WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Even while sidelined with his elbow injury, safety Quentin Lake managed to find a silver lining watching the Rams defense.
"The biggest thing is guys were getting meaningful experience," Lake said Wednesday. "Young guys that haven't really played in certain spots or haven't really gotten experience, they get an experience. And that's what you need, especially as a young player, is to go in there and play at, whether it's a primetime game or a great matchup, those guys were able to do it, and my job was, especially being sidelined, how can I help them? What input can I give to them that's gonna help them and allow them to be successful? And I think in some of the games we saw that, guys were making plays, flying around, having fun. But at the same time, now it's my turn. How can I come back and help these guys? And they're gonna help me too."
Lake returned to practice this week as an full participant rather than the observer he had been since Week 12. With no game status designation, he's officially slated to return from that injury when the No. 5 seed Rams take on the No. 4 seed Panthers on Saturday in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Signed to a three-year contract extension a week ago, the moment reflected what the Rams missed and will be getting back, with how valuable Lake's detailed preparation, on-field communication and captain leadership have been for their secondary, in addition to how well he defends both the run and the pass. Prior to Lake's injury, the Rams ranked, according to TruMedia:
- 11th in opponent yards per game (312.9)
- Sixth in opponent yards per play (4.9)
- Second in opponent third down conversion rate (33.3%)
"It's extremely important (having him back)," defensive coordinator Chris Shula said. "He's a great player, whether you're just talking about scheme-wise or what you can do and all the things that he does for us. Really what he brings to the team as far as from a physicality, from communication and the questions he's asking in the meeting room. It's awesome to have him back."
Those teammates supported Lake as much as he supported them while sidelined since Week 12. Lake said the support, love and care they showed him is all you can ask for.
They gave him a chance to be playing meaningful football. Now it's looking to make the most of it.
"Yeah, it's tough," said Lake, when asked about handling being sidelined. "Luckily I have great teammates, a great support system around me that allows you to not get too down on yourself. Especially when something like what happened with me, I couldn't control that situation. That's why it was a little bit upsetting for me. But my biggest thing was, when they told me you have a chance to get back, that's all I was thinking about, 'Okay, if I can get right in six weeks and these guys can earn a playoff spot, I'll be ready to go.' And look where we're at now. I'm able to practice and play meaningful football, especially late in the (season), especially in the postseason."
