Sometimes, it takes more than once to make the big play. When an opposing quarterback throws the ball right in your hands after you jump a route perfectly, the excitement of that instant — especially if you’ve got a potential pick-six in front of you — can make you drop the ball when you’d really rather not.
Rams cornerback Darious Williams, who’s probably the most underrated player at his position in the league this season, found this out in Week 16 against the Seahawks when he perfectly jumped a pass attempt from Russell Wilson to receiver Tyler Lockett, and only an agonizing drop prevented a touchdown.
Williams, who picked off two passes when the Rams and Seahawks met in Week 10, didn’t miss this time around — with 6:40 left in the first half, he jumped in front of DK Metcalf on a receiver screen — a remarkable play for any cornerback — and took it 42 yards to the house.
đź—Ł BEST DEFENSE IN THE LEAGUE @Dee_Willl2 with the house call! pic.twitter.com/nRoVoxhH3f
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 9, 2021
The third-year undrafted man from Birmingham-Alabama has enjoyed a breakout season in 2020. Coming into the playoffs, per Pro Football Focus, Williams had allowed just 34 receptions on 68 targets for 504 yards, 165 yards after the catch, two touchdowns, four interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 59.9.