Surprisingly, the most dependable player in the LA Rams offensive scheme is not Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacuia, or any other wide receiver. It’s not Tyler Higbee or any other tight end either. It’s not even an offensive lineman. Most surprisingly, when it comes to getting points on the scoreboard, it’s not even veteran QB Matthew Stafford. The most dependable and consistent scoring threat in the LA Rams offense today is none other than RB Kyren Williams.
In seven games so far in 2024, Williams has scored 10 touchdowns. In fact, he has managed to find the end zone in every game so far this season. And if you dial back the scoring streak to 2023, he has scored in 10 consecutive games and put up 15 touchdowns over his scoring streak.
That’s an average of 1.5 touchdowns per game. And he was selected in Round 5 of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the 164th overall pick. Now, compare that to the production of San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey, a player who the Rams wanted to trade for at the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline:
While McCaffrey has more yards on the ground, he has more carries. But take note of the fact that Kyren Williams has scored as often as McCaffrey. Even more impressive, McCaffrey is consuming five times the salary cap impact as Williams.
Baldy’s Breakdown highlights Kyren Williams
NFL Insider and analyst Brian Baldinger gives a masterclass extract of what makes this LA Rams offense so dangerous in the days leading up to the Week 8 confrontation with the Minnesota Vikings. What I love about Baldy’s analysis is that he does more that spotlight a running back. He breaks down the blocking required to spring the runner.
Notice how Baldy highlights the two Rams rookies who are starting on the offensive line: LG Justin Dedich and C Beaux Limmer. He showcases how they leverage their athleticism to double team at the point of attack, and then get a hat on a hat to ensure that Williams has an open running lane.
He even highlights the blocking proficiency of Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington and tight end Colby Parkinson on a score.
As usual, Baldy is spot on
As much as I love Brian Baldinger’s ability to describe sound football performances and make them sound like a cinematic experience, he is not fooled. Brian Baldinger has a fine eye when it comes to who he features, and why. Case in point, Pro Football Focus cites the Rams offense and running prowess as tops in the NFL
The LA Rams’ success is no longer about one or two of the star athletes making big plays. As we had just seen above, it’s now about a series of players winning little battles that all add up to big plays. RB Kyren Williams does not score time and time again without the blocks of offensive linemen like rookies Justin Dedich and Beaux Limmer. It’s that team effort that makes the team so susceptible to regression when injuries occur, but so resilient once the team enjoys continuity and develops chemistry once more.
At 3-4, the Rams are starting to climb slowly out of their early season hole. But the team is by no means out of the woods just yet. Still, you have to like the Rams’ chances. As long as RB Kyren Williams is healthy, you know the team is going to score.
As always, thanks for reading.
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