Every great running back has that one team they run wild against each year. Regardless of coaching changes or revamping their defense, All-Pro-caliber ball carriers find ways to put up ungodly numbers when called upon.
Typically, it’s a division rival due to the frequency in which they play. Those great running backs strap up their helmets nice and tight because they know they will be the tip of the spear for their offense. It’s no different for Kyren Williams as the Rams’ next great back has gashed the Cardinals on multiple occasions.
During his first game versus Arizona as a starting running back, Williams ran for 158 yards and one touchdown in Week 6 of last season. He would suffer an injury that would keep him out of action for the next five weeks. As fate would have it, he would return for the Rams’ trip to Arizona and the man from Notre Dame was determined not to let his injury derail his quest for a 1,000-yard season. He didn’t.
Williams ran rampant in the desert, racking up 143 yards on just 16 carries. That’s 8.9 yards per carry. His efforts spurred the Rams’ playoff push as they clinched a spot in the wild card.
The Cardinals held Williams in check earlier this season as he had 25 yards off of 12 carries. As all fans know, Arizona blew out Los Angeles but it should be noted that the Cardinals’ defense was able to key in on Williams due to injuries suffered by Puka Nacua the week before and by Cooper Kupp during the game.
Also, Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson were hurt and Alaric Jackson was suspended so the Rams’ offensive line was a shell of itself, going up against a fairly healthy and motivated defense.
Kupp and Nacua are set to play on Saturday and a discouraged Cardinals team should be prepared to see Williams run straight at them. Williams is currently third on the NFL rushing leaderboard, once again putting himself among the league leaders.
Pair that with a Rams win potentially punching their ticket to the postseason and all signs point to another standout performance by the Rams’ bell cow.