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Rams Starter on Chopping Block Despite Dramatic Win Over Bills

The Rams' secondary proved to be a major problem in Week 14.

By Joe Summers

Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game action against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game action against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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The Rams escaped Week 14 with a dramatic 44-42 victory over the Bills in what was perhaps the best game of the NFL season. While there are many things to be excited about from the performance, especially offensively, one defensive player in particular struggled significantly.

Top cornerback Darious Williams, who starts alongside Cobie Durant, was repeatedly targeted in coverage by Josh Allen and Buffalo's potent attack.

These Bills are one of the NFL's best offenses and Allen is the betting favorite to win MVP for a reason, though Williams' issues could prove to be a significant problem in the final weeks of the regular season.

Rams CB Darious Williams Struggles Despite Win vs. Bills

If the Rams are going to make a playoff run, they'll need better play from the secondary. Matthew Stafford and the offense can carry this team, but you probably aren't going to win games in the postseason if you're giving up 42 points.

Williams is in his first year with the organization. He's surrendered a 72.2% completion percentage and 135.8 passer rating when targeted in coverage. Those are unacceptable numbers, especially from a veteran meant to be one of the leaders of your defense.

He does have four deflected passes and 28 tackles in nine games, yet Allen proved Williams can be relentlessly targeted. Allen threw for 342 yards and three TDs while rushing for another 82 yards and three more scores. He was a monster and no one was slowing him down, but Williams certainly didn't help matters.

Few players on the defense played well. That said, it's unreasonable to expect Stafford and the offense to put up 40+ points every week. Los Angeles currently sits in eighth in the NFC, one spot out of the playoffs. They likely need to go at least 3-1 over the final four weeks to get in the postseason yet the coaching staff intends to win all four.

Next week, the Rams take on the 49ers before facing the Jets, Cardinals, and Seahawks to close the year. New York's offense is mediocre, but the other three teams all feature electric attacks that could put up points in a hurry.

If Williams isn't careful, he could wind up being a main reason this team misses the playoffs should things go poorly.

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