The LA Rams Have One Of The NFL’s Most Dominant Defenders, And It’s Not Who You Expect
Ahkello Witherspoon is playing like the LA Rams ‘ best corner, and it is not loud enough yet. Jared Verse and Kobie Turner get all the love, and rightfully so, but since taking back CB1, Witherspoon has put top wideouts in a box and kept the ball in front.
Our friend, Jake Ellenbogen, compiled the results of the receivers whom Ahkello Witherspoon has covered every week below; season stat lines are from Pro Football Reference.
Nico Collins – 1 REC, 4 YDS
AJ Brown – 1 REC, 5 YDS
DeVonta Smith – 1 REC, 7 YDS
Justin Jefferson – 1 REC, 1 YD
Jordan Addison – 1 REC, 7 YDS
DK Metcalf – 2 REC, 31 YDS, TD
Marvin Harrison Jr. – 3 REC, 38 YDS
Zay Jones – 1 REC, 19 YDS
Davante Adams – 2 REC, 21 YDS
Garrett Wilson – 2 REC, 18 YDS
Jauan Jennings – 2 REC, 31 YDS
Ricky Pearsall – 1 REC, 16 YDS
Ahkello Witherspoon vs. WRs since reclaiming CB1 role for the #Rams:
Nico Collins - 1 REC, 4 YDs
AJ Brown - 1 REC, 5 YDs
DeVonta Smith - 1 REC, 7 YDs
Justin Jefferson - 1 REC, 1 YDs
Jordan Addison - 1 REC, 7 YDs
DK Metcalf - 2 REC, 31 YDs, TD
Marvin Harrison Jr. - 3 REC, 38 YDs… pic.twitter.com/CNLDw3XB55— JAKE OLIVER ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) September 8, 2025
LA Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon Has Been Dominant
That is 12 matchups, 18 grabs, 198 yards total. Roughly 1.5 catches and 16.5 yards allowed per game with one score. For a defense that wants to live in big-nickel and let the rush cook, that is premium value on the boundary.
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Production snapshot, per Pro Football Reference.
- 2023: 52 tackles (43 solo), 9 PD, 3 INT, 6 TFL
- 2024: 31 tackles (25 solo), 6 PD, 0 INT, 2 TFL
- 2025: 2 tackles through Week 1
The tape matches the numbers. Witherspoon wins by staying square in press, taking inside leverage on breakers, and playing through the pocket late. He trusts the safety help over the top, which lets him squeeze windows and force quarterbacks to their second read.
Downstream effect: longer routes for Jared Verse and Byron Young to hit home, fewer freebies on third down.
If this run continues, the shutdown label stops being a discussion and becomes the scouting report.
Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker Promises Breakout After Limited Week 1 Role
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker isn’t panicking after a light workload in Week 1—and neither should the fans. Instead of frustration, the third-year back served up confidence, dropping a one-liner that immediately made waves across the NFL.
“They kept me on a leash Week 1, but I promise I’m about to break free.”
The comment, delivered with a grin after practice, perfectly matched Walker’s reputation: equal parts humility and fire. And for a Seahawks team still figuring out its offensive rhythm, his message is a welcome reassurance.
A Quiet Start, But Big Expectations
In Week 1, Walker saw fewer carries than many expected, splitting time with rookie Zach Charbonnet and being used sparingly in key situations. The limited touches raised eyebrows, especially among fantasy football managers banking on Walker as a feature back.
But the Seahawks have been clear—they value Walker’s explosiveness and plan to keep him fresh for the long haul. Head coach Pete Carroll hinted that the rotation was more about keeping defenses guessing than sidelining his RB1.
Walker’s Response: Confidence Over Concern
Rather than dwell on the limited opportunities, Walker leaned into the narrative with his viral “on a leash” comment. Fans immediately jumped on board, creating memes of Walker as a bulldog breaking chains, paired with highlight clips of his long touchdown runs from last season.
The confidence isn’t misplaced. Walker has already proven he can be one of the league’s most electric runners, finishing his rookie season with over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns despite missing time early. His ability to hit the home run play every time he touches the ball is exactly why fans are clamoring for more.
Social Media Buzz
On X (formerly Twitter), Walker’s quote took off. One fan wrote: “If Walker’s on a leash, I want to see what happens when he breaks it—defenses better hide.” Another added: “Charbonnet is good, but Walker is the spark. Feed him the rock.”
Fantasy football analysts also joined the conversation, reminding managers to stay patient and trust Walker’s upside. Several pointed out that the Seahawks often ramp up his workload as the season progresses.
What’s Next in Seattle
As the Seahawks prepare for Week 2, all eyes will be on how Walker is used. Will Carroll unleash him as the feature back, or stick with the rotation? Either way, Walker has made one thing clear: he’s ready for more.
And if his words are any indication, the leash is coming off sooner rather than later.
