Even on a bye week, the Los Angeles Rams made headlines. While both the Rams and Seahawks took the week off from game action, San Francisco’s loss allowed both teams to leapfrog the 49ers in the standings without stepping on the field. But the Rams weren’t exactly idle—fans caught a glimpse of the team on 60 Minutes last night with the mentalist story, including a rare peek behind the curtain into Coach Sean McVay’s strategic mind, even revealing his PIN and ATM code (just kidding… sort of).

Off the field, the Rams continue to make moves that matter on the field, including strengthening their defense and preparing for a critical Week 9 showdown against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.

Rams Roster Moves: Roger McCreary Acquisition

In a blockbuster trade this week, the Rams acquired cornerback Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans, along with a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. In exchange, the Rams sent a conditional fifth-round pick to Tennessee.

Why this matters: McCreary instantly upgrades the Rams’ secondary, which has been a weak point, particularly after starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on injured reserve following Week 2. McCreary’s arrival gives defensive coordinator Chris Shula a versatile, physical corner capable of playing both inside and outside, with a natural fit in the slot—a position that had previously forced safety Quentin Lake into less familiar territory.

McCreary’s Impact on the Rams Defense

• Slot Corner Upgrade: McCreary’s primary experience as a slot corner allows Lake to return to his natural safety role, providing better coverage against quick, inside receivers.
• Physicality and Run Support: Sean McVay emphasized McCreary’s willingness to “get his face dirty,” contributing in the run game and executing blitzes—perfect for Shula’s adaptable defensive fronts.
• Coverage Versatility: While McCreary excels in the slot, his ability to play man coverage gives the Rams flexibility to mix defensive schemes, keeping opposing quarterbacks guessing.
• Depth and Stability: With Witherspoon out and Darious Williams dealing with a shoulder injury, McCreary shores up a cornerback rotation that was stretched thin, ensuring the Rams remain competitive in the critical second half of the season.

Offensive Boost: Key Returns Expected

After a challenging string of injuries, the Rams offense will see some familiar faces back on the field:

• Puka Nacua (WR): Expected to return after missing the Week 7 London game with an ankle sprain.
• Rob Havenstein (OL): Also slated to return after sidelining with an ankle injury since Week 5.

These returns provide a significant boost to McVay’s offense, giving the Rams stability in both receiving and pass protection.

On the flip side, Tutu Atwell was placed on injured reserve to make roster space for McCreary. Atwell has been hampered by a lingering hamstring injury, limiting his contribution this season.

Injury Snapshot Going Into Week 9:

Week 9 Preview: Rams vs. Saints

The Rams host the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, November 2nd. With a refreshed secondary and the expected return of key offensive players, this matchup could be pivotal in the NFC playoff race.

Additionally, the NFL trade deadline on November 4th leaves open the possibility for further roster moves—something the Rams have shown they won’t hesitate to do.

Off-Field Spotlight: Rams on 60 Minutes

This week, attention turned to an unusual and fascinating highlight: a recent 60 Minutes segment featuring mentalist Oz Pearlman at the Rams’ practice facility:

Oz Pearlman Mind Reading at Rams Practice

The segment on 60 Minutes showcased Pearlman’s unique skills, demonstrating his ability to read people and predict outcomes using psychology and observation. At the Rams facility, Pearlman worked with players and coaches, including head coach Sean McVay, leaving fans both amused and impressed.

What Happened

• Pearlman guided a Rams player to guess Sean McVay’s ATM PIN, revealing the digits one by one in a display of psychological insight and suggestion.
• Throughout the segment, he appeared to anticipate outcomes, correctly predicting choices and actions during the demonstrations.
• Pearlman emphasized that his skills rely entirely on reading body language, analyzing behavior, and using psychological techniques, not supernatural powers.

Who Oz Pearlman Is

Pearlman is a professional mentalist who has performed for celebrities, high-profile athletes, and seasoned interviewers, gaining recognition for his ability to read people and create the illusion of mind-reading. His work combines careful observation, subtle cues, and structured techniques, making it both entertaining and scientifically grounded.

Why It Matters

The segment provided fans with a rare glimpse of the lighter side of Rams culture. While football is obviously the focus, moments like these highlight the personalities, team dynamics, and playful energy behind the scenes. McVay and the Rams staff demonstrated a willingness to embrace unusual, fun activities that strengthen camaraderie and keep morale high, even during a demanding NFL season.

Collecting a Legacy: Rams Memorabilia

For collectors and superfans, The Vending Lot proudly offers the most extensive collection of Rams signed memorabilia, including balls, jerseys, and rare items spanning the franchise’s 85+ years since its founding in 1937. Whether you’re seeking a piece from the team’s early days or the current McVay-era stars, we have items that capture every era of Rams history.

From vintage autographed balls to limited-edition collectibles, our collection is unmatched—perfect for die-hard fans looking to celebrate the legacy of the Los Angeles Rams.

Rams Overall Defensive Challenges and Week 9 Preview

As the Rams gear up for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, the spotlight is on a defense that has shown flashes of promise but still carries lingering vulnerabilities. While the defensive front and run defense have improved in 2025, the second and third levels of the defense—particularly the inside linebackers and outside cornerbacks—remain a work in progress.

Secondary: The Search for a True Lockdown Corner

One of the Rams’ most glaring weaknesses lies in the secondary. While the acquisition of Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans provides a much-needed boost at the slot corner position, the outside cornerback spot still lacks a “true” number one.

• Outside Cornerback Play: The Rams rely on a rotation of capable but inconsistent players such as Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Cobie Durant. While these players bring energy and coverage skills, they have yet to consistently contain elite receivers. With Ahkello Witherspoon sidelined due to injury, the perimeter depth problem has become even more pronounced.
• Passer Rating Allowed: Secondary performance has been an issue for some time. In 2024, the unit ranked poorly in adjusted yards per pass attempt and passer rating allowed, and while McCreary addresses slot coverage, the vulnerability on the outside persists. Opposing quarterbacks can exploit this mismatch, particularly against top-tier wide receivers who thrive in one-on-one situations.

Bottom line: Until the Rams develop or acquire a true lockdown corner, opposing offenses will continue to test the edges, leaving McVay’s defense at risk in critical moments.

Inside Linebackers: Depth and Consistency Concerns

Another area that has raised questions is the inside linebacker corps. Despite offseason additions like Nate Landman and rookie Chris Paul Jr., the unit remains a potential weak link in an otherwise solid front.

• Underwhelming Performance: While Landman and Omar Speights impressed during training camp, the group as a whole has yet to deliver elite-level play. Observers remain cautious about trusting this unit to consistently stop the run or cover short passes in high-pressure situations.
• Run Defense Uncertainty: The Rams have focused heavily on run defense this season, and the front four has shown encouraging results. However, the effectiveness of the linebackers is closely tied to the success of the defensive line. If the linemen fail to control gaps, inside linebackers are often left exposed, which can be costly against physical rushing attacks.

Defensive Front: Young Talent, Big Expectations

The Rams’ defensive front is arguably the most consistent part of the unit, yet it leans heavily on youth and development.

• Pressure vs. Run Stop Win Rate: While the pass rush has produced sporadic bursts of dominance, there are lingering concerns about consistency. Metrics indicate strong pass-rush win rates in certain situations, but the defense does not consistently generate pressure on every snap.
• Run Defense vs. Tackling: Improved run defense has been a highlight of 2025, but missed tackles remain a recurring issue. Linebackers and secondary players have occasionally failed to finish plays, creating opportunities for opposing backs to gain extra yards.

The takeaway: The front line can set the tone, but the secondary and linebackers must step up to truly elevate the defense to elite status.

Week 9 Preview: Rams vs. Saints

Despite these defensive challenges, the Rams enter Week 9 with some key advantages:

• Returning Stars: Wide receiver Puka Nacua and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein are expected back, strengthening the Rams’ offensive front and adding depth to the passing game.
• McCreary in the Slot: With the new cornerback in place, defensive coordinator Chris Shula gains flexibility in coverage schemes, which could help mitigate perimeter vulnerabilities.
• Trade Deadline Approaching: With the NFL trade deadline on November 4th, the Rams still have the opportunity to address secondary or linebacker depth, making this a critical week for the front office.

The Rams’ matchup against the Saints at SoFi Stadium will be a test of both their defensive mettle and their ability to integrate new pieces while staying healthy. If the Rams can tighten up coverage on the outside and shore up inside linebacker play, they can continue climbing in the NFC standings.

Beyond the Field: Rams Collectibles and Legacy

For fans looking to celebrate the team, The Vending Lot offers the most extensive collection of Rams memorabilia, spanning over 85 years since the franchise’s founding in 1937. From signed footballs to rare collectibles, our collection covers every era, giving supporters a chance to own a piece of Rams history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the McVay era or a collector of vintage treasures, The Vending Lot has something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• The Rams’ secondary and inside linebacker units remain areas of concern despite offseason improvements.
• The acquisition of Roger McCreary strengthens slot coverage but does not fully solve outside cornerback vulnerabilities.
• The defensive front is promising but relies on consistent play from young talent and disciplined tackling.
• Week 9 against the Saints will be a pivotal matchup to assess depth, health, and defensive cohesion.

With strategic roster moves, returning offensive stars, and a watchful eye on the trade deadline, the Rams aim to balance offensive firepower with defensive stability. Fans should expect a high-stakes battle in Los Angeles as the season pushes deeper into the playoff race.

Even on a bye week, the Rams proved they’re not standing still. With McCreary joining the defense, key offensive players returning, and a critical Week 9 matchup on the horizon, Los Angeles is gearing up for a strong second half of the season. Meanwhile, fans can celebrate the team’s legacy with authentic memorabilia from The Vending Lot, honoring more than eight decades of Rams football.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Rams ramp up toward the playoffs and continue to make moves both on and off the field.