Rams' offense might be satisfactory provided that Kyren Williams and firm keep in working

They play in an offense that options one of many NFL’s premier passers and two of its most dynamic receivers.

However Rams working backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum might be pivotal items for a group that’s anticipated to match or surpass final season’s 10-7 document and playoff look.

Final season Williams rushed for greater than 1,100 yards in 12 video games, scored 15 touchdowns and made the Professional Bowl. Corum starred for national-champion Michigan earlier than the Rams chosen him within the third spherical of the draft.

Now the pair — together with Ronnie Rivers — are poised to enrich quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in coach Sean McVay’s scheme.

Within the second half final season, McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur adopted extra of a smash-mouth speeding assault — and Williams flourished. He rushed for 100 yards or extra 4 occasions in his final six video games because the Rams rebounded from a 3-6 begin and made the playoffs for the fifth time in seven seasons underneath McVay.

“For me, that’s a tone-setter,” Williams stated of the philosophical shift within the speeding assault. “We acquired right into a mentality to the place we’re going to run the ball. You would possibly know we’re going to run the ball, however we’re nonetheless going to. … It’s enjoyable when it’s like that, once we management the controllables and we’re in a position to play on our phrases.”

A lot of the Rams’ success nonetheless might be dictated by how effectively Stafford, 36, performs in his sixteenth season. Final yr Stafford overcame a midseason thumb harm and performed at an elite stage.

Kupp seems bodily sound for the primary time since 2021, when he was the offensive participant of the yr. Nacua is coming off a record-setting rookie season and is on the mend from a knee harm suffered throughout a joint observe with the Chargers throughout coaching camp.

Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, rookie Jordan Whittington and Tyler Johnson are different receivers who will contribute, together with new tight finish Colby Parkinson, second-year professional Davis Allen and Hunter Long.

Learn extra: Ready or not, Stetson Bennett will make his NFL debut as Rams No. 2 quarterback

The Rams spent generously on the offensive line through the offseason, but it surely stays to be seen if it pays off.

Deal with Alaric Jackson is suspended for 2 video games for violating the NFL’s private conduct coverage. Proper deal with Rob Havenstein is questionable for the Sept. 8 opener at Detroit due to an ankle harm.

The Rams re-signed proper guard Kevin Dotson for $32 million in ensures after which gave Jonah Jackson $34 million to play left guard, which might allow Steve Avila to maneuver from guard to heart. However Jackson suffered a shoulder harm throughout coaching camp and is now on observe to begin at heart, with Avila shifting again to left guard.

Veteran Joe Noteboom and second-year professional Warren McClendon Jr. most likely are on observe to begin at deal with towards the Lions.

Williams stated he is not involved that the road is unsettled.

“I acquired confidence in all my guys,” he stated. “I don’t care who it’s up entrance. Starters, nonstarters, undrafted, drafted — it don’t matter. We’re going to get to work. Alongside the way in which, we’re going to get higher.

“Even when it’s not there — what it’s proper now — we’re going to get there. And we’re going to have the arrogance we have to get there. I like bringing folks alongside like that.”

Since offseason exercises, Williams has been mentoring Corum and different backs.

“It’s identical to giving again in a manner,” Williams stated. “Any individual did that for me, so why not try this for them, and we’re making a bond whereas doing that. So it makes it far more enjoyable, so when large performs occur, you get extra excited for someone, whenever you’re near them.”

Learn extra: Can Troy Reeder pick up slack in middle of Rams defense after Ernest Jones IV trade?

Williams’ alternatives to make performs additionally will come on particular groups — at the very least initially. McVay stated Williams additionally would return punts.

“It is one other alternative for him to get touches and affect the sport,” McVay stated. “You are feeling snug with that due to the arrogance in Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers having the ability to spell him if want be.”

McVay’s choice got here as no shock to Williams. He stated McVay advised him in the beginning of coaching camp to verify he practiced catching punts as a result of he may need the function.

LaFleur shouldn’t be involved.

“Anytime you possibly can put the ball in a playmaker’s fingers, you are going to be completely satisfied about it,” he stated. “When [No.] 23 is touching the ball, it is good for the Rams.”

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This story initially appeared in Los Angeles Times.