5 brutal questions LA Rams can answer against the 49ers

III: Can the LA Rams run with the football?

One question that the LA Rams must answer is whether this defense can stop the run. But in this question, the Rams must answer the opposite question. Can the LA Rams successfully run with the football?

While we have seen flashes of competence at the Rams ground game, the team really has not put on a full start-to-finish effort from the running backs. But the pressure is building to the point where it could all fall into place for the Rams in Week 4.

Ground and pound

In three games, the Rams have rushed 64 times for 217 yards and three touchdowns. While that is still only good enough for the 30th-ranked rushing offense, it’s a far cry better than their season opener of rushing 18 times for 52 yards and no touchdowns. In fact, the Rams averaged 5.0 yards per run against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, as well as scoring two rushing touchdowns.

So has this rushing offense turned the corner?

I wouldn’t go that far, just yet. After all, how much was the element of surprise versus the ability of the Rams’ running backs to deliver each week? The 49ers linebackers are among the NFL’s best. To that point, the 49ers have allowed just 78.7 yards rushing per game and just 2.8 yards per run.  If the Rams can run the ball against that defense, that is a huge statement.

The Rams appear to be elevating RB Malcolm Brown from the practice squad for Week 3. That is not only a boost to the Rams’ rushing attack but a huge plus for the Rams’ pass blocking as well.