Blake Corum waited a long time to get meaningful snaps in the Rams’ backfield but he’s finally getting an opportunity to show why he was a third-round pick in the draft.
After playing 11 or fewer snaps in each of the Rams’ first 11 games, Corum has played 18 and 13 snaps in the last two weeks. More importantly, he’s carried the ball eight times in each of the last two games, so he’s finally carved out a role behind Kyren Williams.
This won’t just be a two-week flash in the pan, either. Sean McVay made it very clear on Monday that Corum will continue getting work behind Williams as the RB2. McVay thinks it’s best for the entire backfield if the Rams lighten Williams’ workload a bit by utilizing Corum, which has paid dividends in the last two games.
” I think it’s good to be able to get both of those guys some work. You can really maximize – obviously, Kyren is our starter, but continue to take advantage of Blake,” McVay said. “I think he’s done a nice job each of the last two weeks getting a few more opportunities. I think it keeps Kyren fresher throughout the course of the game. Obviously, as games go on, there are some different scenarios, especially when you’re in a tight game like what yesterday was that elicits a little bit different response. Blake being out there is something that I think’s been earned and I think it’s best for the group overall while keeping Kyren as fresh as possible while still allowing him to impact the game. You’re accurate on that for sure.”
Corum has gradually seen his role grow, going from third-string to playing sparingly on the third drive of games to now seeing carries on the second possession. He’s averaged a healthy 4.75 yards per carry in his last two games, which has given McVay confidence in the rookie running back.
As McVay said, Williams will remain the starter, but Corum has had a positive impact as the No. 2 back behind him.