The Los Angeles Rams have one of the best backfields in the league. Powered by Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, the duo produced nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Head coach Sean McVay primarily relied on Williams, who logged over 1,200 rushing yards last season. Although McVay’s offense is centered around the pass, he does an effective job of including the running game. Williams’ current usage could negatively impact the longevity of his career. Even though Williams is only 25 years old, running backs tend to have shorter primes than players at other positions.
Williams is primarily a workhorse with 575 rushing attempts over the last two years, but should McVay look for ways to extend his longevity? Even though McVay is the play caller, with Nate Schelhaase as the new offensive coordinator, he could potentially change how the Rams use their backfield.
Solutions
An increase in Corum’s touches lessens Williams’ usage. In his second season, Corum rushed for 746 yards and six touchdowns with a 29% usage rate. He is an effective running back who plays a similar style to Williams. Corum is a short but stocky player who can make swift cuts and can produce bursts of speed. He is a great complementary running back to Williams. This is the best option to help Williams.
Williams’ usage could also be adjusted in different ways. In the passing game, he recorded 36 catches on 50 targets for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Williams’ contribution to the pass game is underrated and could be utilized more.
If the Rams continue to heavily rely on Williams, he could become susceptible to injuries and a decline in productivity. For example, the San Francisco 49ers use Christian McCaffrey as a dual threat in the backfield, dangerous both in the passing and rushing attack. While McCaffrey is the best dual threat in the league, he also has an extensive injury history. His usage rate is among the highest in the league, which could be tied to serious injuries.
McVay’s offense could also decide to pass the ball more. The Rams already have a pass-first head coach in McVay who likes to play with 13 personnel with three tight ends. The use of 13 personnel is typically used in run-heavy offenses and play-action. The use of play action could also help disguise Williams’ involvement in plays or even use him as a decoy. Last season, the Rams used Williams in the passing game, but increasing his usage in that area next season could benefit both him and the team.
“I think there’s a possibility of [Kyren Williams being used more as a receiver]. I think those are always things you’re looking to try to evolve and adapt and do a better job of as a coach for these players,” McVay said before last season. “I don’t think he’s limited in some of the things that we can take advantage of. Certainly, the pass game is something that comes to mind. He’s shown that he’s capable of that when he’s been given his opportunities. We probably have to do a better job of being able to find them for him, especially me.”
