The last time the Seahawks played the Rams these teams were a lot different. While it was only a couple of months ago in real time, in football time it may as well have been an eternity ago. Every NFL team goes through peaks and valleys during the season and these two have diverged in completely different directions since the season opener. While Seattle has slugged out six wins in their last eight games, LA has lost six of eight.
The biggest difference-maker has been the impact of rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who did not play in Week 1. You can bet the Rams have been spending a whole lot of time watching him the last few days, though. Quarterback Matt Stafford has certainly come away impressed. Here’s what Stafford said about Seattle’s standout rookie, per Rams Wire.
“I think ‘21’ being in there, we missed him the first game and he’s a heck of a player… His energy jumps off the tape when you watch it, both when he’s covering guys and when he’s running the tackle and hit blitz into the backfield, whatever it is, he’s a playmaker all over the field so I’m sure they’re happy with what he’s been doing and he jumps off the tape.”
To some extent Stafford can limit Witherspoon’s effectiveness by simply not throwing in his direction. However, Spoon has demonstrated an ability to make plays in every aspect of the game. He’s a terrific run defender and tackler for his position, he’s an superb blitz option from the slot and he plays a smooth, high level of coverage for a rookie. Witherspoon also has a knack for creating turnovers.
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