By Moses Joshua 
Versatile defender Josaiah Stewart becomes a crucial chess piece as the Rams brace for Detroit’s power attack
A Rising Rookie in a Crucial Stretch
The Los Angeles Rams have leaned on an impressive blend of seasoned leadership and youthful energy all season, and nowhere is that more evident than in the emergence of their rookie class. After dismantling the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14, the spotlight once again shifted toward the team’s ascending young defenders — most notably Josaiah Stewart.
While Blake Corum stole some national attention with his breakout showing, Stewart turned in one of the sharpest performances of his young career, proving that his impact goes far beyond his third-round draft status. As the Rams prepare for a pivotal Week 15 showdown with the Detroit Lions, Stewart’s presence is set to be more valuable than ever.
Rookie of the Week Honors Highlight Stewart’s Surge
Pro Football Focus analyst Jim Wyman spotlighted Stewart as one of Week 14’s top rookies, assigning him an eye-catching overall grade of 83.5. With fellow defender Byron Young questionable for the upcoming matchup, Stewart’s role could grow even more significant.
Wyman detailed Stewart’s disruptive outing, noting:
“Stewart was particularly dominant, especially as a pass rusher. He recorded three pressures with three additional pass-rush wins on 17 such snaps for a 29.4% win rate and a career-high 82.7 PFF pass-rush grade.”
That kind of efficiency doesn’t happen by accident. Stewart has benefited from lining up alongside the likes of Poona Ford and Jared Verse — veterans whose sheer presence often creates the one-on-one matchups every young pass rusher craves. Stewart has capitalized, showcasing the speed, leverage, and relentlessness that made him an intriguing draft pick.
A Defensive Swiss Army Knife
What sets Stewart apart is the versatility the Rams can tap into when adjusting their defensive fronts. If Young is unable to suit up, Stewart is expected to shift more frequently into a linebacker role — a move that plays to his strengths.
He has proven he can fly downhill to collapse the pocket, close ground in a hurry and maintain enough balance to avoid overrunning plays. That combination of downhill burst and controlled aggression is rare for a rookie, and it’s exactly what the Rams will need this week.
Preparing for Detroit’s Ground-and-Pound Approach
The Detroit Lions don’t shy away from physical football. They thrive on establishing the run and forcing defenses to match their intensity for four straight quarters. Stopping their ground game is step one for any team hoping to stay competitive — and Stewart will be central to that mission.
His ability to read blocking schemes, crash gaps without losing discipline, and avoid falling victim to the Lions’ deceptive footwork will dictate how effectively Los Angeles can contain Detroit’s rushing attack. For a matchup that carries weight for both teams’ postseason paths, every snap matters.
A Rookie Ready for the Moment
The stage is set, the Lions will test the Rams’ resolve, and the Rams will once again look to an emerging cornerstone on their defense. If Stewart delivers the kind of performance he showcased against Arizona, Los Angeles may have found not just a short-term replacement — but a long-term defensive pillar.
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