Opponent Scouting Report: Rams Running Backs
By Andrew Ites
The Rams’ offense struggled as a whole last season, and that included running back Todd Gurley. Can he regain his Rookie of the Year form of 2015?
The Rams selected Todd Gurley with the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and he exploded onto the NFL scene in his rookie season with over 1,100 rushing yards and 10 TD’s in just 13 games.
Gurley took a huge step back last season rushing for only 3.2 yards per carry with 6 TD’s. However, Gurley did show some improvement in the passing game nearly doubling his rookie receiving yardage total with 327 last season.
The Rams have a much improved offensive line, which will give Gurley more room to operate in the backfield in 2017. Also, the Rams’ coaching staff was responsible for much of their struggles on offense last season, and they were replaced with a bright offensive mind in head coach Sean McVay this offseason.
Jared Goff‘s development could also open up the running game for Gurley. If Goff and the passing game can improve, defenses won’t be able to load up the box as often to defend the run.
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The Rams don’t have much talent behind Gurley on the running back depth chart with an injured Lance Dunbar, and three young and unproven commodities in Justin Davis, Lenard Tillery, and Malcolm Brown.
Gurley did show some signs of regression with less explosion in the run game last season, but the overall improvements on offense should help him show off his talent that was apparent in his rookie season.