Tag: Blake Corum

Blake Corum’s lack on involvement is inexcusable with Rams offense sputtering

Blake Corum has spent majority of the 2024 season on the sidelines and the Rams have yet to justify that decision.

On Monday night, when the Rams’ offense seemed to gain no traction against a Miami defense that came to play, rookie Blake Corum looked like someone ready to provide a spark.

After two three-and-outs to start the game, Corum got the nod on the Rams’ third drive, during which he had three straight touches for 7, 5, and 3 yards. Corum picked up the first first down of the game for the Rams and he was rolling. The drive only stalled due to an illegal formation penalty committed by Alaric Jackson, which brought back a 4-yard run by Corum.

The drive ended on an interception thrown by Matthew Stafford but it looked like Corum was getting going. Sean McVay inexplicably sidelined Corum, with those three touches ending up being the only ones he saw for the rest of the game.

Corum was a matchup nightmare for the Dolphins as his short stature allowed him to get underneath defenders for solid gains. Linebackers could not locate him and he’d pop out into open spaces in both the pass and run.

He’s a player full of confidence who’s also waited his turn. And despite the list of injuries suffered by the Rams, he has yet to get his opportunity.

Not only has Corum waited patiently, but McVay and the coaching staff have repeatedly taken away confidence-building moments for him.

He’s been active for three games this season in which he did not receive a single touch of the ball on offense. His career-high in carries came in the first-ever game he played, which was against the Cardinals – eight garbage-time carries on the final drive of a 41-10 loss. The Rams held Corum out during the preseason, meaning not only was the Arizona game his first taste of NFL action, but his development – especially in pass blocking – has been severely hindered for no reason. McVay has robbed Corum of picking up his first NFL touchdown on multiple occasions.

Corum was on the field when Xavier Smith took a jet sweep to the Raiders’ two-yard line. McVay pulled Corum out and put in Kyren Williams, who punched it in on the next play.

Against Green Bay, the Rams started a drive at their 45-yard line. They got it down to the 1-yard line of the Packers with Corum accounting for 28 yards on a 55-yard drive. Corum got one shot on second-and-goal to punch it in but was stuffed. McVay then pulled Corum for Williams. Williams proceeded to score. It was the Rams’ first score of the game. Corum, despite being the catalyst for the drive, only touched the ball on offense one more time. A 5-yard gain for a first down.

It would be comical if it wasn’t so sad the lengths McVay and the Rams go through to deprive Corum of a rightly deserved opportunity. Anyone with eyes sees he runs with a passion and an intensity on every play.

There is a legitimate reality where Corum is a contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year if he had been selected by another team. There’s no reason to sideline him in the manner in which the Rams have, especially considering they rank 26th in rushing yards per game and 31st in yards per carry (3.8). It’s not as if the ground game is thriving with Williams back there.

Corum has caught every pass thrown to him, he’s found running lanes behind backup offensive linemen time and time again, and the kicker is that while there’s a massive gap in carries between Corum and Williams, Corum is averaging 3.5 yards per carry to Williams’ 3.8. Seems a bit outrageous to run Kyren Williams into the ground when there’s a capable backup right behind him.

Don’t draft a running back in Round 3 if you’re not going to play him.

Fantasy Football: 12 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Audric Estime is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

It looks like there’s been a changing of the guard in the Denver Broncos‘ backfield.

Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted last week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season, and that’s beginning to play out. Estime led the team’s backfield in snaps (26), carries (14) and rushing yards (53) on Sunday. Javonte Williams (one carry and two targets) seems to have been relegated to passing-down duties.

Estime could be Denver’s new RB1 going forward, and he should be considered a top priority on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Elsewhere on the waiver wire front, wide receiver Cedric Tillman (50%) should be rostered, Dawson Knox (1%) is a streaming tight end option and quarterback Bo Nix (50%) has quickly become fantasy-relevant.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of 12 running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Audric Estime (1%): Estime’s efficiency (3.8 yards per carry) wasn’t great on Sunday, but Payton seems to be a big fan of the rookie, so his workload (14 carries) will likely trend up in the coming weeks.

2. RB Gus Edwards (21%): Edwards (10 carries for 55 yards) split time with J.K. Dobbins (15 carries for 50 yards) on Sunday. Playing in a run-heavy offense, both RBs could be fantasy-relevant going forward.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (50%): Bijan Robinson remains the star, but Allgeier (11 carries for 59 yards) isn’t going away. Allgeier has standalone flex value and he’s an extremely important handcuff in case Robinson is ever unavailable.

4. RB Trey Benson (16%): James Conner (17 touches for 113 yards) and Benson (12 touches for 87 yards) were both productive on Sunday as the Cardinals cruised to a comfortable win over the Jets. That won’t happen every week, but Benson should be rostered. Note that Arizona has a bye in Week 11.

5. RB Tyjae Spears (42%): Spears (10 touches for 51 yards) wasn’t far behind Tony Pollard (13 touches for 63 yards) in Week 10. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

6. RB Braelon Allen (22%): Breece Hall is obviously the RB1, but Allen (seven carries and one target) remains involved. Allen could be a flex option if you’re desperate.

7. RB Cam Akers (16%): Aaron Jones had an injury scare on Sunday before later returning to the game. Akers is worth adding in case Jones does end up missing any time. With Jones missing part of Sunday’s game, Akers got 14 touches for the Vikings in Week 10.

8. RB Ray Davis (19%): He’s just a handcuff behind James Cook at this point, but Davis proved earlier this season that he’s a capable fill-in option if called upon in Buffalo.

9. RB Blake Corum (16%): The Rams have been giving Kyren Williams a heavy workload, and Corum could be an extremely valuable handcuff down the stretch if Williams gets banged up.

10. RB Kenneth Gainwell (2%): Saquon Barkley steps aside when the Eagles have big leads, giving value to Gainwell and Will Shipley (1%) when Philly is a big favorite.

11. RB Keaton Mitchell (5%): The speedy running back returned to action in Week 10 and the Ravens now have a “three-headed monster” at running back. Mitchell is worth stashing, especially in deep leagues.

12. RB Jaylen Wright (5%): De’Von Achane remains the RB1 in Miami, but Wright might be taking the RB2 role away from Raheem Mostert. Wright got the second-most carries (five) on Monday. Mostert was targeted three times as a receiver out of the backfield but got no carries.

Bonus: RB Jaylen Warren (62%) is already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure he’s not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Fantasy Football: 10 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Isaac Guerendo and Tyrone Tracy highlight this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

The San Francisco 49ers are going into their bye this week, and there’s some hope that star running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could be set to return in Week 10. Meanwhile, fellow Niners running back Jordan Mason is now nursing a reaggravated shoulder injury.

With McCaffrey’s status still uncertain and Mason injured, Isaac Guerendo is the top running back to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week. Even if CMC returns after the bye, Guerendo could serve as the RB2 if Mason misses any time.

Elsewhere on the fantasy football waiver wire, Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix (37%) is suddenly a hot target at quarterback, Cedric Tillman (16%) is turning heads at wide receiver and Taysom Hill (20%) is a popular streaming option at tight end.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of ten running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Isaac Guerendo (4%): He’s on a bye this week, but Guerendo could be a crucial handcuff in the second half of the season and if CMC and Mason are ever sidelined, Guerendo is the next man up.

2. RB Tyrone Tracy (47%): Devin Singletary is back healthy, but Tracy remains the RB1 in New York. He dominated the team’s backfield touches on Monday Night Football with 20 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown. Tracy’s concussion status should be monitored, but he is a priority add off the waiver wire this week.

3. RB Tyler Allgeier (51%): Allgeier is sharing touches with Bijan Robinson. Allgeier got 12 carries on Sunday and Robinson got 13. Robinson (seven targets) is much more involved in the passing game, but Allgeier has standalone value as Atlanta’s RB2.

4. RB Braelon Allen (25%): The Jets are a mess, but Allen (12 carries) remains in the mix alongside Breece Hall (16 carries). He’s a potential flex play or an RB2 candidate in deep leagues. 

5. RB Khalil Herbert (5%): He was a healthy scratch on Sunday, but with the NFL’s trade deadline approaching, Herbert could get a fresh start soon. Herbert is worth stashing in case he lands on a RB-needy team.

6. RB Ray Davis (17%): James Cook is the guy in Buffalo, but Davis is an important handcuff with some standalone value.

7. RB Blake Corum (17%): Corum is another important handcuff behind Kyren Williams.

8. RB Trey Benson (17%): Completing the handcuff trio is Benson, who is an important stash behind James Conner, who has never played a full season.

9. RB Keaton Mitchell (4%): He returned to practice last week and could be on track to return to the active roster last week. Mitchell is worth stashing in deep leagues.

10. RB Kimani Vidal (7%): He’s mostly a handcuff behind J.K. Dobbins right now, but Vidal has made the most of his limited touches with the Chargers.

Bonus RBs: Tank Bigsby (69%), Bucky Irving (69%), Jaylen Warren (62%) and Jonathon Brooks (60%) are already rostered in most leagues, but double-check just to make sure they’re not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Fantasy Football: 10 running backs to target on the waiver wire

Tyler Goodson and Ray Davis highlight this week’s list of running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire.

Several key injuries (and players returning from injuries) are shaking up the NFL — and fantasy football lineups — going into Week 8.

At quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa (27%) is expected to return after recovering from his concussion. In Cleveland, the Browns are expected to turn the offense over to Jameis Winston (1%) after losing Deshuan Watson to an Achilles injury. Drake Maye (14%) is also worth a look at QB.

At wide receiver, Jauan Jennings (46%) will be a popular target this week after the 49ers lost Brandon Aiyuk to a torn ACL. Elsewhere at the position, Romeo Doubs (37%) has turned heads with consecutive big games.

At tight end, Hunter Henry (28%) and Taysom Hill (21%) will be among the top targets to consider on the waiver wire ahead of Week 8.

Today, though, we’re focusing on the running back position. We’ve put together a quick list of ten running backs to consider on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Targets

1. RB Ray Davis (15%): Even with James Cook back in the lineup, Davis still got five carries and a target, turning those touches into 41 rushing yards and a touchdown and a one-yard reception. He won’t reach the end zone every week, but Davis offers flex value even when Cook is healthy.

2. RB Tyler Goodson (10%): It remains to be seen if Jonathan Taylor (ankle) will be able to return this week. In his absence on Sunday, it was Goodson, not Trey Sermon, who led the Colts’ backfield with 14 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.

3. RB Alexander Mattison (43%): Mattison dominated the Raiders’ backfield on Sunday with 26 touches that he turned into 123 yards.

4. RB Jaylen Warren (46%): Najee Harris is still the guy in Pittsburgh, but Warren got 12 carries and three targets in Week 7. He’s worth flex consideration in a shared backfield.

5. RB Tyrone Tracy (48%): Even with Devin Singletary back in the lineup, Tracy remained a key part of New York’s offense. Game flow didn’t allow for much rushing from the Giants, but Tracy got one more carry (six to five) and two more targets (three to one) than Singletary on Sunday.

6. RB Sean Tucker (11%): Rachaad White is back and Bucky Irving remains the RB1b, but there’s still a role for Tucker in the backfield. He got five carries and two targets on Monday.

7. RB Kendre Miller (8%): The Saints weren’t able to get anything going against Denver’s defense on TNF, but Miller got six carries (compared to Alvin Kamara’s seven) and three targets (compared to Kamara’s seven). Kamara is obviously still the star in New Orleans, but Miller might have some standalone value going forward.

8. RB D’Ernest Johnson (15%): Tank Bigsby (69%) is dominating right now, but there’s still a role for Johnson. He got nine carries and four targets this week.

9. RB Trey Benson (18%): Benson is a claim-and-stash option in case James Conner is ever unavailable this season.

10. RB Blake Corum (18%): Similar to Benson, Corum is a valuable handcuff behind Kyren Williams.

Bonus RBs: Nick Chubb (83%), Tank Bigsby (69%), Jonathon Brooks (60%), Bucky Irving (66%) and Tyler Allgeier (54%) are already rostered in most leagues, but double check just to make sure they’re not still available in your league. 

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Blake Corum will ‘continue to get’ opportunities after earning Rams’ trust

Sean McVay explained what’s impressed him the most about Blake Corum despite a quiet start to the season

There was a lot of talk during the offseason about how much Blake Corum might eat into Kyren Williams’ role at running back after the Rams spent a third-round pick on the former Michigan Wolverine. By all accounts, Corum had a good showing in training camp and appeared poised for a big role after getting the veteran treatment during the preseason, but Week 1 rolled around and he didn’t play a single snap.

In fact, he didn’t play an offensive snap in three of his first five games, getting just 13 total carries – eight of which came in garbage time during a blowout against the Cardinals in Week 2.

The Rams finally elevated him to RB2 last week against the Packers and gave him six touches behind Williams, and he stood out in a positive way. Sean McVay has been impressed by the rookie running back despite his quiet start to the year, telling J.B. Long on the “Coach McVay Show” that the Rams want to “continue to get him opportunities that have been earned.”

“I think what I’ve been so impressed with is the consistency of his approach regardless of whether or not he was getting the opportunities or not behind Kyren,” McVay said. “But I thought he earned it. Consistent work ethic, ability to earn that trust in these practice-type settings. And then I thought he did really well. Still some minimum opportunities, but he’s heavy at the point of contact, good instinctual runner. Though he did a great job being able to show some burst through the line of scrimmage and he’s a guy that we’ll continue to get him opportunities that have been earned. I really like what I’ve seen, and I’ve been more impressed with the human being, the way that he’s handled it. And then I thought he did maximize the ops that he had against the Packers.”

On his five carries in Week 5, Corum gained 25 yards. He also had an 8-yard reception, providing a spark on offense as both a runner and receiver. He’s still unlikely to eat into Williams’ opportunities in a significant way, but he appears locked in as the RB2 over Ronnie Rivers.

The more the Rams can utilize Corum, the less wear and tear Williams will put on his body, which could help keep him healthy and fresh for the duration of the season.

Blake Corum impressed in his first real opportunity with the Rams

Finally given playing time, Blake Corum made the most of his limited opportunities on Sunday.

Despite the disappointment of the Rams’ 24-19 loss, there were a few bright spots in the game and one of them was Blake Corum.

Finally allowed out of the barn, Corum was impressive when given his opportunity. Corum had five carries for 25 yards and he caught a screen pass for 8 yards – and that’s with two of his carries going for a total of 3 yards as he got stopped at the goal line twice.

On his carries, Corum looked just like he did in college. He followed blocks, defenders couldn’t locate him and once he got into open space, he displayed the shiftiness that made him such a successful running back.

He also kept himself safe, not taking damaging hits. A pre-draft concern of Corum’s was his size, or lack of it. Limiting unnecessary punishment will give the coaching staff the confidence to increase his playing time.

Corum proved that he should be the No. 2 running back, not Ronnie Rivers. The coaching staff needs to continue to give him playing time and not do what they did last time: Only giving him carries in garbage time.

Playing Corum against Arizona and then benching him for two games did nothing for his growth or confidence. His performance today did. The Rams should ride that momentum after the bye and keep giving him chances.

Only time will tell what Corum becomes in the NFL but one thing is clear, whatever he brings to the table, the team still has Kyren Williams in the backfield, too. With a safety blanket like that, the only place for Corum to go is up.

Rams snap counts: Jordan Whittington leads WRs, still no Blake Corum at RB

Jordan Whittington has emerged as the Rams’ WR1 with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp out, but there’s still no sign of Blake Corum at RB

The Los Angeles Rams have had to adjust and adapt in the absence of their injured starters, particularly at wide receiver. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have each missed the last game and a half and the Rams have missed them sorely.

Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Whittington have done a nice job filling in, but no one can replace those two All-Pros. In Sunday’s loss to the Bears, it was Whittington who assumed the role of WR1.

He played the most snaps of any receiver on the team after playing just 38% of the snaps last week against the 49ers. At running back, there’s still no sign of Blake Corum, who didn’t play a snap for the third time in four weeks.

Here’s a look at the offensive and defensive snap counts from Week 4.

Offense

For just the second time this season, all five starting linemen finished the game without missing a snap, which is encouraging. It was the same starting five as last week and it’ll remain the same group moving forward until Steve Avila or Jonah Jackson returns.

Whittington missed just two plays all afternoon, providing good value on offense. Atwell played 55 of 61 snaps, overtaking Robinson, who played 52 of 61 snaps. Tyler Johnson was the wideout whose role got reduced the most, playing just 10 snaps on Sunday. Xavier Smith got in two snaps on offense.

There was less 12 personnel in this game as Sean McVay leaned heavily on his top three receivers, which led to just 13 snaps for Hunter Long. Davis Allen was active but he didn’t get on the field on offense.

Kyren Williams had his workload reduced slightly, playing a season-low 79% of the snaps. Ronnie Rivers played a season-high 21% as the backup, rushing for 26 yards on six carries. Corum did not get on the field for a single play, the third time in four weeks that’s been the case.

Defense

All four starters in the secondary played every snap on defense, which is typical when healthy. Kamren Kinchens played 63% of the snaps as the fifth defensive back, with Ahkello Witherspoon making his debut; he played just nine snaps but could work himself into a bigger role if Tre’Davious White continues to struggle.

It’s unclear if someone has taken signal-calling duties from Troy Reeder, but he didn’t play every snap on defense, which is surprising. Christian Rozeboom played 62% of the snaps as the second and only other inside linebacker.

Along the defensive line, Kobie Turner played his usual share of snaps, the only defensive lineman to play more than 33 snaps. Braden Fiske was second (55%), followed by Bobby Brown (53%) and Neville Gallimore (50%). Gallimore continues to eat into Brown’s playing time, and Tyler Davis got an opportunity with 11 snaps played, too.

At edge rusher, Byron Young was the clear No. 1 option, playing 49 of 60 snaps. Jared Verse played 41 snaps, only seven more than Michael Hoecht. No other edge rushers got on the field.

Blake Corum’s lack of playing time has been coaching malpractice

Despite the narrative behind him, Blake Corum has been a pariah on the Rams and it might be time for a change

When the Rams selected Blake Corum in the 2024 NFL draft, it sparked a belief around the league that he would be a 1-2 punch with Kyren Williams. This belief was further supported by the Rams’ decision to keep Corum on the sidelines during the preseason.

In his place, the Rams used Ronnie Rivers among others to take those reps. Expecting a somewhat significant role, Corum has been essentially abandoned by the coaching staff, having only eight carries on the season.

To make matters worse, Corum has only carried the ball against Arizona, all on the final drive in a 41-10 blowout. That’s three games in which Corum has not recorded a single stat. Not a rush nor a catch.

Why? The team has yet to comment on the matter and there’s no reason for Corum’s exclusion. Injury? Would have to be reported and he’s on the active roster. Concerns about ability? Then why not give him reps to improve. Concerns about pass blocking? Why not use him on early downs as a runner?

Why hold a player out the entire preseason to not use him in the season? I understand if the Rams feel Williams and Rivers currently fill their current needs but to not even give Corum a single opportunity is not only wrong, it’s horrible for Corum’s morale.

He’s a national champion, an elite runner and he’s a third-round pick. If you weren’t going to use him, why not use that pick on another position as it’s clear the team needs as much help they can get?

It’s coaching malpractice. Plain and simple. Sean McVay, Les Snead and Mike LaFleur need to be held accountable.

Sean McVay on Blake Corum: ‘We’ve got to get him going a little bit more’

Sean McVay liked what he saw from Blake Corum in garbage time last week and wants to get him going a bit more

It’s been two quiet weeks for Rams rookie Blake Corum. He was viewed as Kyren Williams’ backup all offseason, but it’s clear he’s No. 3 in the pecking order at running back.

He didn’t play a single offensive snap in the opener against the Lions and on Sunday in Arizona, his only eight plays came on the final drive when the Rams were just trying to end the game.

Corum rushed for 28 yards on his eight carries against the Cardinals and also had a 41-yard return on the opening kickoff, showing some of the juice that made him a third-round pick in April. It’s surprising that he hasn’t gotten more opportunities at running back but that could change in the near future.

Sean McVay said on the “Coach McVay Show” Monday that he wants to get Corum “going a little bit more” after seeing him in action on Sunday.

“Thought he did a great job on the kick return. You felt him, that was a good, positive spark for our team,” McVay said. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to capitalize on that momentum. And then I thought he did some good things. He showed some of the twitch and good feel. Obviously, slipped on the one that he was trying to cut back on, but I thought there were some overall positives and we’ve got to get him going a little bit more.”

McVay has said this type of thing often about players, including Tutu Atwell, and the results haven’t always matched his coachspeak-y desires to get a player involved. But it’s not as if Williams has been lighting it up in the first two games, so there could be room for Corum or Ronnie Rivers to eat into his carries.

Through two weeks, Williams has just 75 yards on 30 carries. His 30 rushes are the most of any player in the NFL without a single carry of at least 10 yards, so the explosiveness hasn’t been there. It’s not all his fault because the offensive line has been a mess, but Williams has to be better. If not, Corum could get a longer look from the coaching staff.