Isaiah Pead: Making his case for first team action

During the St Louis Rams’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the last preseason game of 2015, head coach Jeff Fisher utilized different running backs in the offensive sequences to test out each players productivity, and Isaiah Pead made a strong impact for the offense unit in St Louis.

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Pead came into the game with a burning fire, running with speed and strength which proved effective. Pead carried the ball 12 times on Thursday night, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, totalling 52 rushing yards during the game. Not numbers of a stellar running back, but impressive numbers for a projected 4th-5th string running back against a strong defensive team.

The running back depth chart in St. Louis currently stands as listed:

Sep 3, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) during warm ups before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tre Mason
2. Todd Gurley
3. Benny Cunningham
4. Isaiah Pead
5. Chase Reynolds
6. Trey Watts (Suspended first four games of regular season)

This is an extremely deep group of running backs with plenty of talent and productivity. When applying this depth chart to the first regular season game in 2015 against the Seattle Seahawks, there are some adjustments that must be considered due to outlying circumstances.

Gurley has officially been ruled out of the season opener as he recovers from a torn ACL injury, and the Rams are unsure if he will return before Week 6.

Another casualty on this depth chart is Mason, who picked up a hamstring injury against the Indianapolis Colts during their preseason contest last week. His status against Seattle is still up in the air. Finally, Watts will also be unable to play after being suspended for the first four games of the regular season due to his violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Accounting for all these variables and Pead may be looking to see some first team action in the beginning of the season. With Cunningham (or Mason if he is healthy) expected to open the season as the lead back, Pead has a great opportunity to get some regular action as the next man in line having made a great impression during the preseason.

“Pead showed glimpses of this strength when carrying the football, getting low to deflect tackles, and powering through the lanes from maximum yardage”

With the Rams looking to get started quickly in the 2015 regular season, it is imperative that offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. utilizes players that will be efficient and effective in both the pass and run plays.

Pead had an outstanding preseason in 2015, and this was evident in the Rams’ game against the Chiefs. Pead may prove to contribute effectively to the run game while Gurley, Watts and possibly Mason sit out for the first few games of the regular season.

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