Rams' habit of abandoning the run has become a glaring issue

The Los Angeles Rams lost their third prime-time game in Week 5, this one in overtime, to the Buffalo Bills. While fans are immediately focused on underwhelming special teams, there were other culprits that led to the loss. Perhaps the most difficult to detect is the fact that Los Angeles again abandoned its rushing attack.

The Rams ran 77 offensive plays. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw 54 passes, completing 40 for 383 yards and three touchdowns. The offense ran just 23 times, for 77 yards and two scores. So what's the problem with the playcalling?

Los Angeles relies on play-action passing to gain yards. But without an effective rushing attack, the passing game was extremely limited. The Bills could play the pass and be right over 70 percent of the time. In that case, there's no confusion at the line of scrimmage.

The ground game never got enough reps to get in a groove. A productive rushing offense could have chewed up clock and kept the Bills offense on the bench, unable to push the ball into the end zone so easily.

Rams offense has become predictable as it struggles

When facing the Rams, defenses can point to a trend that gives them a clear advantage. In the past three games, Stafford has thrown passes to produce 1090 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.

Over those same three games, the Rams have rushed 71 times for 299 yards and five TDs.

Despite the lopsided lean towards passing, they have scored as many rushing touchdowns as they have by throwing it. More importantly, running the ball carries the advantage of grinding out the game clock as well as better ball security.

And over the past three games, LA averaged 6.8 yards per pass. It has averaged 4.2 yards per carry. The thing is, which option ensures Stafford will remain healthy enough to compete in the playoffs if this team gets there?

A pass-centric offense places a huge burden on the Rams defense. With a huge lead, that's one thing. But in a close game, complementary football keeps the defense fresh.

LA allowed 19 points through three quarters of regulation play against the Bills. It surrendered 14 points in the final quarter and three fatal points in overtime.

After recovering a fumble in overtime, the Rams chose to run the ball twice and pass five times with three completions. One of the runs was merely intended to center the ball for a blocked field goal attempt.

Running back Kyren Williams is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Blake Corum is averaging 4.8. They have combined for five touchdowns in five games. But they can't contribute if their numbers are not called.

LA still boasts a 12th-ranked rushing offense by yards per game. Rams backs shouldn't have to beg for scraps in a game that is ultimately decided by three points. Until this offense finds a much better balance, winning won't happen.

As always, thanks for reading.

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