The Los Angeles Rams have undergone significant changes this offseason, particularly in their defensive lineup. Following the trade of linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans, Troy Reeder has emerged as a key figure on the Rams’ defense.
The departure of Jones has paved the way for Reeder to assume a more prominent role alongside Christian Rozeboom. With the season rapidly approaching, Reeder is expected to take on a larger responsibility, including becoming the Rams’ defensive signal-caller.
In an interview with Ram’s staff, Reeder reflected on his bond with Jones and the impact of their time playing together. Now, with Jones heading to Nashville, Reeder must step up to help guide the Ram’s defense, a responsibility he has been preparing for throughout his NFL career.
The Impact on the Betting Landscape for the Rams
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, sports fans are eager to place bets on the team’s performance. Odds at major sportsbooks currently reflect mixed expectations for the Rams, particularly due to the team’s many roster changes. Per FanDuel, the team currently has Plus-Money odds of +108 as underdogs to make the playoffs.
Punters looking to back the Rams can check out the latest California betting laws here. California law currently prohibits legalized sports betting within the state and remains one of the twelve states in the U.S. that have yet to pass sports betting legislation, despite numerous attempts.
According to betting expert Ross Bennelick, this legal landscape creates a unique environment since US punters can still use offshore betting options that provide unique perks like wider betting options and quicker registration processes.
However, punters and fantasy team managers both may find it challenging to predict the outcome of games with the emergence of new players across various teams this season—making it a potentially high-reward scenario. With the Rams as underdogs early in the season due to their revamped defense and uncertainty surrounding the new lineup, players like Reeder will be crucial to their success.
Reeder’s New Responsibilities as Defensive Leader
It’s hard to say how things may play out for the season. With Jones out of the picture, Reeder is now set to wear the green dot and act as the lead signal-caller for the Rams’ defense. This marks a significant responsibility, as Reeder will be in charge of relaying plays from the sidelines to his teammates on the field.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has chosen Reeder for this role, citing his playoff experience and ability to communicate effectively under pressure. Reeder’s experience as the defensive signal-caller in the 2022 playoffs, where he handled similar duties, has prepared him for this expanded role.
A Veteran Perspective in a Changing Team
Reeder is no stranger to the NFL, having spent five seasons in the league, including stints with both Los Angeles NFL teams. His experience playing alongside elite athletes across different organizations has provided him with valuable insights into how various defensive systems operate.
This diverse experience has helped Reeder refine his own game, as he continues to learn and adapt based on his exposure to different playing styles and strategies. In his return to the Rams, Reeder brings a fresh perspective, informed by his time with other teams and the players he encountered.
