Go deep will take on an entirely different look for Rams offense in 2025

Rethinking the Rams rushing attack

While there is no direct correlation between the Rams' offense between the effectiveness of the rushing attack and total points scored, there are many reasons why the Rams must rework the running game. This team was incredibly effective at gaining yards when the team rocked three versatile and different rushers in 2020. That season, the 126.1 rushing yards per game was runner-up to only the phenomenal 139.2 rushing yards per game from Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, and the superb late-season contributions of veteran C.J. Anderson.

While the Rams no longer have the benefit of Anderson, Brown, or Gurley, they do have an impressive arsenal of runners who can put up some rushing yards.

Right now, veteran running back Kyren Williams is negotiating a contract extension with the Rams. But the Rams are not going to rush into anything. The team may say one thing, but the truth is that a room stuffed with six running backs heading into OTAs and training camp does not scream instant extension. Truth be told, the team has invested heavily in the position in the past two NFL Drafts.

And that fact alone requires the Rams' negotiating team to have surgical precision on any contract language for extending Williams. With new faces and many reasons to share the workload this season, the team cannot be expected to spend Saquon Barkley-levels of funds for a running back who is optimally run 175-200 carries in a season.

And nobody should delude themselves into believing otherwise.

The Rams have both RBs Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter waiting in the wings. Corum is the grinder, the running back who handles large numbers of carries and gets stronger as the game wears on. Hunter is the rookie lightning bolt. Not only is he the fastest runner on the team, but he is very powerful too. The Rams have to try getting him on the football field early. Not only can he run through defenders, but he can run away from them.

The Rams set up their 2020 offense behind the running of rookie RB Cam Akers, and veterans Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown. Surprisingly, not one running back put up more than 625 yards that season. But the combined effort of all three was outstanding.

The Rams have enough talent to do even better at running the football in 2025. And the Rams offense, no matter what the strategy or iteration, performs better when the team runs the football effectively.

'Go deep' will certainly take on more meaning for the Rams offense in 2025. Not only can this offense rediscover the long bomb, but the team can put up huge gains from runs and passes to tight ends too. And it's long overdue for Rams fans to see fireworks in this offense once more.

As always, thanks for reading.

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