INGLEWOOD, Calif. – When quarterback Kyler Murray's pass was deflected into the air at the goal line with 40 seconds remaining, the two seconds it took to end up in cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon's hands felt like an eternity. It was one of those moments where everyone could feel the potential momentum swing, but the play on the ball had to be spectacular.
It was.
The Rams brought a cover-zero blitz on first-and-goal from the five-yard line, giving no room for error in coverage. Safety Kam Curl was the one who batted Murray's pass to tight end Trey McBride into the air. The entire stadium held their breath, quarterback Matthew Stafford said he started yelling "pick it," and then Witherspoon went full extension to snag the game-saving interception right before it hit the turf for his first pick of the year.
"Just had eyes back looking for the go ball myself," Witherspoon said with a deadpan expression. "... Just the way the NFL works, you never really know (how they are going to call that) honestly. I thought I stuck it, you saw by my celebration, but once I saw that replay, any time the ball hits the ground, you never know."
Witherspoon, who was playing a reserve role just four weeks ago, saved the game last night with that late interception, giving the Rams a chance to clinch the NFC West this week. The Rams' win probability, according to nflverse, jumped by 55.2% on that play, making it the most impactful defensive play of the NFL season thus far.
On five targets, Witherspoon allowed just three catches for 38 yards and a 44.2 passer rating on Saturday night, according to Next Gen Stats. He allowed an average separation of 1.1 yards when targeted, his second-best mark of the season, and both incompletions were forced by a pass breakup or interception.
"(Witherspoon) made a couple big-time stops," said head coach Sean McVay. "I thought he played one of his most complete games last week against the Jets. He's really played really good, quality football over the last month of the season… so really proud of him. What a great catch that was off the tip… glad that he caught it and damn glad he's here with us."
For a cornerback, Witherspoon is as soft spoken as they come. His demeanor is extremely tranquil and his focus is always on football. Four weeks ago against the Bills, he played just four snaps. Over the past three weeks, he has six pass breakups and an interception, including a diving third-quarter deflection against McBride to save a touchdown.
The veteran has hit his stride during an elite stretch for the Rams' defense, during which they have given up an average of eight points per game and two total touchdowns.
"He did a great job of reacting, unbelievable play, great catch," Stafford said. "... He's obviously a really smart guy, long corner, athletic, got great hands, did a hell of a job today and has been doing a great job (this season)."
The Rams' defense has made clutch plays consistently in 2024. In fact, they now have the two most impactful defensive plays in the NFL this season, according to nflverse data, with safety Kam Kinchens' pick-six against Seattle being the second. That's two divisional, fourth-quarter interceptions that have added over 50% to the Rams' win probabilities.
Without those two plays, the Rams would not be in a position to clinch the NFC West this week. With three wins from specific teams, L.A. can win the division this week, and Witherspoon's pick made that possible.
