Rams' RB Strategy: Will Corum Challenge Williams' Dominance?

The Los Angeles Rams are navigating their running back situation with a clear strategy: a disciplined split between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Head Coach Sean McVay has emphasized the importance of involving both players in the game plan, even as Williams remains the primary ball carrier.

Williams' Workload and Corum's Rise

Kyren Williams has been a workhorse for the Rams, playing over 81% of the team's snaps in 2024. While his production has been impressive, the heavy workload raises concerns about potential wear and tear. Enter Blake Corum, the second-year running back who's seen an increase in usage over the past two weeks.

In the Rams' Week 4 victory against the Indianapolis Colts, the division of labor was particularly evident. Williams had 13 carries and played 68% of the snaps, both season lows. Conversely, Corum had nine carries and played on 29.3% of the snaps, marking season highs for him.

McVay's Approach: Discipline, Not Just Hot Hands

Despite Corum's emergence, McVay has made it clear that Williams remains the focal point of the Rams' running game, especially after his recent three-year, $33 million extension. McVay intends to be “disciplined” in managing the two running backs, ensuring Corum gets his touches while not solely relying on whoever has the “hot hand.”

"Certainly, if there's a hot hand, I think that's something that the situation dictates, but I think we do want to try to be disciplined in making sure that there's a lot of trust in both of those guys to be able to play and not be shortsighted in the moment,” McVay said.

McVay highlighted Williams' resilience, pointing to a fumble in the fourth quarter as an example of the team's faith in him. "One of my favorite things about Kyren Williams is he’s at his best after a moment where I put him in a terrible position... You watch his response and his resolve and I thought it was important to give him an opportunity to be able to continue to play through that. He answered the bell in a big way."

The Rams' approach suggests a commitment to a balanced attack, aiming to keep both Williams and Corum fresh and effective throughout the season. This strategy could prove crucial as they navigate the challenges of a demanding NFL schedule.