That Nate Landman created yet another takeaway came as no surprise. However, having been accustomed to his peanut punch-style forced fumbles, the Rams inside linebacker getting an interception was a different sight.
It was his first as a Ram, and second overall of his career, in Los Angeles' 45-17 blowout road win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Landman had a feeling he'd get a takeaway, whether it was the familiar forced fumble or the pick.
"Yeah, it was cool," Landman said. "I told (head coach) Sean McVay before that in the locker room was due whether that was a punch out or something. So, glad it came to light."
The first play after the turnover, quarterback Matthew Stafford launched a 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Landman credited the coverage by his other teammates on the play.
"It's good coverage by the other guys, and Jacoby had to go through his read, and then came back, and I don't think he saw me, the rush was in his face," Landman said. "So definitely a team effort, but a good opportunity and led some points."
It wasn't just the takeaway that was a team effort. Appropriately for a player whose authentic relationships and trust built with teammates led to him being voted him a team captain in his first season as a Ram, all 11 defensive players on the field for it got in on the celebration, following Landman and swarming around him as he slid into the end zone after the play was over. At Landman's request, Turner punctuated the celebration by spiking the ball – spiking it so hard he was concerned he had lost it.
"We love Nate, he's a great leader, he's a great player, and he just brings so much positive energy to this team, and couldn't be prouder to have him as one of our captains," Turner said. "And yeah, being able to spike it, I didn't know I was going to be called to do that. He was just like, 'Spike that!' And I was like, 'I guess so!' And I jumped up, I don't know how the form was, then I lost the ball and I was trying to get the ball back to him. I was like, 'He needs the ball. Where did the ball go?' But yeah, could not be prouder of him. He's playing some really good ball for us, and he's leading this team the right way."
Landman said Monday the ball was in fact successfully retrieved, having found its way to rookie outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart in the immediate aftermath of the play.
Entering Week 15 against the Lions, Landman's knack for finding the football has him involved in six takeaways, with three of his four forced fumbles recovered by Rams teammates and two fumble recoveries of his own in addition to his interception. He is also three tackles shy of setting his single-season career high.
"He's just a stud," defensive coordinator Chris Shula said. "I mean, he's been forcing turnovers, making plays all year, and he's kind of been the linchpin and the energy of the defense. He's the guy we look to if we're getting a little low, to kind of pick everybody up. And it was cool to see him kind of make the play."
