What Kyren Williams did last Sunday was re-establish why he is the workhorse back for the Rams
In a performance that may have preserved his hold on the Rams’ starting running back position, Kyren Williams had over 100 scrimmage yards, a touchdown and the penultimate game-sealing run against the New Orleans Saints.
Sean McVay has stuck with Williams over Blake Corum despite struggles this year and the coach acknowledged that the two had to talk about what the team needed from him in order to continue.
WIth most RBs this play goes nowhere, but Kyren Williams ends the game right here.
The Rams RB absorbs initial contact and then bounces the play outside and picks up the first down.
Game over. pic.twitter.com/bh5PsiWr8p
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) December 4, 2024
Going into last week would it have been an overreaction to give Blake Corum the nod at running back over Williams? Williams was coming off a disappointing performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, and we’ve seen Sean McVay sit starters as recently as this year with Jonah Jackson. So, what made LA continue to ride with the former Notre Dame standout?
Rams’ personality JB Long asked the head coach about his decision on the Coach McVay Show.
“Sean you’ve made some performance related decisions at other position this season. I don’t think anyone would have found fault if you did flip the switch at running back and organized that different for this (Week 13) game, but you didn’t. You stuck with Kyren atop the depth chart, and he responded. Why was that the case? Why did you have the sense that he was going to react that way?”
McVay goes on to say that Williams responded to the challenge, but he also says they had some “honest conversations” about what the team needed to see from Kyren going forward. Although Corum technically received the first carry last game, it was Williams who took the bulk of the work.
“Well, I think you believe in the human being, you know. There’s enough experience, you know he’s mentally tough, and there was some honest conversations that we were able to have about ‘Ay here’s what we need, here’s what we’re looking for, here’s the things that you can control’ and I thought he did a great job of that…you did see Blake got some more opportunities. I thought that allowed Kyren to be fresher throughout the game.”
With Corum potentially carving out a role in the offense it’s Williams’ opportunities to lose. The question is how long can Williams keep his hold on the position?
This is part of what makes Rams RB Kyren Williams so good in short-yardage situations.
Lowers his head and keeps his feet moving. Nothing special from a blocking perspective. Just pure will from Kyren to get in the end zone. pic.twitter.com/8DHRYI7jyx
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) November 26, 2024
The Rams might not know the answer to Williams’s role with the franchise long-term, but in a campaign where they are competing for a playoff spot, they still have to play week-to-week and not just year-to-year.
Based on McVay’s recent response Williams should have the primary carries at least for another week, so no real drama to see here, but a head coach was asked about why he didn’t make a change at a key position?
Kyren Williams rebounded and was a major catalyst in the victory against NO. He had his best YPC performance this season, showed great burst, & ability to make the first man miss
Kyren ranks 5th in league rushing yards as he closes in on his 2nd consecutive 1000 yard season pic.twitter.com/QMfLCl4KfH
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) December 2, 2024
No situation is the NFL is permanent, but according to McVay, Williams is continuing to make a case that he belongs. For now.