Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson was only blamed for one touchdown pass surrendered in his last two seasons with the Chiefs, but L.A.’s $51 million investment has already allowed twice that many in 2026. Although “blame” on touchdown passes can be difficult to ascertain, especially if it’s simply because Watson was the closest defender in the area, this is not the start that the Rams envisioned for him when they overhauled their secondary in the offseason.
In total, Watson was blamed for allowing three catches on five targets, resulting in 53 yards and two touchdowns.
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On the first touchdown, Watson is covering Mike Evans on the bottom of the screen and then has to run all the way down the field to try and cover Demarcus Robinson as he has sprinted past and away from safety Kam Kinchens. This is where one touchdown and the majority of the yards against Watson come from.
This is a better visual of how far Watson had to run just to be in the area:
Watson, who ended up with a toe injury just before the flight to Australia, was just too slow to get there.
Of course, Watson is not a burner and that’s why he was a seventh round pick in 2022. It’s impressive that he’s built such a good NFL resume since then without speed.
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On the second touchdown, Watson is covering Evans at the goal line and gets dominated at the point of the catch.
Evans might be a Hall of Fame receiver, but he won’t be the last tall red zone threat who Watson has to cover in the end zone this season. Next week, the Rams are facing the Giants with Malik Nabers (if he’s active) and Odell Beckham, Jr..
Last season, Watson was only blamed for allowing one touchdown and that came in his final game with the Chiefs against the Titans in Week 16. However, it did seem like quarterbacks were getting more comfortable with attacking Watson as the season wore on, including seven catches for 104 yards allowed against the Cowboys in Week 13. Watson only appeared in six games in 2024 and didn’t allow any touchdowns.
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Watson’s debut with the Rams was not ideal, just as it wasn’t a great day for Myles Garrett or Matthew Stafford or Davante Adams. It wasn’t much of a day for anyone on the Rams.
He’ll have his chance to rebound next Sunday and with the money that L.A. spent to upgrade the cornerbacks from last season, he’s going to need to.
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