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Marcus Peters still believes he’s ‘a top ****ing corner,’ but Rams need him to start playing like one

The Rams had dug themselves out of a massive 21-point hole to tie the game at 35-35. And after surrendering a field goal to fall behind by three, they were still in position to get the ball back and make one last run with New Orleans facing third-and-7 from its own 28. Just one more stop and Jared Goff and the Rams would get the ball back with plenty of time to drive for a game-winning touchdown or force overtime with a field goal.

That chance never came, thanks mostly to Peters.

“Shit, third down and (seven), got up there in press coverage, he just beat me off the line,” Peters said of Thomas’ late TD. “Looked back, tried to make a play on the ball. Shit happens like that in football.”

Peters was asked if the issue was him trying to get a signal to a teammate just before the snap, But he refused to go there.

“Shit happens like that in football,” he said. “We were just trying to get aligned. It just happens like that. I got beat. Communication, regardless of all that, I got beat. Once the play starts you got to go out there and compete. And I didn’t.”

Peters arrived in Los Angeles with the hype and pedigree and talent of one of the league’s premier press coverage corners, a guy who could wipe away one side of the field and, when challenged, ballhawk and force turnovers the likes the NFL hasn’t seen in years.

Coming into the season, Peters had 19 interceptions over the last four seasons, by far the most in pro football. The Rams were expecting that player when they traded for him. Or at least something close to it to complement the pass rush prowess of a loaded defensive line led by Aaron Donald.

That’s what they thought they were getting anyway. But Peters has been anything but.

This season, he has one interception. And the pick six happened during the opening week of the season against the Raiders, who, at that point in the game, were desperately trying to make something happen. Credit Peters for taking it to the house, but the reality is Raiders quarterback Derek Carr served it up to him on a silver platter.

Since that game, Peters has essentially been a weak link. A calf injury in Week 3 didn’t help. Nor did the ankle injury that sidelined Aqib Tablib the last six games. But Peters’ fall from one of the best corners in the league to one that opponents purposely and gladly pick on and attack has been shocking.

Peters insists his injury has had no bearing on his play. If he’s dressed for games, it means he’s fine.

“That was seven weeks ago,” Peters argued. “Things happen like that. If I wasn’t healthy, Coach [Phillips] wouldn’t have me out there.”

“I’ve been playing shitty these last couple of weeks,” he said. “And that’s just being honest. But for me, I just continue to fight. That’s the type of player I am. Who gives a shit? You’re gonna get beat in football. You go out there and compete to the highest of your abilities. And shit happens.”

“Like I said I’ve just had a bad couple of weeks. you feel me?” Peters said. “I own up to that and I step up. I know I’m a top ****ing corner in this league and I ain’t been playing like one. You feel me? I put that on me. You feel me?”

POTY (Pottymouth of the Year)