3 reasons why LA Rams rushing offense is concerning for 2022

Reason III: So no extension for Sony?

Right now, it seems that the LA Rams are allowing their best rusher from the 2021 NFL season to walk without an extension offer. In some way, I get it. The team doesn’t want to create any controversy for the 2022 NFL season, and re-signing running back Sony Michel to the roster would be almost on par with drafting a quarterback at 104.

The team doesn’t want to send the wrong message to the players on the roster.  But, wait a minute? If not for Sony Michel, the Rams may not have made it to the Super Bowl? At least not winning the NFC West.

While I was not exactly a fan when the announcement was made over the Rams trading two draft picks for RB Sony Michel from the LA Rams, Michel’s strong north-south running eventually won me over.  845 yards rushing and four touchdowns was a solid season for a guy who only started seven games for the team, and only saw action in 538 offensive snaps.

So long Sony?

Unfortunately, the writing was on the wall when he virtually disappeared from the team’s offense during the playoffs, and Cam Akers found himself reinserted into his feature back role.  While Akers may have shown himself to be ready on the practice field, the instant transition seemed to cause the Rams’ ground game to stall throughout the postseason.

Michel is not exactly a running back who expects to get all the work in an offense. In fact, his history with the New England Patriots was a very effective rotational rusher who offered powerful north-south rushing between the offensive tackles, and an occasional threat to catch the pass. The Rams no longer need a backup to come in off the bench just in case?

I was admittedly mystified when the LA Rams traded a fourth-round and a sixth-round pick to rent a running back for one season. But that was nothing compared to the befuddlement that I am experiencing over the ease with which the Rams organization seems to be willing to part ways with Michel now.