That 8.5-Sack Rookie Is About to Explode, and the Emerald City Isn't Ready For It

Alright 12s, listen up because there's some noise coming out of L.A. that you absolutely need to hear. We're talking about Rams defensive lineman Braden Fiske, who's being set up for an absolutely massive 2026 season. After a quieter 2025 than some expected, largely due to an early-season injury and a scheme change, the word on the street is this dude is about to absolutely feast. And yeah, it's all thanks to some strategic moves that could make our division rivals even tougher.

Fiske's Untapped Power

Remember Fiske's rookie year in 2024? The dude was a straight-up problem, leading all rookies with a mind-blowing 8.5 sacks. That's *interior* pass rusher numbers, folks! But then 2025 hit, and it was a bit more subdued. Don't get it twisted though, when Fiske is dialed in, he's one of the best interior pass rushers in the entire NFL. He's got that speed advancing upfield that quarterbacks absolutely hate, turning pressure into sacks faster than you can say "touchdown Seahawks."

The Garrett Effect: A Game Changer

Now, here's where it gets interesting, and honestly, a little concerning for us. The Rams went out and added Myles Garrett. Yeah, *that* Myles Garrett. This isn't just some big signing, it's a game-changer for their entire defense, especially for Fiske. Think about it: Garrett is a certified double-team magnet. He can defend the run, rush the passer even against multiple tight-end formations and play-action looks. Remember how Seattle exploited a key in the NFC Championship Game when Garrett was on board? Well, the Rams seem to have learned, but in a way that might just unleash Fiske. With Garrett, Kobie Turner, and Poona Ford eating up blocks, teams are gonna have to throw more. And when the Rams know it's a passing down, they've got all sorts of pass-rushing threats that play right into Fiske's strong suits. Their versatile defensive backs can mirror blitz packages with killer coverages, giving Fiske and the D-line that extra second they need to turn pressure into a sack. Garrett and Turner are practically *guaranteed* to draw double teams, leaving Fiske with repeated one-on-one matchups. You hear that? One-on-one for a guy with Fiske's speed? Plus, they've got exterior speed rushers like Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart who'll push quarterbacks right into Fiske's waiting arms. It's like they've engineered their entire defense just to make this dude a star. So yeah, the Rams have basically designed their entire defense to make Fiske explode. It's clear they're expecting a monster year from him. For us, the 12s, this means when our Seahawks roll into L.A. or the Rams come to Lumen Field, we're not just facing the usual suspects. We're going up against a defense that could have an interior lineman absolutely wrecking games. Our O-line, led by Sam Darnold, and our play-makers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, are gonna have their hands full. We better be ready for this guy, because if the Rams' plan works, Braden Fiske is about to be a problem, and we'll be feeling it in the NFC West.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.