The Los Angeles Rams defense put together one of its most dominant performances of the 2020 NFL season during their 23-16 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10.
The elite Rams pass rush generated consistent pressure on Russell Wilson all game, finishing with 6.0 sacks. Meanwhile, the stingy secondary led by cornerback Jalen Ramsey sealed the deal by not allowing any room for big plays over the top.
Ramsey managed to shut down wide receiver DK Metcalf by limiting him to two catches on four targets for 28 yards with both of those catches coming in zone coverage. His outing was complemented by a two-interception performance by cornerback Darious Williams.
While the matchup on the outside may have dominated the headlines, Ramsey downplayed his efforts versus Metcalf, per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press:
"I think it went well. I played a lot of man against him, and I felt like my coverage was really good, my technique was really good." — Jalen Ramsey on his matchup with DK Metcalf, who only had 2 catches — both vs zone coverage — for 28 yards
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) November 16, 2020
Ramsey also shared some high praise for Williams’ status as a bonafide Pro Bowler:
Jalen Ramsey on Darious Williams after his 2-INT game: "I think it’s time to start talking about D-Will in this league as a household name, as a guy who can potentially be an All-Pro, as a guy who should be a Pro Bowler. He’s that type of guy." pic.twitter.com/DZlssRzcfn
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) November 16, 2020
The Rams were not shy about having Ramsey shadow Metcalf from the start as he was held without a target the entire first half. Despite emerging as one of the most productive wideouts in the league, the visibly frustrated Seahawks’ star was never able to make his presence felt during the loss.
Although the two interceptions by Williams helped to keep the momentum of the game in the Rams’ favor, it was his coverage and pass breakups that proved to be the deciding factor.
It is easy to see why Ramsey is convinced of his teammates’ emergence as a household name given he is in the midst of a breakout season in L.A. After all, Williams had already hauled in two interceptions while allowing just 17 catches on 31 targets for 231 yards and one touchdown coming into Week 10.
Things will not get any easier for the Rams as they get set to hit the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. The confidence Williams has gained should help pay huge dividends when it comes to defending this Bucs offense with no shortage of weapons on the outside.
