Rams are to replace that of Miller. It is possible, but there is one missing piece to the puzzle.
Can Leonard Floyd step up?
In order for the Rams’ edge rush to not miss a beat, Floyd needs to step up his game too. If he is to earn a Pro Bowl selection this season, leveling up his game is the way to do it.
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Floyd had a career revival as a member of the Rams. In two years in Los Angeles, Floyd beat out his sack production with the Chicago Bears.
However, his career-high of 10.5 sacks needs improvement if the Rams stick with its current edge rushing room. It is possible for Floyd to do that, however, especially since he works along the best defensive line unit in the league.
