Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake is returning from injury for the playoffs, and head coach Sean McVay divulged his importance on defense.
The Los Angeles Rams have been without safety Quentin Lake since Week 11, when an elbow injury knocked him out for the final seven games of the season.
Lake began his recovery, and head coach Sean McVay announced that his practice window would be opened during Week 18, as he was gearing up for a return in the Wild Card Round in the playoffs.
Ahead of his return, the Rams also awarded Lake a three-year, $42 million contract.
With Lake set for a return, McVay spoke about the importance of not only having him back on the field but also what his return can do for the team's run defense.
McVay was asked about the run defense not being optimal in the matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. The Rams head coach pointed to how important it is that Lake will be in the lineup for the Carolina Panthers showdown.
"I think it's big because he is so versatile and so physical. He's really just so productive in general. But his communication and his command, similar to some of the things we've talked about with Landman or Kobie Turner. There is a reason why he has been voted a captain for our group. But he's just got this presence, where you just feel better," McVay said.
McVay pointed to the leadership that Lake possesses, similar to Nate Landman and Kobie Turner. The communication plays a key part in the defensive plan, and Lake has been at the forefront of getting everyone in position.
"But specifically as it relates to the defense. He is so versatile; he does so many things for us. I thought it was a real edge he provided for us in terms of some of the production, particularly setting edges, doing some of the things that we ask of the star. When we are in our base defense, he is very active as a fit safety in our run defense," McVay added.
In terms of their last three opponents, the Rams gave up 171 rushing yards to the Seattle Seahawks, 219 to the Atlanta Falcons, and 79 to the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals' numbers were significantly lower, but they do not possess a high-level runner like Bijan Robinson or Zach Charbonnet.
Regardless, stopping the run will be paramount for the Rams on Saturday, as they are up against Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle put together 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in the 2025 regular season, and he is a major threat to deal with. Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young can also take off and get chunk yardage.
Getting Lake back will help the run defense tremendously, as he be aiding the secondary. Young can also air it out to Tetairoa McMillan plenty, and silencing this Panthers offense will be the main concern for the Rams.