Ahkello Witherspoon miraculous recovery could flip Rams narrative in 1 game

The Los Angeles Rams have fought to earn respect for their secondary all season long. This was a group of defensive backs that did not reload in the offseason. Ironically, their NFL playoff performance in two games was completely overshadowed by a pass rush that put up 16 quarterback sacks, but was shredded by the running of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.

The secondary allowed 373 gross passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. But after factoring in sack-yards lost, the defense allowed just 114 net passing yards per game to two of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. And veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was an integral part of that secondary.

Witherspoon was injured in Week 2 and has spent all season on injured reserve. Expected to return in December, he was activated this week in time to suit up and face the Carolina Panthers. Now the question is, what can fans expect from him in Week 13?

Secondary stars are shining brightly in Rams defense

The secondary has stars already. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has been playing like an All-Pro recently. His teammate, Cobie Durant, is right there with him. And the team's deep safety room has been nothing short of superb, even as key contributors are struggling with injuries.

But the return of Ahkello Witherspoon does more than just add depth. His 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame brings size and physicality to a secondary that has been growing its reputation as a sticky-coverage, hard-hitting group of defensive backs.

And then there is the fact that both Forbes and Witherspoon competed for the team throughout training camp and the preseason, a first for the former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback. It's that investment of time, coaching, and coordination that has fast-tracked his return this week.

The Panthers passing offense is not great. 185.0 passing yards per game sinks them to 27th among 32 teams in passing. But their 122.3 rushing yards per game is very good, and with nose tackle Poona Ford questionable for Week 13, the team needs big physical players on the football field.

Despite ever-increasing confidence on social media, nothing is certain in Week 13. And the return of Ahkello Witherspoon may be the spark that flips NFL analysts into showing a bit more respect to the secondary going forward.

As always, thanks for reading.