In his best place physically and mentally since joining Rams, Terrell Lewis thriving in third season

[ROD-BOT]

In his best place physically and mentally since joining Rams, outside linebacker Terrell Lewis thriving in third season

www.therams.com

In his best place physically and mentally since joining Rams, Terrell Lewis thriving in third season​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – A healthy scratch for multiple games following the arrival of Von Miller. Continual external speculation about his knee.

For those and other reasons, the 2021 season did not go as Rams outside linebacker Terrell Lewis had hoped.

The 2022 season, however, has been a much different story.

With Miller gone and most the Rams' outside linebacker rotation returning, Lewis has been able to thrive so far as one of those returnees, helping make plays and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks through the first three games.

"Just stacking blocks," Lewis said during a video conference Monday. "I mean, I've been kind of coming out with the same mindset week in, week out, just trying to keep building off of it. It's real early in the season, so I like where I'm at, (but) I know I can take it even further. I think I left a couple – it was a couple of plays where I'm like, 'Man, it was almost a sack' or 'that was almost a pick.' So just keep building off of it and keep getting comfortable with our unit that's out there rushing together, and just being able to play off guys, know when my ops are, when when it's kind of like okay, I need to speed to power here, things like that."

Terrell Lewis on how 2022 season has gone so far, facing 49ers on Monday Night Football

So far, Lewis has had his hand in multiple plays. Through the first three weeks of the season, he's registered eight total tackles (one for loss), one sack, two QB hits, one interception and one forced fumble, being the disruptive force the Rams likely envisioned when they took the 6-foot-5, 262-pound edge defender in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Lewis has been able to flourish in part because of having the mindset to enjoy each day and each moment of the journey, which he said was something last year was taught him to do. He's also in a great space physically and mentally, and makes a concerted effort to pick the brains of veteran teammates like defensive back Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

"I feel like mentally I'm in a great place," Lewis said, when asked what besides that mindset is different for him this year. "I feel like mentally, physically, I'm probably in the best place I've been since I've been here honestly."

Teammates noticed before the season began, too. In training camp, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd said Lewis had been taking care of his body during the offseason and could tell Lewis was pass-rushing with confidence in his knee, in terms of the bend being displayed by Lewis.

"T-Lew been playing like a professional so far this season," outside linebacker Leonard Floyd told theRams.com. "He's been coming in, doing his rehab, making sure he know his gameplan. He's been doing a good job of playing and going hard on Sundays, making plays. I'm proud of him so far."

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said Lewis has been healthy, moving well, rushing well and defending the run well and making plays every week. Lewis and Hollins are both splitting time at the other outside linebacker spot because they view both players as starters, according to Morris.

"Terrell's definitely showed up in a big way and had a major part in all the games that we played," Morris said Friday. "I credit him for the work he's put into in the offseason, the work that he's put into it just in general to get to this point. I'm proud of him for what he's done."

 

[BuffaloRam]

In his best place physically and mentally since joining Rams, outside linebacker Terrell Lewis thriving in third season

www.therams.com

In his best place physically and mentally since joining Rams, Terrell Lewis thriving in third season​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – A healthy scratch for multiple games following the arrival of Von Miller. Continual external speculation about his knee.

For those and other reasons, the 2021 season did not go as Rams outside linebacker Terrell Lewis had hoped.

The 2022 season, however, has been a much different story.

With Miller gone and most the Rams' outside linebacker rotation returning, Lewis has been able to thrive so far as one of those returnees, helping make plays and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks through the first three games.

"Just stacking blocks," Lewis said during a video conference Monday. "I mean, I've been kind of coming out with the same mindset week in, week out, just trying to keep building off of it. It's real early in the season, so I like where I'm at, (but) I know I can take it even further. I think I left a couple – it was a couple of plays where I'm like, 'Man, it was almost a sack' or 'that was almost a pick.' So just keep building off of it and keep getting comfortable with our unit that's out there rushing together, and just being able to play off guys, know when my ops are, when when it's kind of like okay, I need to speed to power here, things like that."

Terrell Lewis on how 2022 season has gone so far, facing 49ers on Monday Night Football

So far, Lewis has had his hand in multiple plays. Through the first three weeks of the season, he's registered eight total tackles (one for loss), one sack, two QB hits, one interception and one forced fumble, being the disruptive force the Rams likely envisioned when they took the 6-foot-5, 262-pound edge defender in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Lewis has been able to flourish in part because of having the mindset to enjoy each day and each moment of the journey, which he said was something last year was taught him to do. He's also in a great space physically and mentally, and makes a concerted effort to pick the brains of veteran teammates like defensive back Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

"I feel like mentally I'm in a great place," Lewis said, when asked what besides that mindset is different for him this year. "I feel like mentally, physically, I'm probably in the best place I've been since I've been here honestly."

Teammates noticed before the season began, too. In training camp, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd said Lewis had been taking care of his body during the offseason and could tell Lewis was pass-rushing with confidence in his knee, in terms of the bend being displayed by Lewis.

"T-Lew been playing like a professional so far this season," outside linebacker Leonard Floyd told theRams.com. "He's been coming in, doing his rehab, making sure he know his gameplan. He's been doing a good job of playing and going hard on Sundays, making plays. I'm proud of him so far."

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said Lewis has been healthy, moving well, rushing well and defending the run well and making plays every week. Lewis and Hollins are both splitting time at the other outside linebacker spot because they view both players as starters, according to Morris.

"Terrell's definitely showed up in a big way and had a major part in all the games that we played," Morris said Friday. "I credit him for the work he's put into in the offseason, the work that he's put into it just in general to get to this point. I'm proud of him for what he's done."

I’m hoping he lives up to it - we need that pressure on the edge

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Our guys had to have picked up some tips from Von. I hope Lewis is an unexpected destructive force on Shanny Monday night.

 

[oldnotdead]

Thus far IMO Lewis is a good edge but far from a dominant edge that teams need to gameplan for. In other words they have a fine rotational player but far from the dominant edge the Rams really want. The fact they drafted Hardy and signed McKinley is testimony to what Snead and McVay are looking for. Especially the signing of McKinley. He's a proven vet who a few years ago would have been a good match for Floyd. But career was derailed by injury and immaturity. Now that looks to be behind him and he could be ready to return to form.

There was a reason he was a first-round pick and he validated that his first two years. If he does return to form the Rams would have a steal and the edge they need to start opposite Floyd. They would have a Dante Fowler type of edge but one who is more versatile, i.e. able to drop into coverage allowing Morris to use Wagner's pass rushing ability.

I like Lewis, I always have since he was drafted. Though he's developed into a good player, he's not the force they envisioned when they drafted him.

 

[Kupped]

Lewis looks like he's getting better... but he and Hollins are both on a pace for 5.5 sacks this year.

That ain't gonna do it.

We do know teams are getting rid of the ball faster against the Rams than other teams.. so, we'll see how this plays out and whether the Rams tighten coverage and if that helps.

I still assume a trade for an edge happens at some point.

 

[snackdaddy]

Lewis looks like he's getting better... but he and Hollins are both on a pace for 5.5 sacks this year.

That ain't gonna do it.

We do know teams are getting rid of the ball faster against the Rams than other teams.. so, we'll see how this plays out and whether the Rams tighten coverage and if that helps.

I still assume a trade for an edge happens at some point.

I think they just need to give Lewis some time to get better and healthier. He's definitely got the talent to be good at that position. But if its not improving as we approach the deadline, then yeah, maybe that might be something to look at.

 

[Kupped]

I think they just need to give Lewis some time to get better and healthier. He's definitely got the talent to be good at that position. But if its not improving as we approach the deadline, then yeah, maybe that might be something to look at.

Well, for me, making a trade is a slam dunk.
Best case? You have the depth to keep throwing fresh pass rushers at teams.
Worst case? You bring someone in to boost a struggling/injured edge group.

I will say.. the overall picture for the Rams pass rush is complicated. Teams are getting the ball out so fast. As the season goes on and the Rams can start tightening coverage.. they may get home more.

 

[CoachAllred]

A healthy scratch for multiple games following the arrival of Von Miller.

Sitting and resting in 2021 may have been just what his knee needed.

 

[oldnotdead]

Thriving? His production has been average. Why else would they sign McKinley? McKinley has proved he can do it. Lewis is still trying to prove it in his 3rd year.

Lewis has proved he's a decent rotational guy. He hasn't proved he's a good starter.

 

[Kupped]

Thriving? His production has been average. Why else would they sign McKinley? McKinley has proved he can do it. Lewis is still trying to prove it in his 3rd year.

Lewis has proved he's a decent rotational guy. He hasn't proved he's a good starter.

I’d say he’s thriving and that the McKinley signing has much more to do with lack of depth & Lloyd’s knee.

Takk is a no risk swing.. hoping to capitalize on unrealized potential. He was on the street for several reasons.

I hope he puts it all together.

 

[dang]

Thriving? His production has been average. Why else would they sign McKinley? McKinley has proved he can do it. Lewis is still trying to prove it in his 3rd year.

Lewis has proved he's a decent rotational guy. He hasn't proved he's a good starter.

Low risk/medium reward (e.g. Dante Fowler) scenario.

 

[snackdaddy]

Thriving? His production has been average. Why else would they sign McKinley? McKinley has proved he can do it. Lewis is still trying to prove it in his 3rd year.

Lewis has proved he's a decent rotational guy. He hasn't proved he's a good starter.

No he hasn't proven it yet. I believe his injury history is what has set him back. And he will always have the dreaded "If healthy" caveat. But there is no denying he has enough talent. A lot of pundits believed he would have been late first/early second round if not for his knees. He just needs to be out there gaining more experience and improving his game. Right now he's in the potential phase. Hopefully he can get to the proven phase of his career. Time will tell.

 

[Rams43]

Well, I don’t think our edge pressure is of SB caliber right now.

It’s ‘pretty good’ at least at times, but just not to last year’s level.

So I’m willing to consider any and all options to turbocharge it via trade, McKinley, Hardy (later), or any other damned thing that Snead/McVay can dream up.

I will say that Wagner/Jones have been a big positive for the D, but a constantly crippled secondary has been problematical. Fortunately, Rams are deep in their secondary and starters will return there fairly soon.

So let’s give Morris some time to tweak and tinker. He’s got good reason to be highly motivated, after all. Aside from his pride, if he can get good results during these challenging times then he will have earned the right to be strongly considered to become HC at some team of his choosing.

Fingers crossed…

 

[Merlin]

We did have some attempts this offseason to minimize the loss of Von. But for the most part I think we realized what was coming and it's what we are seeing now. Edge is our biggest roster shortfall in terms of talent. This is not a surprise, rather it was inevitable.

I mean there was a chance we hit the lottery on Hardy, who does have a good raw talent level. But this was probably 99% where we were destined to be which is not good enough for a deep playoff contender. Pass rush is crucial there.

So the question is whether the secondary can settle in and play well enough to make up for the lesser rush. I think it is possible they end up in a good place down the road this season, but we are going to need better play across the board as well as a couple young pieces to make big contributions. Because we're not going to accomplish anything meaningful with Long/Rochell at corner.

I know it's early but it doesn't look great in terms of defending our title for that reason. Plus we know statistically how tough it is anyway to repeat. But it should still be fun to watch this team battle and they might go far who knows. I'll be riding this high of the Super Bowl win for at least a couple more seasons but damn it would be nice to see them figure out a way. I just don't feel confident they will have enough this year. This feels like it's going to be a season where they have time to plan out their restocking of some key spots in the offseason.

 

[BonifayRam]

Lewis is late to the party.

Close to being 3/4 through his contract & he has done very little but disappoint.

Glad he is beginning to finally earn his position on this MR53 since his arrival in April 2020 in the 3rd round of the Draft.

Lewis does have the talent to become dominant as the Ram's best pass-rushing ER since Leonard Floyd is trending fast into mediocrity as an effective pass rusher in DC Morris's defense. I would expect Hollins to log more time with Floyd as the season moves on. I do expect rookie Dan Hardy to move in behind Lewis once he is active from the IR.

Snead will be forced to utilize what very little draft capital the team has for this ER position very early in 2023. Snead @ this time has 4 selections a 2nd, 3rd, 6th & a 7th.

Snead needs a very good RB/ OG/ ER & a pass rushing 3 tech DT in this upcoming draft.

 

[Kupped]

Lewis is late to the party.

Close to being 3/4 through his contract & he has done very little but disappoint.

Glad he is beginning to finally earn his position on this MR53 since his arrival in April 2020 in the 3rd round of the Draft.

Lewis does have the talent to become dominant as the Ram's best pass-rushing ER since Leonard Floyd is trending fast into mediocrity as an effective pass rusher in DC Morris's defense. I would expect Hollins to log more time with Floyd as the season moves on. I do expect rookie Dan Hardy to move in behind Lewis once he is active from the IR.

Snead will be forced to utilize what very little draft capital the team has for this ER position very early in 2023. Snead @ this time has 4 selections a 2nd, 3rd, 6th & a 7th.

Snead needs a very good RB/ OG/ ER & a pass rushing 3 tech DT in this upcoming draft.

I don't think they have any need for a guard in the upcoming draft. They have 4 guys to legitimately compete for 2 spots.. Jackson, Bruss, Shelton and Anchrum.
RB.. let's see how this season p[lays out before throwing high draft picks at the RB position.
3 tech.. Let's see how Bobby Brown plays when he comes back.. I don't think the Rams will let *both* Gaines and Robinson go and they have the rotational backups.. Copeland, Hoecht under control another year.

Edge.. OT.... my top priorities and it's not close.

 

[badnews]

What I see in Lewis is someone with all the requisite tools - now he just needs to stay out there long enough to learn how to put them all together

 

[Classic Rams]

TLew has shown flashes this year and I'm hoping in the next several games that he becomes a problem to opposing offenses where they go "we gotta know where this guy is." When he becomes a consistent threat I'll be ecstatic but it is more wishful thinking.