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McDuffie’s Interception and Passes Defensed Bolt Rams’ Defense Back to Life

The performance offers early validation of Los Angeles’ $124 million cornerback investment and signals steadier coverage as Aaron Donald returns to the field.

Overview

  • Trent McDuffie recorded his first interception as a Ram and a career-high four passes defensed in the Rams’ 28-6 win over the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.
  • Los Angeles acquired McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in March and signed him to a four-year extension worth $124 million with $100 million guaranteed, making him the centerpiece of the reworked secondary.
  • Aaron Donald made his first NFL appearance since 2023 in the same game and finished with three tackles including a tackle for loss, a return that helped steady a front that lost Myles Garrett to injured reserve after Week 1.
  • Coach Sean McVay and McDuffie framed the home showing as a reset after the 27-7 season-opening loss in Melbourne, and McVay has highlighted McDuffie’s versatility to play both inside and outside in the secondary.
  • Early analytic signs back the impact with Pro Football Focus crediting McDuffie with a league-low passer rating allowed so far, and the team will look to see if that coverage hold up in the coming weeks against faster receiving threats.