Random Ramsdom: 3 reasons to watch LB Justin Hollins in 2021

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The Los Angeles Rams’ Linebacker Justin Hollins is the projected starter opposite Leonard Floyd. The third year defender has been having a promising preseason and will be counted on as the Rams defensive attempts to repeat as the best unit in the NFL.

Here are three reasons to be excited about Hollins’ second season in LA.

Rams vs Bears

The Rams demonstrated control for most of this game but it is always nice to have a dagger play to emphasize dominance and we got one of those from Hollins on a fourth quarter fourth down attempt with the Bears offense five yards away from a touchdown. Quarterback Nick Foles lined up in shotgun with four split and a running back in the backfield to Hollins’s side. On snap, the running back hit the flat and Hollins tracked him at first and passed him to the nickel just in time to shoot his guns and make a go for the passer. The play is dead and so is the drive when Hollins’s gets home and brings Foles down for a sack.

Rams vs Cardinals

Again in the fourth quarter with the Cardinals down by ten. Quarterback Kyler Murray drops back to kickstart the drive and a set up score. Hollins is lined up tight on the left tackle and with a hop step move that looks like it could’ve come from an Aaron Donald lesson, Hollins is on Murray’s hips. The shifty QB tries one move but it results in a strip sack by Hollins recovered by the Rams.

Rams vs Patriots

Fourth and goal. Patriots four yards from a touchdown. Quarterback Cam Newton under center snaps into a speed option left to Hollins’ side. Hollins’ is unblocked and is the read man on the option. Hollins’ and linebacker Troy Reeder play perfectly in sync as both QB and RB are covered, Hollins’ stands his ground, trusts his teammate, and takes out the speedy Newton. Play finished. Drive over.

And now for today’s links:

RAMS NEWS:

10 Observations from Rams’ first joint practice with Raiders (Rams.com)

From the Podium: Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford share takeaways from first joint practice with Raiders (Rams.com)

LA Rams offense ‘sloppy’: Matthew Stafford with bad options or bad optics? (RamblinFan)

Tempers flare in Rams-Raiders practice after big hit by Jalen Ramsey on Josh Jacobs (RamsWire)

NFL NEWS:

Aaron Rodgers not interested in a ‘farewell tour,’ focused on enjoying 2021 season (NFL.com)

Top 10 players 25 years old and younger entering 2021 NFL season (NFL.com)

Bill Belichick in no hurry to name Patriots’ starting QB and that’s just fine with Cam Newton and Mac Jones (CBSsports)

FBI investigating allegations against Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, possible extortion (ESPN)