Los Angeles Rams: Defensive signal-caller duties undecided
Cory Littleton spent 2018 as the Los Angeles Rams signal-caller on defense, but that might change in 2019 after some additions in free agency.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic, said recently he wasn’t sure who would be the signal-caller on defense in 2019 after bringing in some experienced players in free agency such as Eric Weddle and Clay Matthews. Linebacker Cory Littleton is expected to be a starter again in 2019 but it is unsure if he will once again assume play-signaling duties this season.
Weddle signaled in plays in 2018 for the Baltimore Ravens and has plenty of experience in that role. The new addition is also very familiar with how Wade Phillips runs things on the defensive side of the ball. Weddle has been a signal-caller for a few years now and might be the most prepared person on the Rams defense to take over that position in 2019 if it’s not Littleton.
The fact that most defensive signal-callers in the league are linebackers puts Weddle in an interesting position. While inside linebackers are rarely taken off the field, safeties will occasionally rotate in and out, or at least will do so more often.
Clay Matthews is another player who could be considered to signal in plays for the Rams in 2019. Matthews will need to stay healthy and obviously be a full-time starter on defense to take on this responsibility, though. With that said, he checks most of the boxes if not all of them.
He was a signal-caller for the Green Bay Packers defense for years before signing with the Rams. If he can stay healthy and get the Rams playbook down quickly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he assumes that role.
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With all three of Littleton, Weddle and Matthews having experience in this role and a decision should be made soon for whoever it is to prepare for the added responsibility, even if they’ve done it before. Weddle and Matthews seem like they are the frontrunners for this position but Littleton’s experience under Phillips in Los Angeles means you can’t count him out.