In the first six games of the season, the Rams were averaging a respectably 23 points per game. In their last four, they’re averaging 14.25 points per game. The offense has gone ice cold in recent weeks, and while part of that is because Matthew Stafford missed a game and a half with a thumb injury, it’s also partly because of Kyren Williams’ absence.
While Williams may not be a star running back, the Rams have missed him in their last four games. Fortunately, he’ll be back this week against the Cardinals, which is the team he injured his ankle against in Week 6.
Williams’ return could be exactly what a struggling Rams offense needs.
Sean McVay mentioned how badly the Rams have missed Williams in recent weeks, despite the fact that Royce Freeman played well on Sunday against the Seahawks.
“Yes, he’ll be back,” McVay said, confirming Williams will return this week. “It’ll be great to be able to get him back, his productivity, his play energy, his overall just presence. He’s a guy that we’ve missed. I think a lot of guys have done a good job stepping up in his absence. Thought Royce Freeman did an especially good job down the stretch being able to really convert and create on some hard, tough runs that kept drives alive and ran some clock off. It’ll be great to be able to continue to see those guys develop but get Kyren back into the mix and do his thing and hopefully pick up where he left off against Arizona.”
In Williams’ last game, he rushed for a career-high 158 yards on 20 carries, scoring his seventh touchdown of the season. The Rams trailed the Cardinals, 9-6, at halftime in that game but Williams flipped a switch in the final 30 minutes.
Sean McVay leaned on him in the second half and he rushed for 154 yards on 18 attempts, carrying the Rams to a 26-9 victory at home against Arizona. It was his second 100-yard rushing game of the season and his third game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage.
Williams does the little things well, like blitz pickups and gaining the hard-earned yards between the tackles in short-yardage situations. He was also their best red zone weapon, scoring seven touchdowns in his first six games. His 14 yards rushing from inside the 5-yard line are tied for the third-most in the NFL, coming on just six attempts. His six touchdowns from inside the 10-yard line are the fourth-most in the league despite him missing four games.
Williams returns from IR with a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, and the hope is he can pick up where he left off as the Rams search for answers on offense.