Sebastian Joseph Day breaks out in 2020

[BonifayRam]

LA Rams News: Sebastian Joseph Day breaks out in 2020

LA Rams News: Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph Day emerges as defensive standout for the DC Brandon Staley in the 2020 NFL season

ramblinfan.com

by Bret Stuter

LA Rams News: Sebastian Joseph Day emerges as a defensive standout in 2020
Fortune favors the bold. The LA Rams need bold players, as the 2020 chapter is opening-up without defensive standouts like ILB Cory Littleton, OLB Dante Fowler Jr. or Clay Matthews, or S Eric Weddle. A new chapter means new stories will be written: stories about a new class of young men who will step up and force the NFL to recognize their talents, to tell their stories, to hold them up in the future as players who made a positive impact.

But the rules of NFL stardom remain the same, despite the upheaval of modern-day culture in response to the coronavirus pandemic. NFL players earn their reputation, respect, and his future contracts, on the football field. Any player who wants to claim a spotlight knows where it happens. Sebastian Joseph Day (SJD) is ready willing and able to show up in a big way for the Rams’ defense this year.

New defense
Here’s his reaction to the new defense scheme of newly arrived defensive coordinator Brandon Staley:

“I’m ready to shock a lot of people this year.”@SJD_51 joins @JB_Long to talk year three, Brandon Staley’s defense + his hopes to inspire change in the community!
» https://t.co/8r9HA0sEip » https://t.co/hJoV9OBjrN pic.twitter.com/STvcUgS6Do
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 26, 2020

Theoretically, SJD faces a demotion, of sorts. After benefiting from Ndamukong Suh‘s departure to claim a starting role in 2019, the arrival of A’Shawn Robinson to the LA Rams defensive front may push SJD into a rotational role for 2020. That may actually help out SJD, as he will remain active on defensive snaps, but will come into the game fresher and have a greater chance to create positive impacts.

From off-field leader to on-field leader
Quite often, it is the leader on the field who then becomes a community leader off the field. But for the LA Rams young defensive lineman, it seems to work in the opposite direction as well. Amidst the heartbreaking news of 2020 and the realization of how healthcare workers struggled to save lives while caring for themselves, Sebastian Joseph Day led the way to help feed medical staff. When the nation called for accountability and leadership among the nation’s police force, Sebastian Joseph Day led that dialogue as well. A young man of venerable perspective, he does not shy away from controversy, or an opportunity to make a positive difference.

Now comes time for football. For SJD, it’s only round two. After all, this young man was drafted at 195 in the 2018 NFL Draft by the LA Rams but did not see any NFL action in his rookies season. It was not until 2019 that he found the playing field, showing up for 44 percent of the defensive snaps and recording 44 tackles, five quarterback hits, five tackles for loss (TFL) and two quarterback sacks. He even accounted for one pass defense during his 15 starts. That is a pretty good debut for a defensive lineman.

Staley’s defense unlocks SJD
Sebastian Joseph Day is very athletic at 6-foot-4 and 310-pounds. He is tall enough for a role on the defensive line, or to roll out deceptively on pass defense. And for Brandon Staley’s defense, he may be called upon to do both. We’d discussed the strategy of deception, and how that benefits a defense, but the focus to date has only touched upon defensive backs and All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald in a two-point stance as an edge rusher. Now how does that modify SJD’s role?

Well, if the 3-4 defense pulls SJD out in coverage, the team sends both Samson Ebukam and Leonard Floyd to rush the quarterback. Since offenses shift to block the weak side, this creates a lopsided offensive line, with two many defenders to offensive blockers. That either commits single blockers to Aaron Donald and A’Shawn Robinson or allows another defender to rush unscathed. In any case, the quarterback must release the ball nearly instantly, which is when interceptions occur. That is how defenses fool offenses, and it is a weekly cat-and-mouse game.

It also happens with defensive line stunts, where the end and nose tackle crisscross their gap assignments. It even happens as the Rams roll in for a 4-3 or 5-2 or even a 2-5 defensive configuration. SJD is still improving, still learning, and still earning his place on the LA Rams roster. He had a taste of starting on the Rams defense in 2019 and will put in the time and effort to attain that role again. 2020 could be a big year for the LA Rams defense. It could also be a breakout year for defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph Day.

 

[den-the-coach]

Really liked the Kid at Rutgers as he was one of the few players that made plays against Ohio State when his team was losing most of the time 56-0. Was not shocked he beat out Greg Gaines and I do believe strongly will have a role in this defense, although I'm loving the front three of Donald, Robinson & Brockers....Seems like teams won't be gashing the Rams for 6 yards a clip on the ground this year.

 

[fearsomefour]

But I thought Gaines outplayed Joseph-Day in a preseason game (blue font).

 

[fearsomefour]

Really liked the Kid at Rutgers as he was one of the few players that made plays against Ohio State when his team was losing most of the time 56-0. Was not shocked he beat out Greg Gaines and I do believe strongly will have a role in this defense, although I'm loving the front three of Donald, Robinson & Brockers....Seems like teams won't be gashing the Rams for 6 yards a clip on the ground this year.

I’m really hoping for a true DL rotation.
Donald, Brockers, Robinson, SJD are all capable of taking a pretty large snap count. Three of those guys are capable of playing different DL spots.
Gaines and Fox can help fill out the rotation and will get snaps too.
Would love to see a mix of looks (in terms of who lines up where) and personnel matches through a game. Keep everyone fresh and involved. Give the OL a lot to prepare for.
Also, I think the Rams will keep 7 DL.....seems the top six spots are set unless someone blows Fox out of the water in camp. Interested to see who that last spot goes to.

 

[den-the-coach]

Also, I think the Rams will keep 7 DL.....seems the top six spots are set unless someone blows Fox out of the water in camp. Interested to see who that last spot goes to.

I also like some the UDFA's in Michael Hoecht from Brown & Jonah Williams from Weber State.

 

[fearsomefour]

I also like some the UDFA's in Michael Hoecht from Brown & Jonah Williams from Weber State.

Copeland too.
The competition for that last spot will be tough.

 

[den-the-coach]

Copeland too.
The competition for that last spot will be tough.

Yeah I know you like Copeland so do I, played really well at Cincinnati and might be ready to claim a spot this season.

 

[Tano]

I was not impressed with Day last year. The two games against Baltimore and Dallas really showed his weakness against a running QB and good running back combo and I think teams with QBs with good mobility will look at those two games and take advantage of Day. He is okay as a rotational DL but I don't want him playing the majority of the games unless he improves dramatically his major weakness.

 

[BonifayRam]

I am still thinking 6 DL'ers not 7. I see an extremely versatile DL cadre signed with not need of carrying 7 on the master roster.

The new big guy Robinson is a serious DL'er who can line up & play all the imagined or drawn up DL responsibilities. I believe it would be a mistake to think that he will line up & always take on the 0-tech/ 1 tech roles in this new defense. I see Robinson playing a ton of 5 tech & the middle assignments.

I also see Brockers being liberated from his primary roles the last 3 seasons as the main 5 tech/NT run stopper from that side. I can visualize MB returning to perform back to his original DL starting post utilized heavy in conjunction with Aaron Donald @ 3 tech. Brockers is a savvy smart defender who can effectively play all the DL positions plus his near 6-6 frame & extra long wingspan can be utilized in dropping into coverages.

DC Staley should expand the use of Aaron Donald. Utilizing him as the defensive front "wild card". Making OC's have nightmares as to where this MVP Donald will line up or where AD will penetrate & destroy the play from. I feel that DC Staley can get AD into a much elevated playing performance level than we have ever seen. OL'ers do not do well when they have very big surprises.

SJD is not athletic nor fast of foot. He is a plugger with length. He is very strong though. I still see him as a non-versatile DL'er but worthy of a reserve position @ NT. Gaines has a higher ceiling than SJD but like SJD had much to learn his rookie season. GG was somewhat disappointing to me but I do feel we will see him expand his time in all three DL posts much more than SJD. I do not see any need for 3 NT's Robinson/Gaines/SJD on the master roster. It would not surprise me if the Rams trade off SJ-D or GG. Veteran Morgan Fox will feel some serious heat from rookies Hoecht & Williams. Copeland & Fox will need a super TC & Preseason to survive due to the signing of Robinson.

I can see top rookie defender ER Terrell Lewis being over 6-5 & 265 & still growing being involved with the DL unit.

 

[Merlin]

Depth is so important on a DL. Remember our 2017 playoff loss to Atlanta? The moment Brock went out our run defense crumbled on that side and it was curtains. Had SJD or Robinson been on that roster things would have gone differently.

We have good depth across the board. 3T is probably our weakest, as Robinson would slide over there if AD can't go for whatever reason, but we do have options in the event that occurs. Pretty happy with that unit overall.

But it's nice to see SJD get a little media love. Dude deserves it IMO.

 

[fearsomefour]

I am still thinking 6 DL'ers not 7. I see an extremely versatile DL cadre signed with not need of carrying 7 on the master roster.

The new big guy Robinson is a serious DL'er who can line up & play all the imagined or drawn up DL responsibilities. I believe it would be a mistake to think that he will line up & always take on the 0-tech/ 1 tech roles in this new defense. I see Robinson playing a ton of 5 tech & the middle assignments.

I also see Brockers being liberated from his primary roles the last 3 seasons as the main 5 tech/NT run stopper from that side. I can visualize MB returning to perform back to his original DL starting post utilized heavy in conjunction with Aaron Donald @ 3 tech. Brockers is a savvy smart defender who can effectively play all the DL positions plus his near 6-6 frame & extra long wingspan can be utilized in dropping into coverages.

DC Staley should expand the use of Aaron Donald. Utilizing him as the defensive front "wild card". Making OC's have nightmares as to where this MVP Donald will line up or where AD will penetrate & destroy the play from. I feel that DC Staley can get AD into a much elevated playing performance level than we have ever seen. OL'ers do not do well when they have very big surprises.

SJD is not athletic nor fast of foot. He is a plugger with length. He is very strong though. I still see him as a non-versatile DL'er but worthy of a reserve position @ NT. Gaines has a higher ceiling than SJD but like SJD had much to learn his rookie season. GG was somewhat disappointing to me but I do feel we will see him expand his time in all three DL posts much more than SJD. I do not see any need for 3 NT's Robinson/Gaines/SJD on the master roster. It would not surprise me if the Rams trade off SJ-D or GG. Veteran Morgan Fox will feel some serious heat from rookies Hoecht & Williams. Copeland & Fox will need a super TC & Preseason to survive due to the signing of Robinson.

I can see top rookie defender ER Terrell Lewis being over 6-5 & 265 & still growing being involved with the DL unit.

Rewatching some games from last year I disagree about Joseph-Day.
He may not be “fast” but he has some quickness and showed some ability to beat one on one blocks.
He would struggle at times with double teams and he saw plenty of them playing NT. Other times he held up well.
Don’t know enough about Robinson but the more versatility the better on the DL.
Gaines was largely a non factor.
Perhaps Gaines can make a big jump year one to two as JD did.
The only two DL that are likely to be on the field over 50% of snaps are Donald and Brockers.
That’s a good think though.
You could be right about a surprise cut as we saw with Franklin-Myers last year.
Whether the team keeps six or seven DL the rotation could turn out to be very good.

 

[MachS]

Rewatching some games from last year I disagree about Joseph-Day.
He may not be “fast” but he has some quickness and showed some ability to beat one on one blocks.
He would struggle at times with double teams and he saw plenty of them playing NT.

Agreed. SJD is getting more hate than he deserves IMO. Last year he played reasonably well overall for his first year starting. Late round draft pick that was thrust into a starting role. Yes he had bad moments or games but also flashed some really good things. He is strong and more athletic than people are giving him credit for. Solid backup NT and has shown much more than Gains up to this point. Granted he has one more year under his belt but think he's absolutely earned a DL spot.

 

[shovelpass]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/06/13/nfl-rams-sebastian-joseph-day-offseason/



Watch: Sebastian Joseph-Day is putting in work this offseason

Cameron DaSilva
June 13, 2020 10:00 am ET
Sebastian Joseph-Day essentially had his starting job taken from him this offseason after the Rams signed A’Shawn Robinson and brought back Michael Brockers in free agency. Joseph-Day was the starting nose tackle last season, but that appears unlikely to be the case again in 2020.
He may be lower than Robinson and Brockers on the pay scale, but he’s not going to just hand over his spot on the defensive line. He’s been putting in work this offseason and looks to be in excellent shape.
This week, he shared a video of himself working out and his footwork may not be on Aaron Donald’s level, but for a guy who’s 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, he’s moving really well.


This video from last month also shows Joseph-Day’s footwork as he goes through an agility drill, again at 305 pounds.


On the Rams’ website, Joseph-Day is listed at 310 pounds, so he’s trimmed five pounds since the end of last season. It also looks like he’s added some muscle to his frame, putting in a lot of work in the weight room this offseason.


He took exception to a fan who called him out on Twitter, responding with this picture.


Is he poised for a big year in 2020? It’s hard to say right now because he has an uphill climb to a starting job simply based on the competition up front. But Joseph-Day is putting in the work necessary to improve in Year 3.

 

[Memento]

I like both SJD and Gaines. Is it all right for me to put them as the top backups? Fox is another option, along with Copeland (as mentioned by @fearsomefour ), and my sleepers are Michael Hoecht and Jonah Williams - both of whom dominated their competition: Hoecht at Brown and Williams at Weber State. Add in the Big Three, and it's going to be a very exciting training camp to watch the D-line work.

 

[shovelpass]

I think SJD showed some good things last season, scheme versatility (1-Gap, 2-Gap) as well as position versatility, he played mainly at NT but had a chance to move along the line. Even as a rotational player I think he's going to be making plays this season.

 

[sjm1582002]

Would not mind seeing some 4/3's with a Brock/SDJ/Rob rotation taking the DT positions and AD along with the new young man Lewis as DE's.(with Fox rotating in at DE)

Get your best players on the field.

 

[Ram65]

SJD shows players can work hard to improve. Still working out to get stronger and now quicker too! D'Marco Farr told Miles to watch out for SJD because he is putting time in the weight room getting stronger. That's when I started posting he could surprise posters here. Considered the underdog, he won the starting job over Gains the rookie favorite. I think SJD got better as the year went on and now has a solid role in the rotation. I also think in his limited time Gaines showed well and will be a bigger contributor this year.

Lot's to like about this defensive line with greatly improved depth with the adding Big A, keeping Brockers, SJD and Gaines. Fox gets resigned to round things out with Donald as the star that will benefit from the improved help and taking in-game rests. Morgan Fox rounds thing out with rookie workout standouts Michael Hoecht and Jonah Williams. Both rookies will at least be on the PS. They have size, speed and strength but, may need more coaching coming from small-school programs. SJD can lead by example and be a role model joining Aaron Donald.

 

[fearsomefour]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/06/13/nfl-rams-sebastian-joseph-day-offseason/



Watch: Sebastian Joseph-Day is putting in work this offseason

Cameron DaSilva
June 13, 2020 10:00 am ET
Sebastian Joseph-Day essentially had his starting job taken from him this offseason after the Rams signed A’Shawn Robinson and brought back Michael Brockers in free agency. Joseph-Day was the starting nose tackle last season, but that appears unlikely to be the case again in 2020.
He may be lower than Robinson and Brockers on the pay scale, but he’s not going to just hand over his spot on the defensive line. He’s been putting in work this offseason and looks to be in excellent shape.
This week, he shared a video of himself working out and his footwork may not be on Aaron Donald’s level, but for a guy who’s 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, he’s moving really well.


This video from last month also shows Joseph-Day’s footwork as he goes through an agility drill, again at 305 pounds.


On the Rams’ website, Joseph-Day is listed at 310 pounds, so he’s trimmed five pounds since the end of last season. It also looks like he’s added some muscle to his frame, putting in a lot of work in the weight room this offseason.


He took exception to a fan who called him out on Twitter, responding with this picture.


Is he poised for a big year in 2020? It’s hard to say right now because he has an uphill climb to a starting job simply based on the competition up front. But Joseph-Day is putting in the work necessary to improve in Year 3.

A nice 500 + pound deadlift.

 

[FaulkSF]

I think SJD showed some good things last season, scheme versatility (1-Gap, 2-Gap) as well as position versatility, he played mainly at NT but had a chance to move along the line. Even as a rotational player I think he's going to be making plays this season.

On that third video, I actually think Gaines makes the play. Walks the guard into the backfield and then walks the tackle back there too. He created a phone booth for the rb to run through.

 

[shovelpass]

On that third video, I actually think Gaines makes the play. Walks the guard into the backfield and then walks the tackle back there too. He created a phone booth for the rb to run through.

In the 3rd video Gaines takes on the center, he does a good job too, the gaurd pulls and SJD has the tackle. Gaines gets a good push on the center and SJD basically moves the tackle Gaines, holds him up with his right arm and grabs the RB with the other. It honestly looks like the RB didn't know where the play was going, it looks like the blocking is set up for him to take it outside to the left (our right).