What is Wrong With Los Angeles Rams Running Back Todd Gurley?

Todd Gurley has looked like a different player so far in the 2016 season for the Los Angeles Rams after taking home Rookie of the Year honors last year.

What is wrong with Todd Gurley? Last year’s offensive Rookie of the Year has not seemed like the same player in 2016 for the Los Angeles Rams as it’s becoming a concern as to why the running back has struggled over the first five games.

Well, let’s take a look at a few reasons as to why these struggles are happening for Gurley.

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Offensive Line

The Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL at the moment as each week they are consistently graded in the bottom five of the league by Pro Football Focus. This did not seem to affect Gurley as much last year as the line has remain unchanged.

However, the line does not seem to be getting any better. Greg Robinson has yet to look like a player who was taken No. 2 in the NFL Draft, and as everyone knows, most ground games are successful because of a great offensive line.

Case Keenum

Case Keenum is severely limited as a starting quarterback. He is not one that can take over a game in the way that will allow the pressure to be off of the running game.

If the opposing defense doesn’t respect the quarterback, they usually stack the box and make it increasingly difficult to be productive in the run game. Opposing teams do not fear Keenum and are daring Los Angeles to make him beat them.

Rob Boras

The play calling has been dreadful at best. There is no imagination with the run game, unless you count Tavon Austin getting a carry or two throughout the game.

Boras needs to open up the playbook and try to take some of the pressure off of Gurley in the backfield. Gurley has been more involved in the pass game in recent weeks which has been a good sign. It is important as an offensive coordinator to put the ball in the hands of your best player, and for the Rams, that’s Gurley.

Todd Gurley

Gurley is not without blame in his struggles as anyone can see that he looks like a different player. He has yet to have a game this season where he has rushed for over 85 yards, and in his best game he only averaged 3.15 yards per carry.

None of these numbers are spectacular, or even good for that matter. He has also fumbled twice this year through the first five games.

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As great as he looked last year, Gurley has been a disappointment in 2016. Los Angeles and their fans are counting on him being the guy we all saw last year. While there is still time for him to turn things around, let’s hope Gurley finds a way to do it soon.