Kyren Williams Adopts ‘Smarter, Not Harder’ Approach as Rams Reshape Backfield Role
Kyren Williams, the Los Angeles Rams' top running back, says he feels healthier, sharper, and more productive this season, even though he has to share more of the workload in one of the NFL's most explosive offenses.
As the team's workhorse and the author of back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons, Williams is getting fewer carries this fall as second-year back Blake Corum takes on a bigger role.
Williams said on Wednesday, "I think I still have everything I need to do well on Sundays." "And all I can do is ask for that."
Williams is now getting almost two-thirds of the offensive snaps. Head coach Sean McVay says this was planned before the season started, after Williams averaged more than 20 carries every healthy week for years.
"Kyren is the lead dog," McVay said. "He is our starting running back, but both guys are at their best for 17 games, and hopefully more when Corum is involved."
The Rams (7-2) aren't letting the change get in their way. Williams is not only a top-15 rusher with 659 yards and ninth in the league in carries (146), but he is also becoming a better throwing threat.
The Rams are counting on Williams to stay healthy as he becomes a dual-threat weapon.
Williams acknowledges that playing in a true two-back scheme for the first time during his career with the Rams has allowed him to avoid the mid-season wear that comes with carrying the ball every down.
Williams declared, "I feel fantastic on all levels—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually." "I took a lot of hits last year. I'm taking even better care of my physique for this year.
Williams now has more room to lengthen plays, enhance his receiving routes, and hone his pass protection thanks to Corum's recent surge, which included 13 carries in a row.
Williams has been able to reach the second level with little contact thanks in large part to the Rams' offensive line.
He remarked, "They're controlling the line of scrimmage." "They are the reason I am doing a lot of things."
