The Los Angeles Rams placed a significant wager on Kyren Williams’ ability to fill the role of workhorse in the backfield when they dealt Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings.
Given that Williams had experienced several injuries in his brief NFL career, there were doubts about his durability. Williams, though, has exceeded all expectations by establishing himself as a true dual-threat and is a major factor in the Rams’ postseason prospects.
When he gets the ball, the second-year back is effective on the ground. In Los Angeles’ victory over the New Orleans Saints, he converted 22 carries into 104 rushing yards and one touchdown. Williams’s rushing totals allowed him to surpass 1,000 rushing yards, which is a remarkable feat considering how highly regarded a pass catcher he was coming out of Notre Dame.
According to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com, Williams expressed his happiness with the achievement but also noted how important it is due of his teammates and that he wants to add more yards:
“I think it means more to me because I’m able to share it with my teammates, because it’s been a grind,” Williams said of crossing 1,000 rushing yards this season. “It’s been a grind from (training camp in) Irvine to where we are now, it’s been a long grind and we’re coming together. We’re gelling as an offense, as a whole team playing complementary football. So it’s been fun. Getting 1,000 yards, that was my goal, but I’m not satisfied. I’m going to go get a lot more. Just gotta keep playing ball with my friends.”
A 1,000-yard rushing season is a remarkable accomplishment in and of itself, but it’s all the more remarkable when you realize that Williams missed four games due to a high-ankle sprain. Williams has been on a roll since recovering from the injury, producing yards regardless of the defensive coverage.
The rushing efficiency has allowed Sean McVay to open up more of the playbook, and there are no indications that Williams will be slowing down. With a victory over the New York Giants in Week 16, Los Angeles may further increase their chances of making the playoffs, and Williams ought to be a key player in the offense.
Puka Nacua has Sean McVay’s pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Puka Nacua, aside from Williams, has been a major contributor to the team’s recent success, and McVay declared that the rookie will receive his vote for OROY.