Trent McDuffie and Josh Wallace lead the NFL in the lowest passer rating allowed among cornerbacks through October 2026, according to data from Pro Football Focus. McDuffie tops the list with a passer rating of just 21.1 allowed, while Wallace is second at 29.2. Both have been instrumental in a dramatic turnaround for the Los Angeles Rams’ secondary this season.
The Rams brought in McDuffie and Jaylen Watson during the offseason to strengthen their cornerback group, but Wallace has emerged unexpectedly as a standout performer. Originally stepping up due to injuries to Kam Kinchens and Watson, Wallace has shown versatility by playing both slot and outside cornerback, mirroring the adaptability McDuffie has exhibited throughout his career.
Pro Football Focus ranks McDuffie and Wallace ahead of the next closest cornerbacks, Isaiah Rodgers and Christian Gonzalez, who have passer ratings allowed of 43.8 and 44.0 respectively. Watson, despite dealing with injury setbacks, is also performing well, ranking eighth with a passer rating allowed of 60.8 among players with at least 184 snaps.
Having three cornerbacks in the top 10 for lowest passer rating allowed is a rare achievement. It reflects a significant improvement from last season, when the Rams’ secondary struggled, ranking 14th in passing yards allowed. This year, Los Angeles has tightened its coverage, allowing the second-fewest passing yards and posting the fifth-lowest passer rating against.
The impact of these performances is clear on the field. Opposing quarterbacks find it difficult to connect when targeting McDuffie and Wallace, who consistently disrupt routes and limit completions. Their ability to defend both outside and in the slot gives the Rams flexibility in coverage schemes, helping to mask injuries and maintain a high level of play.
While McDuffie entered the season with high expectations, Wallace’s rise has been less anticipated. His capacity to adapt and excel in multiple roles has been a key factor in the Rams’ defensive success. Meanwhile, Watson’s strong showing when healthy adds depth to a unit that has been reshaped significantly since last year.
The Rams’ defensive coordinators have leaned on this trio to rebuild a secondary that was vulnerable passing last season. The statistics underline how much progress they have made, with the cornerbacks leading a group that now ranks among the league’s best in pass defense metrics.
This report from Pro Football Focus was released on October 14, 2026, reflecting performances through the first weeks of the NFL season. The Rams will look to maintain this defensive standard as they progress through the schedule.
According to Yahoo Sports.