Unleashing Blake Corum's best ability will take Rams offense to new heights

The Los Angeles Rams got a breakout season from running back Blake Corum in 2025. After a lackluster rookie year, he joined Kyren Williams in the backfield as a worthy partner in crime. Williams isn't going anywhere, of course; the offense will continue to lean on him, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios.

But if Williams is RB1, then Corum is an RB1-B. His explosive ability is the yin to Williams' tractor-plow yang. In fact, Corum was one of the most lethally efficient running backs in the NFL last season.

That might catch the casual fan off guard, but it comes as no surprise to L.A.-ers. Well, maybe just a little one. Corum was just that dynamic as the Rams' rocket out of the backfield.

Calling Corum's number more often could serve Rams' advantage

He is no longer a secret weapon, and his stats make clear why. Despite logging only 145 carries, Corum accumulated the second-most total EPA among running backs last season. He recorded the highest EPA per play of any RB who rushed at least 65 times. 

And while Williams was Sean McVay's go-to option in got-to-have-it moments, Corum's 30.34% first-down rate bespoke an efficiency second only to the Chiefs' Kareem Hunt (minimum 85 carries). 

In explosive-play rate (11.72%), he trailed only the Dolphins' DeVon Achane. He was tackled for a loss only 6.9% of the time, 14th out of 52 backs at the 85+ carry threshold. Per Sumer Sports data, Corum led the way with a 51.19% success rate. Pro Football Reference gives Williams the edge, 62.9% to 59.3%. 

Yes, running backs depend on their offensive lines, but a lot of that is all Corum. While he and Williams are used in different ways, that's also a product of their unique skillsets. Corum is the dynamite behind Williams' bulldozer. Somehow, he gained little attention as the second member of the Rams' two-man crew. 

Part of the reason is obvious. Corum's volume stats - 746 rushing yards and six touchdowns - are a rung below the heavyweights atop the league leaderboards. Williams finished ninth in carries (259) and sixth in yards (1,252), while also recording 10 TDs. 

Don't be surprised this season if their workloads are distributed more evenly. That doesn't mean deprioritizing Williams as the No. 1 option. Of course not. Leveraging Corum's explosiveness even more, however, is how the Rams can take their rushing attack to the next level. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow