Matthew Stafford has spent nearly two decades in the NFL knowing the same basic truth: the Rams quarterback usually has to win it with his arm. That’s been the script for 18 seasons. But after what Los Angeles showed last week, there’s a real case that the balance is starting to shift.
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum were the headline. The two backs combined for 192 rushing yards at 5.8 yards per carry, and both cleared 90 yards. It was the Rams’ most complete showing on the ground this season, and it came at a time when the offense looks built to make that kind of production count.
Stafford made that point directly on The Pat McAfee Show.
"I haven't had a tandem like Kyren Williams and Blake Corum where they both can do everything," Stafford said. "We can call our entire offense with both of those guys in the game."
The passing game is still running through Stafford, who has thrown for 1,989 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. But the Rams are also doing something only one other team can claim: they have two players in the league’s top 25 rushers.
Williams’ profile stands out even more. He is the only player in the top 10 with fewer than 100 carries. Corum is one of just two rushers in the top 25 with fewer than 65.
That matters because the Rams may be sitting on a rushing attack that can keep building as the season moves along. With seven games in the books, the issue hasn’t been effectiveness.
It’s been volume. The Horns have one of the league’s most efficient ground games; they just haven’t always leaned on it enough.
Fantasy football guru Kyle Borgognoni pointed out how strong Williams and Corum have been compared with the rest of the league, noting that both lead the NFL in 5+ yard runs and rank among the leaders in explosive runs.
As the weather cools, the ground game should only become more important. Stafford is still the engine, but the Rams have a chance to quietly turn their rushing attack into one of the NFL’s best if they keep feeding it.
The formula is simple. Commit to it. If Week 7 is any indication, that could end up being the difference.
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