LA Rams re-discovering the ability to run the football

Through their first nine games of the 2022 NFL season, the LA Rams have not had much of a running attack to talk about. While so many have insisted, that the Rams could not rush the football without a stable offensive line, how could the team justify asking offensive linemen who are unfamiliar with one about to pass block?

Perhaps losing WR Cooper Kupp to their injured reserve list has forced the Rams to rethink their offensive strategy. Perhaps the team has reprioritized the play-calling now that QB Matthew Stafford has returned from the NFL concussion protocol. Or perhaps it’s simply that, having exhausted all other offensive options, the Rams simply have no other alternative.

Whatever the cause, the LA Rams’ play calling has been solid through the first half of Week 11. Distribution-wise, the Rams have rushed 17 times and passed 17 times. To no surprise, 10 of the 17 passes by the Rams’ offense have targetted either Tyler Higbee or Van Jefferson. But the Rams’ offense can look to four passes thrown to either Tutu Atwell or Allen Robinson and smile.

Rams rushing opens up the passing game

Not only did the Rams score on a 62-yard touchdown strike to Atwell, but on a first-down and goal to go on the New Orleans Saints six-yard line, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford found wide receiver at the back of the end zone for his second touchdown of the game.

The Rams have a halftime lead having scored two touchdowns for the first time since their Week 8 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Leading the way is the resurging performance of RB Cam Akers, who has rushed nine times for 47 yards in the first half of this one. If the LA Rams remain committed to rushing the football in this one, the Rams could emerge with their first 100-yard rusher of the season.

EDITOR NOTE: The Saints drove 75 yards after receiving the second-half kickoff to retake the lead with an opening-half touchdown.

LA Rams  14
NO Saints 17

At Halftime