Todd Gurley is having a great year, but how does it compare to his pace last year at this time with the Los Angeles Rams?
Through eight games, Todd Gurley has been one of the best players not just on the Los Angeles Rams, but the NFL in general.
Without question, Gurley has been the continual source of offense for the Rams, who have plenty of options to go to.
Last season, Gurley ran away with Offensive Player of the Year honors, and while he will be in the running once again, the Los Angeles star running back may have some extra competition this time around.
When looking at his current pace, Gurley should end up smashing his touchdown total from a year ago, but to have a little fun, let’s take a look at a comparison of the two seasons through eight games.
2017 vs 2018
- Carries: 161 169
- Rush Yds: 686 800
- Avg. Yds/Car: 4.26 4.7
- Rush TDs: 7 11
- Targets: 41 42
- Receptions: 34 31
- Rec. Yds: 338 351
- Avg. Yds/Rec: 9.94 11.3
- Rec. TDs: 3 4
- Total Yards: 1024 1151
- Total TDs: 10 15
One thing that sticks out right away is how Gurley is doing better in every category over the same time last year (with the exception of having three fewer receptions this season).
Second, we can’t forget that Gurley’s best production last year were the games late in the season. Remember when he had 276 total yards and two scores against the Titans, or when he ran roughshod over the Seahawks in Seattle with 180 total yards and four total touchdowns?
Both of those performances helped his formidable stats become even more ridiculous. He has started stronger this year, but will that continue into the second half, and will he have the gaudy statistics games late like he did last year?
Also, how many games will Gurley play in? Last season, Gurley sat out the final game when the Rams had already clinched the division. What happens if the Rams clinch home-field advantage early? Will he sit out multiple games to end the season and be fully healthy for the playoffs? It is worth keeping an eye on.
Lastly, where will an amazing year place Gurley in the history of offensive performances? The Georgia product has 15 total touchdowns so far this season. The NFL record is held by LaDainian Tomlinson, who scored 31 touchdowns for San Diego in 2006. Could Gurley get there?
Yes, but it will be tough finishing with more scores than he started with. It would probably mean a game or two where he went crazy, like the Seattle game last year. The Rams record is held by Marshall Faulk, who set the NFL record in 2000, with 26.
Only time will tell when it comes to seeing how many touchdowns Gurley adds to his total come Sunday when taking on the New Orleans Saints, but at least with him finding the end zone in every game so far, the Rams have to love the chances of this happening. And if it does, it’s only going to increase Gurley’s chances of topping his total from last season by a long shot.