Even at 2.3 YPC, 3 reasons why LA Rams rushing attack was brutally effective
By Bret Stuter
I: Red Zone excellence
Even if the LA Rams rushed 10 times for 10 yards, if those 10 rushes translated into 10 touchdowns, there would be no question over the LA Rams ability to run with the football. While the Rams did not score ten touchdowns on the afternoon, the Rams Red Zone efficiency was overwhelmingly effective.
In three red zone appearances, the LA Rams offense walked away with 21 points. And those touchdowns did not come from the passing arm of Matthew Stafford. Rather, the Rams dug down deep and ran it into the end zone on three occasions.
- Red Zone I - The first touchdown scored was a one-yard plunge behind rookie left guard Steve Avila by Rams RB Kyren Williams with 39 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
- Red Zone II - The second touchdown scored was a seven yard scamper behind rookie left guard Steve Avila by Rams RB Kyren Williams with 8:56 remaining in the third quarter
- Red Zone III - The third and final touchdown scored was a one yard run around the left end by RB Cam Akers (untouched) with 9:45 remaining in the game.
I understand that with the popularity of NFL Fantasy Football, NFL fans have slowly migrated from gametime stats that help teams to win games to a more FF-centric focus to gametime stats that help Fantasy Football teams win games. From a Fantasy Football perspective, the LA Rams running backs were not that good:
- Kyren Williams - 52 yards, 2 TDs, 0 receptions - 17.2 points
- Cam Akers - 29 yards, 1 TD, 0 receptions - 8.9 points
- Tutu Atwell - 6 receptions, 119 yards, 0 TDs - 17.9 points
- Puka Nacua - 10 receptions, 119 yards, 0 TDs - 21.9 points
- Brett Maher - 3/5 FG, 3/3XPts - 12 points
In summary, the LA Rams were not able to get a 100+ yard performance out of RB Cam Akers. Based on the effectiveness of the Rams passing attack, it seems obvious that the Seahawks defense game planned to shut down the Rams running backs in this one.
And yet, when the endzone was within reach, those same Rams running backs couldn't be denied.
How do you measure 'success,' from a ground attack? Do you limit your attaboys to runners who run for 100+ yards in a game? Or do you step back and assess a three touchdown performance on the ground as a successful rushing offense?
The LA Rams offense successfully put up 300+ yards through the air, and three touchdowns on the ground. I'd call that a successful effort, no matter how you slice it.