Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley has added receiving to his list of skills in training camp that help him have a bounce-back year
After rushed onto the scene in 2015 becoming the AP offensive rookie of the year, he suffered a serious sophomore slump. Whether it was ex-coach Jeff Fisher’s “middle school” offense or simply a lack of expected production on Gurley’s part, he’s got a lot of ground to cover to solidify himself as an elite running back once again.
In 2015 Gurley rushed for 1106 on 229 attempts or 4.8 yards per rush. In 2016 he only gained 3.2 yards per attempt and rushed for just 885 yards on the season. With a fresh offense under new Head Coach Sean McVay, Gurley is eyeing a in production.
“Honestly, I never was the guy to really do goals because if I say one thing and it doesn’t happen, people would be (negative),” Gurley told co-host James Laurinaitis and me Wednesday on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “But on my keychain it has 1,500 (rushing yards) and 1,000 receiving.
Last year the Rams were the lowest ranked offense in yards and points scored in the NFL. This year they’re not projected to be any better according to ESPN analytics. But L.A. and Gurley intend to prove the analytics wrong by adding him to the Rams’ passing attack.
L.A. has reportedly used Gurley plays in practice that have yielded positive results. Gurley is holding his own with Rams’ receivers and has even beat corners for touchdown connections with QB .
It may be this added dimension to Gurley’s game that makes him so fond of McVay’s offense which he praised on SiriusXm NFL radio.
“I just like his offensive mind looking at this offense and what he did with the Redskins and the success there,” Gurley said of McVay. “And just his way of coaching us. He’s been doing a great job. We’ve been happy to work with him.”
With Gurley setting such high goals for himself this season, an added attack will make him and the Rams less predictable on offense and give him a better chance at reaching them. Even if he yields major yards in receiving, don’t sleep on him when it comes to yards on the ground. If he’s going to hit 1,500 on the season he’ll be running right through teams.
