LaFleur, as offensive coordinator with the Rams last season, acknowledged that when watching Cardinals tape in 2025, there was a significant difference when Nolen played for the Arizona defense and when he did not. (The stats over six games were impressive; Nolen had two sacks, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, five tackles for loss, two passes defensed, and was a clear disruptor.)
Of course, Nolen missed both Rams games.
“There was a respect we had for him as a player, but he wasn’t out there a ton,” LaFleur said.
“Now that he is able to practice, feeling healthy and getting his confidence, it’s every single snap, You’ve got to go, because you have the ability to affect the game.”