Rams' Defensive Adjustments Following Key Injuries

The Los Angeles Rams are facing significant challenges on the defensive end following the injury to cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who is sidelined for two months with a broken collarbone. This injury raises critical questions about the depth and performance of the Rams' secondary, particularly as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The team has opted not to pursue a trade for a top cornerback, instead relying on their current roster to fill the void left by Witherspoon. Emmanuel Forbes, a reclamation project from last season, has taken on a more prominent role in the absence of Witherspoon.

Initially, Forbes struggled in coverage, ranking 67th out of 74 qualifying cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus, allowing 16.5 yards per reception and a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted.

Despite these setbacks, the Rams have provided Forbes with the support and coaching necessary to revitalize his game. Under the guidance of Aubrey Pleasant, Forbes has made significant improvements, showcasing his ability to adapt to the Rams' off-zone 3-4 defensive scheme, which aligns better with his skill set compared to the previous system he played in with the Washington Commanders.

Since taking on a larger role, Forbes has emerged as one of the top-performing cornerbacks, currently ranking seventh in coverage from Week 6 to Week 11. He has allowed a mere 33.7 passer rating when targeted, a remarkable turnaround from his earlier struggles.

This newfound confidence and performance level are crucial as the Rams look to maintain their defensive prowess against the Buccaneers' offense. Meanwhile, Quentin Lake's recent elbow injury, which required surgery, has added further pressure on the secondary.

Lake's absence is felt deeply within the unit, but players like Josh Wallace are ready to step up, demonstrating the team's resilience amid injuries. Wallace expressed the sentiment shared by his teammates, emphasizing the importance of winning for Lake.

While there is hope for Lake's return later in the season, the Rams must navigate their upcoming games without him and Witherspoon. The Rams' defensive adjustments are not just about filling gaps but also about leveraging the strengths of the remaining players.

As they prepare for their matchup against the Buccaneers, the success of their defensive strategy will heavily depend on Forbes' continued development and the team’s ability to adapt to these injuries.

With the Rams currently boasting the number two pass defense in terms of EPA per dropback, the pressure remains high to maintain that level of performance despite the setbacks. The coaching staff is tasked with maximizing the potential of the remaining players, ensuring the defense remains competitive as they aim for a playoff spot in a tightly contested NFC landscape.

Overall, the Rams' approach to handling these injuries reveals their commitment to developing talent from within and adjusting strategically to maintain their defensive integrity as they look ahead to critical matchups.