Former Steelers Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon Has Made A "Really Big Impact" For The Rams

Even during the Pittsburgh Steelers bye week, they still managed to lose the week. All three other teams from the AFC North managed to get a victory during Week 6 to narrow down the division even more. The Steelers also held on to Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, who looks to be staying for the rest of the season. The biggest positive to come from this week is that Pat Freiermuth and Diontae Johnson both return to help out a very underperforming offense. 

Ahkello Witherspoon was originally cut from the Steelers 

One of the biggest losses from the Steelers roster this season has been their former cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon who is now with the Los Angeles Rams. Witherspoon was originally cut from the Steelers due to injury concerns and was left a free agent at the beginning of 2023 free agency. He would then get picked up by the Rams at the end of June and was planned to be used as a depth piece.

Witherspoon would become much more than that, however. The Steelers' former cornerback has been shining in Los Angeles and could possibly move into the number one cornerback role with the team. He currently has 12 total tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and has caught everyone's attention, including Head Coach Sean McVay's. McVay recently commented on Witherspoon saying how pleased he has been with him and how big of an impact he has made with the team.

Injuries held Witherspoon back from his full potential of being a star for the Steelers organization. In his two years with the team, he had four interceptions, 35 total tackles, and 11 pass deflections.

Witherspoon is not the only one who has proved the Steelers organization wrong this year. Former Steelers offensive guard Kevin Dotson, who is also on the Rams, has played well this year. During his time with the Steelers, he was very spotty as a player. In some moments, he would look really good and in others, he would look like a bottom-tier guard. So, right now with the Rams, he could just be in another groove that he would show flashes of with Pittsburgh. Or, he has finally figured out how to stay consistent and is becoming a solid lineman.

Another former Steeler who has been playing great football is cornerback Cam Sutton. Last year, he was the team's number one cornerback and probably their biggest loss during 2023 free agency. He was picked up by the Detroit Lions and is playing lights-out football. Sutton is starting to look like a top-10 cornerback in the league and may even see a Pro Bowl this season, making the Steelers regret their decision not to bring him back.

With the Steelers' bye week now in the past, they get to look ahead this Sunday to the Rams where they will get to face Witherspoon and Dotson. This game should be a great clash between the old teammates and what they have now. Hopefully, the right adjustments will be made, and the Steelers can figure out what they need to do to become contenders this season. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will the Steelers be able to get the best of Witherspoon on Sunday? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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