The Los Angeles Rams defense has experienced their fair share of injuries just six weeks into the 2016-17 NFL season. As they get ready for their London showdown with the New York Giants, they prepare for a familiar face.
This offseason saw several key departures in the secondary, including cornerback Janoris Jenkins who signed a lucrative five-year, $62.5 million deal with the Giants. While many figured Jenkins’ asking price was a bit too steep for the Rams to match, he has proved thus far he is worth every penny.
According to Seth Walder of New York Daily News, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher has had nothing but praise for his former player ahead of Sunday’s matchup:
“It was a disappointing loss for us,” Fisher said. “He’s an outstanding young man, one of my favorites that I’ve ever had an opportunity to coach. With all due respect to the other corners in the league right now, it’s hard to find one that’s playing better than he is.”
Jenkins has come a long way since being labeled as a ‘risky’ pick by the Rams back in the 2012 NFL Draft due to his off-field issues. Since then, Jenkins has accumulated 17 interceptions — seven of which he took for touchdowns — and 48 pass deflections.
The vacancy for the top corner spot has since then been filled by Trumaine Johnson, who is still currently hobbled by an ankle sprain. Los Angeles will look to a combination of E.J. Gaines, Lamarcus Joyner, and Troy Hill to defend against a solid Giants receiving corps.
