Kyren Williams has dominated running back touches for the Los Angeles Rams this season, but Ronnie Rivers saw more action in Week 4 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Following an efficient outing from Rivers, Sean McVay had positive things to say about the second-year back out of Fresno State.
“He did a really good job. I was pleased with Ronnie,” McVay said. “He got a couple runs called back that were really productive, but he’s steady, man. He’s got great vision. He’s got great patience. I thought both Kyren and Ronnie did a really nice job as a whole, whether that was in the run game or in the pass game. I’ve just seen a guy that’s very similar to a lot of the guys we’ve talked about and he’s just gotten better because he’s put a consistent work ethic in every single day. He loves football. He comes into the building with the same demeanor and disposition and just has a great way about himself every single day. I think that consistency just compounds in positive ways and that’s what he’s done. I think he’s done a really nice job on the punt team as a wing for us, whether that be in protection or transition into coverage and he’s just a valuable player. I think you’ll continue to see him get a healthy dose and a healthy workload because he’s earned it. I think those guys are really good complements to one another.”
Entering Week 4, Rivers had yet to record a single rushing attempt for the Rams this season. But in the overtime win over the Colts, Rivers carried the ball nine times for 47 yards, along with two catches for 10 yards.
Williams has handled a massive workload out of the backfield and he’s performed well thus far, producing his first career 100-yard rushing game in Week 4 and adding another two touchdowns. Even with Williams impressing in an expanded role, it’s not realistic for him to handle nearly 100 percent of the running back touches for an entire season.
Rivers is another undersized back, but McVay trusts him and he has seemingly earned a change-of-pace role behind Williams moving forward.