Cory Littleton was the runaway MVP for the Rams as the team took care of business against Carolina to open the season.
Littleton had a statement game: 14 total tackles, 8 solo tackles, a forced and recovered fumble, and an interception. For a fourth-year linebacker heading into unrestricted free agency, it’s about as good of a debut as you can hope for.
Littleton was all over the field in Sunday afternoon’s victory against the Panthers. He led the team in tackles, but that’s nothing new for him. He was the team’s overall leader in tackles last season. He forced the second fumble of his career and grabbed another interception, bringing his career total up to five.
“Defending the run, defending the pass, he’s always active,” Sean McVay said about his breakout linebacker. “He made a big pick for us in a crunch time situation that ended up being a big play for us to ultimately win that game.”
He’s not lying. Both of Littleton’s turnovers came at crucial points in the game. The first stopped the Panthers’ momentum on the opening drive of the game, and the second came deep in the fourth quarter to keep the Panthers out of the end zone. Given how poorly the Rams defense played in the fourth quarter, Littleton’s interception may have saved the day for the Rams.
When asked about the interception, Littleton kept his words short: “Cam is a readable guy.”
If Littleton continues to play like he did in Week 1, he’s going to earn a big payday at the end of the season. Expect the numbers in his contract negotiations to rise.
