7 LA Rams players who must step up this season

Running with the.. Gurley?

When the Rams used a 2019 third round pick on running back Darrell Henderson, it was very clear that the team intended more than a casual appearance from him in the 2019 season. A running back in the third round is the equivalent to an offensive lineman in the first round. That selection implies the prospect will see plenty of playing time in the upcoming season.

RB Darrell Henderson

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The Rams selection of Darrell Henderson seemed to confirm what many have feared all along.  Running back Todd Gurley‘s absence from the end of the 2018 season and through much of the playoffs was more than a tweak. And despite adding Henderson’s big play ability to the Rams already rather potent rushing attack, the Rams faltered in the running offense.  Even though the Rams boast running backs Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, and Henderson, the team eliminated 50 running plays from the offense.  They ended up as passing attempts off the arm of quarterback Jared Goff.

For the Rams to find success in 2020, the offense must be far more balanced. To be more balanced on offense, the burden does not fall upon Gurley, but rather upon second year running back Henderson.

Henderson’s speed rivals that of San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert, and could be equally effective in the running game. While Gurley will likely get his 200 carries and land in the 800 + yards in 2020, those number are simply not good enough to rally the offense nor to win the time of possession battle.  Henderson can help by picking up about 120 carries. If his 2019 average remains consistent, he will add 600 + yards to the offense, and restore  the teams running game to the 2000 yard plateau.