After four games, I do not think anyone is happy with the LA Rams secondary in 2024.
The Rams’ pass coverage has been erratic and careless, while not as bad as the team’s 32nd-ranked run defense.
Undisciplined in that Tre’Davious White, the seasoned wide receiver, and the Rams’ secondary have been penalized more than anticipated. Per NFLPenalties.com, the LA Rams have been cited for 22 penalties totaling 179 penalty yards in the first four games. Five defensive backs have accumulated 78 yards and 10 penalties among the group. Those backs on defense are:
Tre’Davious White: 29 yards, 4 penalties
Quentin Lake | two fouls | ten yards
Kamren Curl | 19 yards | 2 penalties
Cam Lampkin | 5 yards | 1 penalty
Kamren Kinchens | 1 penalty | 15 yards
Remember that the offense frequently claims a new set of downs after a defensive penalty.
Tre’Davious White, a defensive back, was called for a violation that rendered Jared Verse’s quarterback sack against the Chicago Bears invalid. A QB sack shared by Byron Young and Jared Verse was nullified two plays later by a penalty called by DB Kamren Curl. Two quarterback sacks negated by DB penalties that came in at the wrong time, costing the Bears offense a total of 13 yards.
That is how the defense has started the season by consistently shooting itself in the foot.
Can the Rams pass defense be improved by Darious Williams?
It is clear that Darious Williams was always supposed to be the team’s secondary star. Williams was the obvious starter based on the original depth chart, with Cobie Durant and Tre’Davious White fighting it out for the other starting spot. It is evident after four games that Cobie Durant is a better fit to start.
Additionally, Darious Williams, a defensive back, is headed back to the active roster as soon as possible.
Regarding Tre White, what now?
White is significantly better suited as a rotational defensive back now that Darious Williams is back. That not only guarantees that the team starts games with the strongest defensive backs, but it also removes the possibility that White may run out of gas later in the contest.
White can still be useful, but in a supporting capacity. Ultimately, he is a member of a new defense, is recovering from a major injury sustained in 2023, and his NFL endurance is still lacking.
But I’m not certain that just Darious Williams is ‘enough.’ I believe that a combination of Kamren Curl, John Johnson, Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, and Quentin Lake will make for the ideal secondary. And to be honest, looking at that on paper makes me realize again how talented this defense is.
Darious Williams must be started as a first step. I hope that occurs in Week 5.
I appreciate you reading as always.
