Kyren Williams has struggled with ball security throughout the last two seasons, but that problem has become even more concerning in the last four weeks. He’s fumbled it four times since Week 9, including twice in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.
Sean McVay didn’t take any carries away from Williams after either of his two fumbles, and it doesn’t sound like anything will change with the running back rotation, either. McVay told reporters on Wednesday that he’s had conversations with Williams about his fumbles and he expects him to bounce back.
He also confirmed that Williams will remain the starter over Blake Corum.
“You certainly have those conversations and you understand it’s about being able to correct,” he said. “Negative experiences without teaching I think this is where you lose morale. It’s really important to be able to have teaching and let’s apply it. Kyren [Williams] is so conscientious. In a lot of instances, he is such a great competitor. That’s one of his best traits that you’re saying, ‘When you were doing this, let’s understand what a great job these defenses do at attacking the football. Where are we leaving ourselves susceptible and what can we do to try to able to give ourselves the best chance to get as many yards as possible while also not potentially giving the football up?’ I trust him being able to move forward. He’s always been a guy that has been mentally tough. He’s been able to respond and I think that’s going to be reflected moving forward.”
It’s been a disappointing season for Williams after he averaged 5.0 yards per carry and a league-best 95.3 yards per game in 2023. This year, he’s averaging only 4.0 yards per carry and 74.7 per game, and he’s already fumbled it five times after doing so three times last year.
It’s clear that McVay fully trusts his workhorse back but at some point, Williams must cut down on the costly fumbles.