LA Rams DB Derion Kendrick faces charges after win

There are many ways to celebrate an NFL victory. But the choice made by LA Rams defensive back Derion Kendrick after an impressive Week 6 victory against the Arizona Cardinals is not one that I would recommend. The young defensive back has been a rather polarizing figure on the Rams' defense so far this season.

While he has a sustained a better than expected to defend the pass so far this season, he has trended a bit of bad habits as well. In multiple games, he has been targeted with a pass just before halftime, and on each occasion he has been flagged for a poorly chosen penalty. Thos penalties have allowed the opposing offense to put up a score that was preventable.

And so it is very disappointing to learn that Derion Kendrick's name surfaced once more today, again in the context of poor decision-making. TMZ reports today that LA Rams' second-year defensive back Derion Kendrick was Arrested In L.A. ... Hours After Win.

Early morning activity is never a good thing

The TMZ reports that the Kendrick was booked as of 2:14 am PT on Monday, October 16, 2023. And that news has already reached the desk of LA Rams head coach Sean McVay.

While the matter certainly appears to be damning right now, we always urge fans to resist forming judgment until all of the facts are available. In the meantime, I would not be surprised if the Rams pre-empt their investigation by sitting Derion Kendrick for Week 7's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That could mean that a young and promising defensive back Duke Shelley gets his first start of the season as the slot cornerback. To allow for Shelley to take the slot corner role, the Rams would likely move DB Cobie Durant to the outside cornerback role.

While this is certainly a concerning matter that could present long-term complications for a rather young LA Rams roster, the Rams should be able to pivot in time to be ready for Week 7. In the meantime, this is a situation that bears monitoring.