Trent McDuffie continues to shine as Rams secondary succumbs to injury

Los Angeles Rams fans are in a tough spot right now. They had to remain grounded as analysts heaped praise upon a star-laden roster. But as the team prepares for Week 4 with a 1-2 record, the promised powerhouse appears to be anything but.

Of course, LA has had to play without some of those stars. Edge rusher Myles Garrett, wide receiver Puka Nacua, and now cornerback Jaylen Watson top a growing list of injured players.

Thankfully, Trent McDuffie has remained healthy. He has lived up to and exceeded expectations. He is like Velcro in pass coverage and a run-stuffing savant, and his presence on the field alters opposing offenses' game plans.

Quarterbacks look away from the veteran cornerback. So far, McDuffie has had unbridled success in the Rams secondary:

• Trent McDuffie | 18 targets | 6 receptions | 7 PDs | 1 INT | 11 tackles | 0 missed tkls
• Jaylen Watson | 13 targets | 9 receptions | 3 PDs | 0 INT | 10 tackles | 1 missed tkl
• Emmanuel Forbes | 4 targets | 2 receptions | 1 PD | 0 INT | 2 tackles | 0 missed tkls
• Josh Wallace | 6 targets | 3 receptions | 2 PDs } 1 INT | 6 tackles | 1 missed tkl

His seven pass break ups so far rival contemporaries' full-season totals. QBs are quickly learning not to throw McDuffie's way.

Trent McDuffie is everything Rams hoped for and more

Although the Rams are just 1-2, they have some bright spots worth highlighting. McDuffie is worth pointing out. LA has had to opt for either run- stuffing or pass-covering defensive backs in the past. McDuffie excels at both, affording defensive coordinator Chris Shula plenty of options in the heat of battle.

After two games, McDuffie had allowed just five receptions on 12 targets. Now? He's allowed just six receptions on 18 targets. He's not achieving those stellar numbers by facing less talented receivers. He is facing the best of the opposing offense.

The problem is that with the Watson injury, LA is depleted at cornerback. The depth isn't there. As the roster stands now, the Rams will field all remaining healthy cornerbacks in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Practice-squad member Cam Lampkin is a decent bet to be activated so that they aren't forced to sub in safeties at cornerback in case of another injury.

Still, as long as McDuffie suits up, the secondary has a chance. With any luck, injured teammates will get healthy quickly and rejoin him soon.

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