'I Love Russ Yeast!' Los Angeles Rams Coach Sean McVay Praises DB
The Los Angeles Rams (1-2) have endured several ups and downs across the season's first three weeks, but second-year defensive back Russ Yeast has provided plenty of stability on the back end.
Yeast, a seventh-round draft pick in 2022, has ascended into a prominent role as a starting safety for the Rams, having played all 185 defensive snaps this year entering a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts (2-1).
It's a significant opportunity for Yeast, who played just 113 total snaps on defense last season, but one that Rams coach Sean McVay believes is much deserved.
“I think the coolest thing is it's been earned and it's been earned by an intentional approach," McVay said. "It's been earned by the way that he approached his rookie year and then just made the most of (it)."
Russ Yeast has taken an expanded role on the Rams' defense.
USA Today
As a rookie, Yeast recorded 20 tackles and a tackle for loss across 15 games with one start, coming on the road in the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks, which ended in a 19-16 loss.
Of course, Los Angeles opened this season back in Seattle and flipped the script, taking a 30-13 victory while Yeast returned to his starting perch, creating something of a full-circle moment.
When discussing Yeast's rookie season, McVay pointed out his ability to win isolation matchups as a gunner on special teams, making plays against the Carolina Panthers, impressing in expanded snaps at season's end and attacking the offseason program for defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant and secondary coach Chris Beake.
This blend of factors has created significant affection from McVay towards Yeast, and Los Angeles' Super Bowl-winning coach believes this is only the beginning.
"How coachable he is from Aubrey and coach Beake, and just the natural toughness and the overall athleticism that he plays with - I love Russ Yeast," McVay said. "I love his demeanor. I've been really proud of him, and I know he's going to continue to just get better and better because of the way that he approaches every single day.”
Yeast and the Rams will travel to Indianapolis for a 10 a.m. PST kickoff against the Colts this Sunday, seeking to get back to .500 while the Danville, Kentucky native returns to the Midwest in a featured role for the first time as a professional.
