Rams defender takes on new, expanded role at start of season

During the preseason, the Los Angeles Rams decided to trade linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans after talks of a contract extension never materialized. This transaction cleared a path for linebacker Troy Reeder to be the Rams’ starter alongside Christian Rozeboom.

In an interview with Rams managing editor Stu Jackson, Reeder discussed his relationship with Jones IV and enthusiastically gushed about how he was able to improve his game during their time together. According to Reeder, the two had a close bond, calling Jones IV “one of my best buddies on the team.” With his friend now in Nashville, the Rams’ defense is expected to run through the voice of the former Delaware Blue Hen.

Reeder will wear the green dot for the Rams this year, making him the leading signal-caller for their defense next season. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula decided to make Reeder the leading signal-caller in 2022 because of his playoff experience.

“I’ve done it many times,” Reeder said. “I kept it up for several games in the 2022 playoffs, and yeah, I mean, I do it every day in practice, and I think I can communicate at the highest level possible, and I would appreciate that trust in me.”

Head coach Sean McVay is fielding a team full of new faces this season, and despite some underestimation by the media, it’s clear he’s going to make his Rams team competitive. Reeder spoke about the confidence the coaching staff and McVay have in making sure this team makes the most of the talent on the roster.

“We just have to trust that things are going to play out that way every year and that coach (McVay) is going to do the right thing so that we’re in the best position week in and week out to win and have the best team at the end of the year.”

Troy Reeder is entering his sixth season in the NFL and credits his time as a member of both Los Angeles NFL teams with helping prepare him for this opportunity.

“I feel like it gave me a new perspective on a lot of things as a player and taught me a lot about what works versus different things that we may not have here and how we can implement it or how I can just implement it into my own game,” Reeder said. “In doing that, I played with really good players, different guys at different positions, and I was able to take things from their game and things like that. When I came back, I felt like it was a great opportunity to start fresh here and with a whole new perspective on things after seeing a lot of other places. And in this role now, having been here before, I’m excited for the opportunity and I’m excited about this team and what we’re going to accomplish this year.”

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