Former Wahoo Kiser drawing raves, named NFC Defensive Player of Week

By Jerry Ratcliffe

For those who followed Micah Kiser’s career at the University of Virginia and saw how he was one of the ACC’s top tacklers each season, it came as no surprise that the former Cavalier linebacker was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.

Kiser played a key role in the LA Rams’ 37-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

In that game, Kiser recorded a team-high 16 tackles, knocked down an Eagles’ pass, and forced a fumble that set up the Rams first score of the game.

Not only was Kiser named player of the week, but he’s also leading the NFL in solo tackles with 16 after two games.

Remember the name. @kiser_rollin is your NFC Defensive Player of the Week! 👏 pic.twitter.com/RMV5NNfQPR

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 23, 2020

For the Rams, Kiser and fellow inside linebacker Kenny Young (who recovered Kiser’s forced fumble) have been a delightful new aspect to the Rams defense. Critics wondered in the preseason about how the team’s inside linebacking spots would perform, but after two games, those critics have been silenced.

“Both these players, when they arrive at the point of contact, you feel them,” Rams coach Sean McVay said after the win over Philly. “There’s a second level of physicality that our defense has from those two in particular, where you’re making teams earn every yard. I expect them to continue to improve as they gain experience, which we know is so valuable for those younger players.”

Kiser, an All-ACC linebacker at Virginia and a fan favorite for his rugged play, was drafted by the Rams in the fifth round in 2018. He missed last season after an injury against the Dallas Cowboys in the preseason.

When Kiser was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, he received an ovation from his Rams teammates.

LA defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said of the honor: “For [Kiser] to have a performance like that in his second game as a starter … you saw (why he has been) a guy we have held in such high regard in our building.”

Rams defensive back Troy Hill told Emmanuel Morgan of the LA Times that not only has Kiser been a leader for the defense in action, but also vocally.

“He’s been playing fast and leaving everything out there,” said Hill, who added that Kiser has helped getting everyone lined up properly on defense.

That’s another aspect the Rams will enjoy from Kiser, who was magnificent in getting UVA teammates lined up during his playing days for Bronco Mendenhall.

“They are out there balling,” Hill said of Kiser and Young. “They are surprising everybody else, but I feel like they never had any doubt in themselves. I’m loving what I’m seeing from them.”

Kiser, who is a rather modest young man, said that he was just doing his job.

“That’s just one thing you’re going to get out of me, running to the ball and just trying to get guys down,” Kiser said.

That’s the guy UVA fans grew familiar with.