It’s another week which means more questions at cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams as we head into the NFC Championship. Unlike previous weeks, this isn’t necessarily because the cornerbacks played poorly
in the divisional round against the Chicago Bears. Outside of Cobie Durant’s gaffe while covering tight end Cole Kmet on Caleb Williams’ touchdown pass on 4th-and-4, this was arguably the group’s best game since they played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in Week 12.
The Rams cornerbacks were led by Durant who had two interceptions, but he also allowed just three receptions on eight targets. Roger McCreary played his most snaps since joining the Rams and wasn’t targeted once. Filling in for Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams allowed three receptions on five targets.
That also doesn’t mention the success of safeties Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, and Kam Kinchens. As a group, they allowed nine receptions on 18 targets and had an interception. Curl and Lake were especially good in the run game while Lake allowed 0.32 yards per snap in the slot.
Despite being available in the second half, Emmanuel Forbes was effectively benched. He played only four snaps before leaving with a shoulder injury and was on pace for his lowest snap count since Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. The injury wasn’t enough to rule him out as the broadcast noted that he would be available if needed. It’s fair to say that Forbes wasn’t needed as he didn’t play at all in the second half.
Heading into the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams are once again in a place where there are some questions at cornerback and uncertainty on what their rotation will look like. Without Forbes in the lineup, the Rams started McCreary outside, opposite Darious Williams and had success. With Forbes struggling, and seemingly losing some trust in the coaching staff, it’s fair to wonder whether or not McCreary will continue on the outside this week.
While it’s concerning that the Rams don’t have their cornerback rotation figured out at this point in the season, this is also a decision that could make or break their season. Forbes has been inconsistent for most of the season. McCreary may not have Forbes’ length or play-making ability on the ball, but he’s at least a steady presence that the team knows what they’re going to get. Forbes’ play has a level of variance while McCreary may be much more steady. That’s especially the case in the run game.
With that said, Forbes has played well against the Seahawks in the two previous meetings. The Rams cornerback has allowed just three receptions on seven targets for 30 yards with one pass breakup while covering Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He’s also the only Rams cornerback that provides length on the perimeter. McCreary’s arm length is in the zeroth percentile. Darious Williams’ arm length is only 30.75 inches. Without Witherspoon, Forbes’ arm length in the 78th percentile is the best on the Rams defense.
That length means nothing if Forbes is out of position or beaten handily. The Seahawks also don’t have big wide receivers to take advantage of that. For example, Smith-Njigba’s arm length is only in the 15th percentile among wide receivers. Cooper Kupp’s is also just in the 38th percentile. However, that’s where Forbes’ length could be an advantage.
Another thing to consider is that the Green Bay Packers just released former Pro Bowl and All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs. Diggs may not be at his former level and it’s hard to see the Rams adding a new player at the position this late in the season. Still, he would at least provide some depth and upside where the Rams currently lack that.
It’s very possible that the Rams found something with McCreary this past week on the outside. He was forced to play there in a limited role the week before when Witherspoon went out and then got a longer run against the Bears. Among 24 cornerbacks, McCreary was graded eighth in coverage via PFF and was one of few Rams defenders to not miss a tackle. That’s an important factor when it comes to playing a team like the Seahawks who are going to lean on the run game and have the 10th most missed tackles forced per reception this season.
The trade for McCreary has gotten some criticism due to the lack of impact up to this point. The Rams didn’t give up a lot, but it wasn’t seen as an impact move that they needed at the position. However, McCreary has stepped up with his number called in recent weeks.
The cornerback position has been a pain in the Rams’ side all season. It’s very clearly been the Achilles heel of the defense as the front office took a risk on Forbes and relied on familiarity with Williams and Witherspoon. We’re now heading into the NFC Championship and there are still major question marks at the position. If the Rams are going to beat the Seahawks, it’s a decision that they need to get right.
