Nate Landman was an offseason addition of the Los Angeles Rams that went mostly unnoticed by the NFL world, however, the fifth-year middle linebacker has made quite the impression on the team’s coaching staff and defensive unit as a whole. Landman, who’s path to the NFL has looked different than most being born outside of the United States in Zimbabwe, is one of the few veteran on an otherwise very young LA defense. Recently, his leadership was recognized as he was named a team captain and bestowed the green dot on his helmet, meaning he will be calling the defensive plays on the field.
“I think it says a lot about him,” head coach Sean McVay said about Landman being named a captain. He continued:
“I think he has really high emotional intelligence in terms of coming in, to be able to ask questions, to really be able to get familiar with his teammates and then being able to pick and choose his spots to be able to lead. I think that position in general, similar to the quarterback and the center position on offense, requires a level of communication.
“He’s wearing the green dot for us. He’s got great ownership from an all-22 perspective. The questions he asks… he understands what we’re really trying to get done and what [Defensive Coordinator] Chris [Shula] is trying to get done. I’m really pleased with him, and he’s been a great addition for us.”
The move also shows the belief that Los Angeles has in Landman’s abilities to play. As the wearer of the green dot, Landman will consistently need to be on the field. In the most recent installment of the Rams “Behind the Grind” series, Landman stood out as a vocal leader, keeping players emotions in check when they were doing well and bringing them back up when they struggled.
“Green dot means I’ve got the microphone in the helmet. The defensive coordinator who’s calling the plays from either the sidelines or the booth is talking to me before each play. Ultimately he’s giving me the call that he wants, but is also giving me some reminders, you know, talk to the defense, got to be vocal.” Landman continued in the same episode “To be a green dot, you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable in that situation. Being outspoken when things are low, getting them back to even when we are having a high moment, not riding the highs and lows too much, you know, leaning into that leadership.”
Landman also has the backing of his coaches as well. In the same episode, ILB coach Greg Williams spoke about what made the veteran linebacker, who signed a one-year deal this offseason after leaving the Atlanta Falcons, so special.
“The impressive thing about him is how he not only just came in and learned the defense, he became so confident that he could start talking about other spots.” said Williams “He has already taken ownership of this defense, and that to me is so uncommon and impressive that he was able to do that.”
The Rams young defensive line gets most of the popular praise with stars like Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner wrecking havoc on quarterbacks, especially given LA’s struggles at the linebacker position in recent years. Still, with Landman’s acquisition and 2024 breakout rookie Omar Speights returning for his second season, along with the emergence of rookie Shaun Dolac in the preseason, this could quietly be one of the best units the Rams have had in years.
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