Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his Week 1 performance against the Houston Texans.
This is the first time in Landman’s career he has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He played 98 percent of the snaps on defense, recording 10 total tackles. However, his most impactful play came late in the fourth quarter when he punched the ball out from Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale to force a fumble that Braden Fiske recovered. The Rams were able to kneel out the clock and pick up their first win of the 2025 season.
Landman also played 30 percent of snaps on special teams, offering versatility in two phases of the game.
It was an impressive debut for Landman, who signed a one-year deal in free agency after spending time with the Atlanta Falcons. He was touted for his play in the run game, but he’s also got a great nose for the football and is capable of making plays like he did against Houston.
Although this is Landman’s first year with Los Angeles, he quickly earned the trust of head coach Sean McVay, defensive coordinator Chris Shula and his teammates. Landman is lauded as an excellent leader and communicator, so it was no surprise that he was voted as a team captain for 2025 and is also wearing the green dot for the defense.
Originally an undrafted free agent in 2022, Landman signed with the Falcons though he was considered a backup and depth piece. His best season with Atlanta came in 2023 when he started 14 of 16 games and recorded 110 total tackles, two sacks, seven tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one interception.
His 2024 season was a step back as he spent time on injured reserve, limiting him to just 13 total games and nine starts. He recorded 81 total tackles and three forced fumbles.
Nate Landman says it means so much to make game-saving play against Texans
It’s only been one week, but Nate Landman is showing how valuable he can be to an ascending Rams defense. Most of the attention has been on the defensive line and for good reason as it’s filled with young talent, but veterans like Landman give them an edge and more experience in the middle of the field.
After the win against Houston, Landman expressed how much it meant to him to make the play that sealed Los Angeles’ victory.
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