After suffering injury after suspension after injury to start the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams finally received some good news heading into Week 5, as Super Bowl-winning cornerback Darious Williams who spent the last few seasons in Jacksonville, is officially ready to make his return against the Green Bay Packers.
Discussing what he expects from the former and future starter upon his return during his media session on Friday, Sean McVay celebrated Williams’ efforts, noting that he is a hard worker who expected to have an impact in the future.
“Experience, confidence [and] production when he plays. All of these things are why we were so excited to be able to get it back. This guy has a great trigger concept, just a natural feel,” McVay told reporters. “Some guys have a knack for being able to get their hands on the ball if those opportunities present themselves. We are delighted to have Darious back.
On paper, one of the few positions that hasn’t been ravaged by injuries so far this season, at least from Weeks 1-4, is cornerback, with all three starting from Day 1 of the season. team, Cobie Durant, Tre’Davious White. , and Quentin Lake are all going strong. Unfortunately, this hasn’t always been a good thing, as White has been pretty bad, Durant hasn’t been much better, and Lake plays exclusively inside when at cornerback. If Williams can prove a consistent presence on the outside, replacing White or Durant, or alternating at both spots, it can only help the Rams’ efficiency moving forward.
For what? Because you don’t give up the 13th most receiving yards in the NFL when you have good cornerback play.
Sean McVay thinks Rams receivers can beat Green Bay’s coverage
Elsewhere in his Friday press briefing, McVay commented on the Packers’ defensive backfield, which regularly likes to deploy with only one coverage on the outside.
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Will the Rams receivers, still trailing Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, be able to take advantage of this apparent advantage? If they make it in Week 5, McVay thinks they will, even though the Packers defense has looked good at times this season.
“Yeah, usually if you get those opportunities. [Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator] Coach [Jeff] Hafley does a great job mixing things up. There were situations where they gave up some of the things you’re referring to or had a big lead late in the game. These guys are a great defense. They do a great job. They are very opportunistic in removing it. We must be effective in all situations. If you get these one-on-one operations, you definitely have to be able to win, but they got some great turns that we have a lot of respect for.
Through the first four games of the 2024 NFL season, the Packers have allowed 83 receptions on 130 targets for 922 yards and eight touchdowns. While none of those marks are higher than 21st in the NFL, their eight interceptions rank first overall, with free safety Xavier McKinney leading the way with four.
