This season has been the polar opposite to the abysmal showing the Los Angeles Rams put on last year. They are currently 6-2 which leads the division. A huge reason for this is the revival of running back Todd Gurley.
Gurley is one of the key contributors to the overall success this team has had this season. He has been the catalyst for the Rams offense all year.
Gurley has 161 carries for 686 yards, seven touchdowns and is averaging 4.3 yards per carry per pro-football-reference.com. He also has 29 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns. All of Gurley’s receiving numbers are career highs.
Gurley’s return to elite status has been a welcome sight for the Rams. When he is playing at a high level it makes it much easier for the rest of the team to do the same.
Gurley naturally receives a majority of the credit for the successful run game since he is the one carrying the football. However, it is an entire team effort. The entire team has bought into running the football and it is paying off.
The Rams devotion to the run game reflects in them being sixth in rushing yards and second in rushing touchdowns. Head coach Sean McVay did outline that now it is about maintaining Gurley’s high level of play consistently:
“I think you want to see him consistently play at a high level,” said McVay. ”
He’s playing as a complete back. It’s never perfect and he’ll be the first to tell you that he has high standards for himself and so do we for him.”
The Rams have yet to reach their goal and the same goes for Gurley. He wants to sustain his high level of play all throughout the season and the Rams want wins.
Both instances will most likely lead to the other accomplishing their goals. The second half of the season starts this weekend for the Rams and it will be interesting to see if they can keep up their exceptional play.
Brendan Abban is the host of the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BAbban24 or email him via [email protected]. This articles was originally written and published on SB Nation.
