Steelers Ready to Battle Familiar Face
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will meet one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL this weekend, and for those who were on the roster a year ago, it'll be a familiar and friendly face.
This offseason, Ahkello Witherspoon was released by the Steelers following the additions of Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. After a brief time on the open market, he headed back west, signing with the Los Angeles Rams.
Seven weeks into the season, that move has paid off well for both Witherspoon and LA, as he's allowed the lowest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks this season (19.7). Along with his league-leading coverage, Witherspoon has allowed a career-best 33.3% completion percentage and has accounted for just ten catches to Rams opponents.
"I feel like he’s playing with more confidence this year. His game is very defensive," wide receiver Diontae Johnson told All Steelers. "He’s long. He’s not very fast but he can stand, keep the receiver in front of him and whatnot. I feel like he's just been playing more confident and playing the ball better this year."
Like Johnson, the Steelers have noticed the uptick in play from Witherspoon, but they aren't surprised.
"Obviously, he's big and physical," cornerback Levi Wallace said. "You know, he's having a good season. This year, I'm pretty sure I've seen, you know, we still follow each other on Instagram, so I've seen his posts. He's made some really good plays. I've texted him, too. But, I mean yeah, same corner that he was before he got hurt. I'm glad that he's having success on that."
As they prepare to face him this weekend, one thing that should help their odds is familiarity.
"We had some tough battles in the training camp. Also, during the season. So, it's kind of fun getting ready lined up against him again," Johnson said with a big smile.
Johnson said, as a whole, the Rams' secondary is a "fundamentally sound group," which has allowed them to play well this season. But despite Witherspoon taking the league by storm and the Rams allowing the lowest amount of passing touchdowns to opposing offenses, the Steelers are looking to avoid adding to their successful year.
But at the end of it, as long as he's not making plays against them, seeing their former teammate is a great day for some Steelers.
"Obviously, you don't want him to make plays against us. But I always root for guys that's more than teammates. You're in a locker room. You become brothers, you become friends," Wallace said. "So, I definitely wish him all the success in the world. No matter who he's playing. I mean, he's a dope dude to be around. Anytime he plays well, I definitely give him his flowers."
"I might try to get his jersey too," Wallace added. "We bonded a lot last year. Two really good corners that have been in the league for a while, and so it'll be good to see him again."
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