On a defensive line that featured the best pass rusher in the world and the team’s longest-tenured position player, it was easy for Sebastian Joseph-Day to get somewhat overlooked with the Los Angeles Rams the last two years. But despite playing alongside Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers, Joseph-Day still managed to make a name for himself among Rams fans with a standout 2020 season.
As good as he was last year, he’s poised to break out this season. That’s what his trainer Eddy McGilvra (and many others) is saying.
McGilvra trains the Rams’ defensive linemen and edge rushers each offseason, getting an up-close look at the team’s big men on that side of the ball. He’s worked with Joseph-Day for the last two years and has come away impressed with the Rutgers product’s development this offseason.
In a phone interview, I asked McGilvra which player has stood out to him this offseason and could be in for a big year. His first choice was Joseph-Day.
“I think you hit it on the head with Bash,” McGilvra told Rams Wire. “I got with him two years ago and he was very raw. Really athletic, big body, but he had a lot of technical stuff to work on. Over this offseason, I’ve definitely seen the most growth in his game. I think he’s set for a blow-up year if all goes right, if he stays healthy – especially being next to AD taking all that attention.
My guy @SJD_51 is really going to show up this year!! Been working for it all @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/6PpVForkq3
— Eddy McGilvra (@DLcoachEd) April 28, 2021
Joseph-Day has looked more explosive and quicker in the last two seasons as a starter, slimming down a bit and improving his get-off. It helps that he plays on the same team as Donald, who commands a ton of attention from opposing blockers.
But Joseph-Day has developed his own pass-rush repertoire and plays with good power, making him a quality starter in the middle of the line.
Shock n move @SJD_51 pic.twitter.com/2XtMPRB1sJ
— Eddy McGilvra (@DLcoachEd) May 6, 2021
The push-pull move below is one Donald uses often, keeping the blocker off-balance by starting with a bull rush and using a pull-through technique to bust through the line.
With more moves in his toolbox, Joseph-Day is bound to get even better as an interior rusher. He’s already an excellent run defender who made 55 tackles last season, but expect him to have more than the three sacks combined from the last two years.
@SJD_51 coming for it all this year 🤞 pic.twitter.com/qkGekZ1nkN
— Eddy McGilvra (@DLcoachEd) May 13, 2021
Rams fans know all about the man they call “Bash,” but the rest of the football world will find out how good he is this year.
