Emmanuel Forbes Rises as Rams’ Top Cornerback After Injury Crisis

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles Rams faced a major setback when cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon suffered a broken collarbone, sidelining him for two months. This injury raised concerns about the team’s defensive capabilities, particularly at cornerback, a position already seen as vulnerable. Instead of seeking a trade for a replacement, the Rams chose to rely on Emmanuel Forbes, who has been working to rebuild his confidence.

Forbes, a first-round pick, struggled initially with the Rams. After the first four weeks of the season, he ranked 67th out of 74 qualifying cornerbacks in coverage according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He allowed an alarming average of 16.5 yards per reception and posted a near-perfect passer rating of 158.3 when targeted.

Additionally, Forbes faced high missed tackle rates, landing him among the bottom performers in the league. However, even amid these challenges, he demonstrated resilience. In one game against the Tennessee Titans, following a significant play against him, Forbes quickly rebounded by breaking up the next pass attempt.

The transition from the Washington Commanders, where Forbes was drafted to play a different style, likely affected his confidence. While he was designed for an off-coverage role, he was forced to adapt to a scheme that didn’t leverage his strengths. Recognizing this mismatch, the Rams decided to support Forbes and help him regain his confidence.

The Rams run a 3-4 defensive scheme that allows cornerbacks to avoid heavy press coverage. This approach fits Forbes’ abilities better, allowing him to use his ball skills effectively. In recent weeks, Forbes has improved significantly, currently ranking as the seventh-highest graded cornerback from Weeks 6 to 11, according to PFF. His passer rating allowed when targeted stands at an impressive 33.7, placing him among the league’s elite. He also has three pass breakups and a forced incompletion rate of 17%.

Forbes has shown a strong performance against top wide receivers, consistently rising to the occasion. As Witherspoon prepares to return, the Rams may establish a solid cornerback duo, which would enhance their defensive capabilities even more.

The Rams have a track record of turning around the careers of players, and Forbes seems to be the latest in a line of successful reclamation projects. With his increasing confidence and adeptness at the position, the future looks promising for him on the field.