Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is adjusting his approach this season by sharing carries and increasing his receptions. This strategy aims to keep him fresh and ready for the critical games ahead.
Williams noted, “I feel like I”ve still got everything I need to be successful come Sundays, and that”s all I can ask for.” After two seasons as the primary running back, where he received nearly all key carries, Williams excelled with back-to-back seasons exceeding 1,100 rushing yards and earning a Pro Bowl selection.
This season, although he remains the Rams” top running back, the emergence of second-year backup Blake Corum has reduced his workload. Corum has seen increased responsibilities, logging 38 carries over the last three games, including a personal best of 13 in the Rams” two victories since their bye week.
Rams head coach Sean McVay emphasized that there hasn”t been a significant shift in the backfield dynamics, stating, “We have two backs that we feel great about. Kyren is the lead dog…but I have a ton of confidence in Blake Corum. He”s only getting better.” Williams still receives approximately two-thirds of the snaps, aligning with the team”s preseason strategy.
Despite sharing the backfield, Williams” statistics remain impressive, and he appreciates the shift as a means of working smarter rather than harder. He expressed, “I feel great physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I”m taking care of my body even better than I was last year when I was getting those 20-plus carries almost every game.”
He has only reached 20 carries in two games this season, a stark contrast to the 15 times in the previous two years. Currently, Williams ranks ninth in the NFL with 146 carries and stands 11th in rushing yards with 659. Additionally, he has recorded 22 receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns, positioning him for career highs in receiving stats during Matthew Stafford“s standout season.
Williams takes pride in his developed pass-catching skills, having previously struggled with consistency in this area. He remarked, “This year, Coach McVay and Matthew, I feel like they have more trust in me to be able to catch the ball and come out of the backfield.” He recalls his early struggles with drops and is pleased with the confidence his coaches now show in his abilities.
Last week, Williams scored his fifth rushing touchdown of the season against San Francisco, bringing his career total to 30 touchdowns in 47 games. Only Eric Dickerson and Todd Gurley reached this milestone faster among Rams running backs.
Williams attributes much of his success and health to the performance of the offensive line, which has excelled in both run blocking and protecting Stafford. He stated, “They”re dominating the line of scrimmage and getting removal to where I don”t even feel like I”m getting touched until I”m 2 yards, 3 yards down the field.”
NOTES: Wide receiver Davante Adams missed practice to rest an oblique injury but is expected to recover in time for Sunday”s game. Defensive end Kobie Turner also sat out with a back injury, while cornerback Darious Williams participated fully despite a lingering shoulder issue.
