It's time to 'Spoon' feed this Los Angeles Rams struggling secondary

Savvy veteran experience when needed most

While not necessarily a Pro Bowler, it's impossible to argue that Witherspoon did not outplay his veteran minimum contract in 2023.

He started all 17 games for the team last season (already impressive) and played 1060 defensive snaps. In that time, he made 52 tackles, picked off three passes, he allowed just 51 of 105 passes to find their target, (just a a 48.1 percent completion rate). He even recovered two fumbles for the team.

The problem was that he was not consistent. As the season wore on, he appeared to be hampered by an injury, an observation that was confirmed by several reports after the season. He allowed five touchdown passes, and missed nine tackles, a horrific 14.8 percent missed tackles rate.

But in 2024, even those bad stats would be an improvement over what this secondary is getting from some starters.

The Rams secondary has managed to shut down some very talented receivers. But the same secondary has managed to allow less talented players to shred them for huge games and to go on scoring sprees that may be the best games of their NFL careers.

And the LA Rams cannot take the Chicago Bears lightly in Week 4.

Just check these performances out:

• Week 1: Detroit Lions - WR Jameson Williams | 5 of 9 receptions | 121 receiving yards | 1 touchdown
• Week 2: Arizona Cardinals- WR Marvin Harrison Jr, | 4 of 8 receptions | 130 receiving yards | 2 touchdowns
• Week 3: San Francisco 49ers- WR Jauan Jennings | 11 of 12 receptions | 175 receiving yards | 3 touchdowns

It's obvious from this small data set that the Rams have a problem defending all receivers on the opposing team. Not just initially, but even trying to adapt and rotate coverages to counter what the offense is trying to do.

Clearly one or more players in this secondary are struggling. And that creates the opportunity for Ahkello Witherspoon to reclaim a roster spot and perhaps even his starting role in the secondary.

But to do so, he not only must be active in the game, he must see playing time.