Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley’s Struggles Continue in Week 2

Todd Gurley and the Los Angeles Rams have yet to find the end zone in two games, yet managed to grind out a win versus a tough Seattle Seahawks team.

After stumbling in Week 1 versus the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Rams looked to kickoff their return to the City of Angels on a much higher note. It is no secret that due to their deficiencies in the passing game, they would look to their workhorse running back and super star Todd Gurley to get their offense going versus the Seattle Seahawks.

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Coming off the heels of a lackluster performance where he was only able to muster a meager 47 yards on 17 rush attempts, and one pass reception for negative yardage, Week 2 was a bit of deja-vu for the sophomore running back. Gurley put up similar stats in his second attempt to return to his Rookie of the Year and Pro-Bowl ways.

In 19 attempts, Gurley only managed to record 51 yards (2.8 yards per carry), with his longest run of the day going for 11 yards. However, he was able to log a single pass reception for 19 yards, which led to a field goal to help give the Rams a 6-3 lead going into halftime.

Although it may be frustrating for Rams fans and Gurley alike, not all the blame can be put on the running back’s shoulders. With the majority of Rob Boras’ play calling consisting of quick outs, it makes it a much easier task than it should be to defend against the run, even that of a super star like Gurley.

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It is abundantly clear that Case Keenum has an inability to really threaten downfield. Despite Keenum having a couple of clutch passes to Kenny Britt and Lance Kendricks, it will take more creative and daring play calling to make some space for Gurley.

There are reports emerging that Nelson Spruce and Pharoh Cooper could be returning to the playing field this week. And with any luck, that will open up the field to give Keenum more options in the passing game, and ideally open the field up for Gurley.

With that, Gurley will likely also take some pressure off himself as he alluded to in an interview with Jerry Bergman of NFL.com when he made it clear he was “trying to do too much.”

The important thing for the team is that they managed to grind out a hard-nosed win with a dominant performance by the defense, but it is unrealistic to think this formula for a win will work week in and week out.