Underdog Role Suits Rams’ McLeod Perfectly/Farr

Underdog Role Suits Rams’ McLeod Perfectly
By D’Marco Farr

http://www.101sports.com/2014/07/31/underdog-role-suits-rams-mcleod-perfectly/

Quick, who wears No. 23 for the St. Louis Rams?

Cue the “Jeopardy” theme music, followed by that signature buzzer.

Oh, sorry, it’s actually safety Rodney McLeod. That’s OK, though. Most people miss that one.Just like the Dangerfield version, this Rodney gets no respect – at least from outside observers. (The “fans” here are a little suspect, too, when it comes to showing their appreciation.) He signed with the Rams in 2012 as one of the team’s 19 undrafted rookie free agents. A former University of Virginia star, he made the 53-man roster out of training camp and became one of the club’s most consistent and productive special team players, joining other non-starting stalwarts like linebacker Josh Hull and running back Chase Reynolds.

McLeod, in fact, led the squad with 13 special teams tackles in his rookie campaign. He really stood out on the punt team, where the Rams held opponents to a sub-10-yard return average for the season. A play he made on the Seattle Seahawks’ Leon Washington in a Week 4 loss at the Edward Jones Dome, dropping the Pro Bowl return specialist for a three-yard loss after a 47-yard punt by Johnny Hekker, was one of the Rams’ best plays of 2012. McLeod also made a few invaluable contributions in the defensive backfield.

The next fall, however, most were expecting Darian Stewart to usurp McLeod at free safety – until a hamstring injury sidelined him (again!) before the third preseason game. McLeod started the last two preseason game at the position, and was officially named as the regular-season starter in early September. There was some gnashing of teeth at the announcement, but most understood options were limited. Others tried to rationalize by devaluing the importance of the safety position in a 4-3 defense, but that didn’t hold water for very long. There was also speculation as to when rookie T.J. McDonald would take over as the No. 1 free safety on the depth chart. But that never happened.

The only confidence in McLeod’s ability was coming from inside Rams Park. Still, by the end of 2013, McLeod had made all 16 starts. He finished third on the team in defensive stops (76) and tied for second in interceptions (two).

He was also credited with two forced fumbles, with one coming on special teams. McLeod gradually improved as the season progressed, playing multiple roles in the nickel and dime packages due to mid-season injuries in the secondary. He had arguably his best game as a professional in a Week 12 home win against the Chicago Bears, 42-21, lining up as the slot defender in Cortland Finnegan’s absence and essentially having more success. McLeod finished that tilt with six tackles and an interception.

Flash-forward to the here-and-now. Everyone’s flying to the ball in Earth City, immersed in training camp, and McLeod enters the fray as an experienced starter on a defense that has every reason to believe it is the strength of the team. A top-five finish in total defense is not out of the realm of possibility.

Debating on such matters as whether defensive end Robert Quinn can improve on 19 sacks is pointless; he’s still going to be every offense’s first priority come game day. McLeod, on the other hand, still might be on the short list of potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses that foes will try to exploit. St. Louis did theoretically protect itself by drafting defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (second round) and safety Maurice Alexander (fourth) in May. Cody Davis and Matt Daniels will also compete for playing time during the exhibition schedule preseason.

In any event, McLeod will have to earn his keep all over again. If his first two seasons in the pros are any indication, though, don’t expect the man to shrink from the challenge.