The Los Angeles Rams are reassessing a cornerback group that struggled in a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, who joined the team during the offseason, had difficulty within the defensive plan, ESPN reporters Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano reported.
Their contracts represent roughly $175 million in combined commitments, raising questions about how Los Angeles will use the pair and maximize that investment.
The secondary concerns emerged as Myles Garrett's knee issue worsened. Garrett was sidelined for nearly a month during training camp before appearing in the opener, then had arthroscopic surgery and was placed on injured reserve. Fowler reported that the Rams originally expected to manage the knee with rest during camp and the preseason, but the problem became more serious after Week 1.
He said Los Angeles has enough defensive talent to handle Garrett's absence, increasing the significance of McDuffie and Watson's performance.
The Rams also managed only seven points against San Francisco. Fowler said 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' familiarity with the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford may have played a role, while Graziano warned against reaching broad conclusions from one game and said issues remain. Los Angeles will face the New York Giants at home on Sept. 21 at 5:15 p.m.