Rams running backs must learn how to gain 100+ yds per game without this player

Rams 100+ yard rushers since 2021

Okay, so what is the big deal about the LA Rams rushing offense, and what, or who, is the common thread to it all? Well, let's break down the 11 occasions when a running back broke the 100 yards plateau in a game:

• Week 13, 2021 - vs. Jacksonville: RB Sony Michel rushed for 121 yards
• Week 16, 2021 - @ Minnesota: RB Sony Michel rushed for 131 yards
• Week 16, 2022 - vs. Denver: RB Cam Akers rushed for 118 yards
• Week 17, 2022 - @ Los Angeles Chargers: RB Cam Akers rushed for 123 yards
• Week 18, 2022 - @ Seattle: RB Cam Akers rushed for 104 yards
• Week 4, 2023 - @ Indianapolis: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 103 yards
• Week 6, 2023 - vs. Arizona: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 158 yards
• Week 12, 2023 - @ Arizona: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 143 yards
• Week 14, 2023 - @ Baltimore: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 114 yards
• Week 15, 2023 - vs Washington: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 152 yards
• Week 16, 2023 -vs. New Orleans: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 104 yards.

So far, it's almost impossible to determine a common thread. Three different seasons and three different running backs accomplished the feat. So there must be more to it.

Well, there is. We noticed the pattern that whenever IOL Coleman Shelton started as the center, the team had a pretty good chance of gaining 100+ yards by the efforts of one running back. But let's test that theory:

We can survey Coleman Shelton's game logs to determine the answer. So what do we learn from inspecting his work as center for the Rams offensive line? Let's break down the games in which he had either a start or a significant role to play in the game:

• Week 13, 2021 - vs. Jacksonville: Started at center. 58 snaps
• Week 16, 2021- @ Minnesota: Started at center. 70 snaps
• Week 16, 2022 - vs. Denver, Started at center. 65 snaps
• Week 17, 2022 - @ Los Angeles Chargers. Started at center. 49 snaps.
• Week 18, 2022 - @ Seattle. Started at center. 61 snaps.
• He started every game for the LA Rams at center in 2023.

So what does that tell us? Well, despite the volatility of the Rams offensive line in 2022, and the numerous iterations of this offense, the common thread for a running back putting up 100 yards has been undervalued offensive lineman Coleman Shelton.