Jalen Ramsey and Odell Beckham Jr. were once star players for the Los Angeles Rams, helping them win a championship three seasons ago. However, both players have since moved on, with Ramsey being traded to the Miami Dolphins and Beckham leaving as a free agent due to an injury.
The Rams made these difficult decisions as part of a franchise reboot, looking to build a new core of players for future success. General manager Les Snead emphasized the importance of balancing veteran players with younger talent on rookie contracts to create a sustainable team structure.
Now, Ramsey and Beckham will face their former team as they return to SoFi Stadium with the Dolphins to take on the Rams. While the Rams have been on a three-game winning streak, the Dolphins have struggled with three consecutive losses, putting their season in jeopardy after high hopes for a Super Bowl run.
Ramsey, known for his shutdown ability on defense, was a key player for the Rams during his time with the team, earning All-Pro honors in 2021. Head coach Sean McVay praised Ramsey’s contributions to the team and acknowledged the tough decisions that had to be made during the roster transition.
In addition to the reunion of Ramsey and Beckham, the game will also feature Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who made his first NFL start against the Rams in 2020. Despite a challenging start to his career, Tagovailoa has shown improvement since returning from injury, showcasing his potential as a young quarterback.
On the offensive side, the Dolphins will be without the pressure of facing retired Rams legend Aaron Donald, who was known for his dominant presence on the defensive line. Left tackle Terron Armstead expressed relief at not having to go up against Donald and highlighted the solid performance of the Dolphins’ offensive line in recent games.
As the Rams prepare to face the Dolphins, they may see the return of key offensive line players like center Jonah Jackson and guard Steve Avila, providing a boost to their lineup. Additionally, second-year running back De’Von Achane has made a significant impact for the Dolphins, both in the running and passing game, showcasing his versatility and chemistry with Tagovailoa.
Overall, the matchup between the Dolphins and Rams promises to be an exciting game with former teammates facing off and new talent emerging on both sides. Fans can expect a competitive showdown as both teams look to secure a crucial win in their respective seasons.