The Rams have started the season off strong, but it isn’t because of quarterback Matthew Stafford or wide receiver Puka Nacua, it’s been the Rams ground game.
Running back Kyren Williams has been great in the rushing attack, providing the offense with balance when needed. He has rushed for 368 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 73.6 rushing yards per game, giving Los Angeles good yardage on early down plays. When the Rams can run the ball and trust Williams with the ball, it can reduce third-and-long situations and get play-action involved in head coach Sean McVay’s offense.
When Williams sets the tone on the ground game, the Rams’ offense is unpredictable. Defenses not only have to worry about the dangerous wide receiving duo of Nacua and Davante Adams, but they also have to worry about Williams. Being able to balance the offense with a strong ground game can keep defenses off-balance, which is why Williams’ impact has been so important through the first five games of the season.
The biggest concern with Williams over the past two seasons, during which he was the lead back, was that he was a workhorse. Last year, Williams played 82.8% of the Rams’ snaps. It’s a dangerous workload that could potentially lead to injury.
Thankfully, running back Blake Corum has stepped up and looked great in his relief role. He’s run for 133 yards and a touchdown so far this season. His ability to bounce off of tackles and his shiftyness, has been great in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Despite the overall success of the run game, there have still been a few mistakes. Williams has lost two fumbles, the third most in the NFL. His biggest fumble came last week in the Rams’ loss against the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams were in the red zone in the final minute of the fourth quarter, looking to take the lead, when Williams fumbled the ball at the one-yard line.
This week’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens will be a test on how dominant the ground game truly is. Baltimore gives up around 150 rushing yards per game, which is 4th worst average in the league.
Williams should be able to ground and pound against the weak Ravens defensive unit who let Lions’ running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs run for a combined 218 yards against them. If the Rams can take advantage, the rushing game should be the driving force behind the offense.
As Los Angeles progresses deeper into the season, Williams and Corum need to stay consistent and reduce fumbles to help lead the Rams to another playoff run.