Mike LaFleur hints Rams' young weapon could hold key role vs. Eagles

It's almost impossible to imagine what Los Angeles Rams wide receiver and return specialist Jordan Whittington is thinking and feeling right now.

He rushed just once for 5 yards. He returned two kickoffs for 60 yards. And he has caught both passes thrown his way for 42 yards.

The second-year pro is quickly emerging as one of the offense's most versatile weapons, a coveted role in the eyes of his offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.

Not a bad performance, but Whittington did so much more. He returned one kickoff for 74 yards, but it was called back due to a holding penalty by linebacker Troy Reeder. As the second quarter of the Week 1 game began, Whittington had a 34-yard reception called back due to a holding penalty by tight end Tyler Higbee.

It was a heartbreaking turn of events. Conversely, it gave concrete evidence that the young receiver is more effective than his modest stats.

It's uncommon for a young player who has yet to have a breakout game or season to be called out for his positive contributions by an offensive coordinator, but that is exactly what LaFleur did after Week 1. And it preceded Whittington's Week 2 performance, a solid two-catch showing that placed him as the third most effective receiver on the team.

That's pretty special.

Mike LaFleur hints Jordan Whittington holds key role in Rams' Week 3 game

While coachspeak is never as reliable as fans hope, LaFleur gave unusual praise for his second-year receiver. The words are not uncommon. What was unusual was the level of respect and confidence the coordinator has for his wide receiver.

He showered Whittington with confidence, resolve, and respect for his versatility. But LaFleur also cited the wide receiver as capable of playing as a nickel cornerback if the team needed him to do so.

While it's unlikely that he will be tasked to play defense, the offense is starting to take a shine to him for three specific reasons.

1. Jordan Whittington is a physical receiver

Of the 335 receiving yards gained so far in his career, Whittington has 216 yards gained after the catch. That's two-thirds of his offense on his own, plowing through attempted tackles by defensive backs.

His physicality aids his kick returns as well, as he has returned 18 kicks for 513 yards, averaging 28.5 yards per return. His career all-purpose yards have climbed to 865 yards.

If not for costly penalties in Week 1, he would have topped the 1,000 all-purpose yards.

2. Jordan Whittington is as productive as Rams offense allows

The offense is stingy with opportunities when you are not named Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, or Kyen Williams. As much as it has been pointed out, that seems to be the default setting.

So while Whittington has been productive, he has a limited role in the offense, which limits his impact. Were it not for a holding penalty in Week 1, Whittington would be boasting three catches out of three targets for 76 yards.

While it's not record-setting, it's impressive for such a limited number of targets.

3. Jordan Whittington is growing into a larger role

One data point means very little. But with two games under his belt, the trend from one target to two targets is forming an image of a player whose usage is on the rise. It will be a slow process, as the offense has multiple offensive weapons all competing for touches and targets.

Still, the guy has caught all three passes thrown his way, so it makes sense to increase his burden.

In the playoffs, the 6-foot-1 pass catcher caught his lone target against the Philadelphia Eagles for 12 yards. Not much, but the foundation was established for a bigger and better role this season. So far, the pace has been slow and steady.

Will it all change in Week 3? This offense is ripe for unexpected outbursts. It's just a matter of who and when.

Could Whittington be that guy in Week 3? LaFleur seems to think so. For fans eager to witness his breakout game, it's a matter of patience.

As always, thanks for reading.

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