Byron Young Talks Key to Beating Seahawks, Stafford’s Return, and Rams Drafting Simpson
Byron Young is coming off a breakthrough season with the Los Angeles Rams.
The 28-year-old recently completed his third season by posting a career year, leading the Rams with 12 sacks while producing a career high 82 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. Young clinched his first Pro Bowl bid as a result and helped lead the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.
“Definitely think I took a different approach last season going to year three than I did any other season my first few years and focusing on more little things,” said Young in a one-on-one interview with R.org. “Being more intentional, improving my craft and sustainability and my needs and versatility and just working out different things. I started doing karate, so I definitely think that played a huge role in contributing to my success.”
The Rams came up a little short in their loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, falling 31-27. It was their second straight narrow loss to the Seahawks after losing in overtime to them, 38-37, in Week 16. The Seahawks would go on to win the Super Bowl, dominating the New England Patriots on the grandest stage, 29-13.
Seahawks Are the Biggest Hump
It’s clear the Rams were the Seahawks’ toughest opponent last season, and it’s also obvious that Los Angeles needs to get through Seattle in order to get over the hump in winning the Super Bowl.
“We have to finish,” said Young on the key to beating the Seahawks. “That’s a complete team. That’s a team where you can’t give them a chance, you won’t give them much type of chance, because that’s how you lose. You can’t make mistakes like that, the small mistakes we made, because that’s how you lose.
“Beating a team like that is eliminating the mistakes and capitalizing off their mistakes,” Young continued. “Just keep playing that type of football, we could play that brand of football. I think that’s the key to beating teams like that, because they score, they’re going to make big plays, because that is a good team. They’re hungry, they’re trying to continue that repeat, so it’s our job.”
Stafford’s Return is Huge
A big key to the Rams getting over the hump and potentially winning their first Super Bowl since 2021 lies in the return of Matthew Stafford. The reigning MVP decided to return for an 18th season after completing the best season of his long NFL career last year. Stafford threw 46 touchdowns and 4,707 passing yards, leading the league in both categories for the first time.
Stafford made his announcement that he’s returning for another season while receiving the MVP award at the NFL honors show.
The veteran quarterback’s strong play is a reason to believe the Rams are a Super Bowl favorite heading into next season.
“I wasn’t surprised,” said Young. “I was happy for sure, but I wasn’t really that surprised. I know his mentality and he wants to win. I know he wants to get there (Super Bowl) and how close we were. I definitely found out when everyone else was watching it. I knew he probably wouldn’t have hit us with a bombshell, so I was waiting for that. I found out that night (about his decision to return) too.”
Preparing for the Future
The Rams will obviously run it back with Stafford in their quest to win another Super Bowl, but they’re also preparing for the future. Los Angeles decided to select Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Simpson was regarded as the second-best quarterback prospect behind Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
The 23-year-old Simpson is expected to learn under Stafford and take over as the franchise quarterback whenever he decides to retire. The selection was interesting, given that the Rams could have gone with a player ready to contribute to a Super Bowl-caliber roster. Instead, they chose Simpson to prepare for the future.
“I think he’s a good quarterback, he’s a great kid,” said Young of Simpson. “With the front office, trusting everything that they do is in the best interest of this team. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes. We got some great players, got some D-linemen, got some tight ends. Got some receivers in there. I can’t wait to see what these guys bring to this. I have no doubt that these guys will come in, definitely help motivate you regardless of what pick they are.”
NFL Idol
When asked who the linebacker was he most modeled his game after while growing up, Young said it’s Von Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection who won a Super Bowl with the Rams during the 2021 season. Young unfortunately missed out on playing with Miller, considering he was drafted in 2023. Miller is still playing to this day, having completed his 15th season with the Washington Commanders.
“Von Miller,” said Young of his favorite player. “The type of player he is, we have kind of the same deal. I like his finesse moves, his speed and quickness and he does everything the same. He makes everything look the same, he does it definitely. O-linemen never know what’s coming. He’s always going to play at that high level and I still love to watch him.
“I actually haven’t ran into him,” Young continued. “It’s weird, because I don’t think I’ve played on a team that he’s been on so far. If I have, I don’t think we’ve been in the same space. I feel like that day is going to come and I look forward to speaking with him.”