The Run Game... what happened?

[Elmgrovegnome]

Mostly the blocking broke down but if you watch the games you will see our backs miss cut back lanes more often than not.
We may need a back that is good at hitting the cut back when it's open.

I would have stuck with Michel more. At least when he got tackled he fell forward. There was also a very good RB that went in round six that was the highest rated back for running the zone scheme.

Is it Tutu‘s fault? This is a thread full of debate over there…smh.

Combination of injuries at RB and OL overwhelmed in the interior OL by large def tackles (IMO)

Oline injuries? Only Whitworth right?

 

[Ram65]

Boom looks solid in pass pro at LT, at least in the snaps he's had, but we're gonna get dropoff in the run game there.

In the last podcast with JB, MJD, and a pretty blonde D'Marco Farr stated that going into 2022 Noteboom will be an improvement in run blocking/run game over the 40-year-old Whitworth. It surprised me but, makes sense that he stated Whit wasn't the same run blocker he was a few years ago or so.

I hope the Rams have an answer to improve the run game. It was horrible in the playoffs. The SB analysis video that everyone hated showed defensive front alignments that made it impossible for Allen to double up with the Corbett and get to the LBer could be a part of it. The injuries to the RBs/TEs also could have affected the timing. I expect some adjustments will help the blocking scheme.

 

[rdlkgliders]

We need balance in both plays called (which we have really grown in) and efficiency (where we need help) to remain successful. Playing against great defensive fronts only reaffirms the need to improve it doesn't excuse a lack of production. The improvement may be something that doesn't take a ton of resources but a more philosophical adjustment that plays into our strengths

 

[Merlin]

In the last podcast with JB, MJD, and a pretty blonde D'Marco Farr stated that going into 2022 Noteboom will be an improvement in run blocking/run game over the 40-year-old Whitworth. It surprised me but, makes sense that he stated Whit wasn't the same run blocker he was a few years ago or so.

I hope the Rams have an answer to improve the run game. It was horrible in the playoffs. The SB analysis video that everyone hated showed defensive front alignments that made it impossible for Allen to double up with the Corbett and get to the LBer could be a part of it. The injuries to the RBs/TEs also could have affected the timing. I expect some adjustments will help the blocking scheme.

Whit was very strong in the run game, better than his pass pro tbh. So I doubt Boom can measure up to him right away. So all respect to Demarco but I can't agree there.

But I do hope our OL improves so we'll see.

 

[So Ram]

Whit was very strong in the run game, better than his pass pro tbh. So I doubt Boom can measure up to him right away. So all respect to Demarco but I can't agree there.

But I do hope our OL improves so we'll see.

Let the record speak for itself. I saw some good running games with Akers at the end of 2020.You will find some of the answers through game stats. I don’t know for sure,that was how I saw it through game streaks. I’ve also seen how much power Joseph Noteboom punch’s the player bags.
Someone point out about David Edwards nit being all that good.In the SuperBowl I just watched parts & saw him Lossing leverage & standing up to high & pushed back.

I just know The Rams lost Whit & Corbett. Could have been worse,but just an example of how Les Snead & Sean Mcvay are building this franchise & team up from grass roots.

Looking back at 2019 it was Brian Allen at Center & Joe Noteboom at LG to start the season. They got hurt & Les Snead traded for Austin Corbett. Looking ahead The Rams imo are better of now.

Yes Big Whit is a HOF Player & Person,but he left The Rams in good hands with grooming Joe Noteboom who is still an ascending player. I actually think he maybe entering his prime & Whit at the end of his career is a wash if Noteboom can stay healthy. I like the depth.

Funny how Anchrum is nowhere in any of the discussions. Same with Brewer. Bobby Evans was The Rams starting RT in 2019 as well.David Edwards was the Rams starting RG with Corbett at LG.

I’m just waiting for the roster spots to fill up. About a month until the 2022 draft . In the past that use to be the only hope.

Like I said over & over for years. Build it & they will come. — thanks Stan

 

[CGI_Ram]

Whit was very strong in the run game, better than his pass pro tbh. So I doubt Boom can measure up to him right away. So all respect to Demarco but I can't agree there.

But I do hope our OL improves so we'll see.

If you go by PFF ratings for tackles in 2021; Whitworth was #1 pass blocking tackle, #25 run blocking. #4 overall tackle.

Havenstein was #21 pass blocking, #11 run blocking, #9 overall.

 

[sjm1582002]

As bad as the Rams running game was, SF's and TB's playoff rushing performances against us were even worse.

Mixon averaged over 4.5 yards a pop but (thank God), only ran it 15 times.

You need a franchise QB and real pro's at WR in the playoffs or you go home.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Whit was very strong in the run game, better than his pass pro tbh.

I actually saw the opposite, and believe Whitworth was more effective in pass protection.

 

[ottoman89]

An iOL of Corbett/Allen/Edwards jabebag happened. Against physical, tenacious fronts, they couldn't move anyone.

 

[dieterbrock]

Injuries to our TEs certainly didn't help. Not to mention the loss of Bobby Trees. He was an integral part of our run blocking scheme.

This right here.
Once Higbee went out, the run game went to shit

 

[dieterbrock]

I actually saw the opposite, and believe Whitworth was more effective in pass protection.

That's what I saw as well. Kinda thought it was indisputable

 

[PARAM]

I thought it might have been losing Woods but they actually got better in the run game without him. The 9 games he played we ran 233 times (25.8/g) and gained 727 yards (80.7/g) for 3.1 avg. The 7 games after we ran 187 times (23.3/g) gaining 756 yds (94.5/g) for 4.0 avg. The postseason was terrible but McVay stuck with an unproductive run game to keep defenses honest. 120 att (30/g) gaining 326 (81.5) for a 2.7 average. The 3 games Higbee played in the postseason.....97 att (32/g) gaining 283 yds (94/g) for 2.9 avg.

The best period of the season for the run game was Houston through Minnesota. 192 attempts for 878 yds (4.6) over 8 games (5-3). Michel ran 112 times for 519 yards (4.6) and Henderson ran 53 times for 271 yds (5.1). Woods (4-28; 7.0) and Jefferson (2-20; 10.0) helped the overall average. But Stafford 12 for 19, Howell 5 for 11, Kupp 1 for 1 and Sargent 2 for 5 didn't. What was different during that time? Whitworth and Havenstein missed 2 games. Allen missed 1 and was injured on the first series of another.

Starters on OL over those 8 games

Houston: Noteboom-Edwards-Allen-Corbett-Havenstein
Tenn/SF/GB/Jax: Whit-Edwards-Allen-Corbett-Havenstein
Arz: Whitworth-Edwards-Shelton-Corbett-Noteboom
Sea: Whitworth-Edwards-Allen-Corbett-Evans
Minn: Edwards-Shelton-Allen-Corbett-Havenstein.....Allen injured early, Alaric Jackson went to LT, Edwards back to LG and Shelton to C

So why did all this OL upheaval produce the best 8 games of rushing numbers? I don't know. The 3 games when we didn't have our top 5 starters (Minnesota; Arizona; Houston) our RBs ran 67 times for 379 yards (5.66 ypc).

 

[dieterbrock]

The 3 games Higbee played in the postseason.....97 att (32/g) gaining 283 yds (94/g) for 2.9 avg.

Not exactly true, Higbee only played a little more than 1 Q of the 49ers game and they were successful on the ground before he went out. (5.67 YPC)
So with Higbee, the Rams rushed 71 for 230, 3.24 YPC
Without Higbee, the Rams rushed 49 for 96, 1.96 YPC

And while the numbers with Higbee arent impressive at first glance, keep in mind that McVay went with "stall ball" in the 2nd half against Arizona and Tampa in order to protect big leads

 

[PARAM]

What about the end of the regular season and the first 2 postseason game before Higbee went down?

Baltimore: 20 for 73 (3.7)
San Fran: 27 for 64 (2.4)
Arizona: 38 for 140 (3.7)
Tampa: 30 for 73 (2.4)

Against SF, when Higbee went down (1st play of 3rd poss), the Rams had runs of 3, 14, 0 and 0 (4 for 17; 4.2)

I think it was more than just Higbee. The question is, what was different from week 8 through week 16 compared to week 1 through 7 and week 17 through the postseason? From week 8 through week 16, only 1 game below 4.2 (GBay) and 5 games @4.5 or better. Something was different but what?

 

[dieterbrock]

What about the end of the regular season and the first 2 postseason game before Higbee went down?

Baltimore: 20 for 73 (3.7)
San Fran: 27 for 64 (2.4)
Arizona: 38 for 140 (3.7)
Tampa: 30 for 73 (2.4)

Against SF, when Higbee went down (1st play of 3rd poss), the Rams had runs of 3, 14, 0 and 0 (4 for 17; 4.2)

I think it was more than just Higbee. The question is, what was different from week 8 through week 16 compared to week 1 through 7 and week 17 through the postseason? From week 8 through week 16, only 1 game below 4.2 (GBay) and 5 games @4.5 or better. Something was different but what?

So the end of the regular season was Baltimore and San Fran because why? Did they not run the ball great the 2 games before that against Minnesota (33/159) or Seattle (29/123)?
In any event, against the best run defense in the NFL, I thought Sony Michel was a stud that day against the Ravens. 19/74 rushing and the huge TD in the 4th that pulled them within 2 points.
At the end of the day, with Higbee, the Rams run game was pretty good all season, not great or dominant, but pretty good. Considering they played without their top 2 RB of course. The post season run game was great against the Cardinals (1st half 23/105) and though it wasnt great with Higbee against Tampa, it sure fell off a cliff without him

 

[RamDino]

Wow... so much to consider. Higbee was hurt, Robert Woods was injured, Big Whit was not playing well in the running game, etc. For all I know it was a combination of things. I am just wondering how they are going to fix it because what we saw last year will probably not work again. The old saying " you build from the line out" would indicate that the Rams need a stud guard to take Corbett's place AND they need another stud running back (read: not another UDFA).

 

[Merlin]

If you go by PFF ratings for tackles in 2021; Whitworth was #1 pass blocking tackle, #25 run blocking. #4 overall tackle.

Havenstein was #21 pass blocking, #11 run blocking, #9 overall.

I don't want to sound like a prick here but when it comes to the Rams I trust my eyes and the tape more than PFF.

PFF is a good reference for guys you don't want to actually watch film of. But Whit is so consistent snap to snap that Boom has big shoes to fill. Whit's technique in turning and sealing dudes in the run game is gonna be missed.

 

[PARAM]

So the end of the regular season was Baltimore and San Fran because why? Did they not run the ball great the 2 games before that against Minnesota (33/159) or Seattle (29/123)?
In any event, against the best run defense in the NFL, I thought Sony Michel was a stud that day against the Ravens. 19/74 rushing and the huge TD in the 4th that pulled them within 2 points.
At the end of the day, with Higbee, the Rams run game was pretty good all season, not great or dominant, but pretty good. Considering they played without their top 2 RB of course. The post season run game was great against the Cardinals (1st half 23/105) and though it wasnt great with Higbee against Tampa, it sure fell off a cliff without him

I looked at the entire schedule. Early on, they weren't running well and we could understand that with a new O line gelling. 3.2, 3.5, 3.2, 5.3 (a good avg in a loss), 4.1 (still good), 3.9 and then 2.5. Inconsistent to say the least. However, over the next 8 games, they were very good (all 4.2 or better except 1 game and 3 games over 5.0) and that brings us to Baltimore, SF and the postseason. 6 games in total where their best average was 3.7. To me, that's not successful running, though with this offense, just the threat can be enough. So was I totally disappointed in the run game? Absolutely not. But I was curious why, after a slow start we had an 8 game stretch where we were running real well, then dropped off the final two games and in the postseason. Tougher games? I can buy that. I'd still like Michel to resign or draft that Bama kid.

 

[dieterbrock]

I looked at the entire schedule. Early on, they weren't running well and we could understand that with a new O line gelling. 3.2, 3.5, 3.2, 5.3 (a good avg in a loss), 4.1 (still good), 3.9 and then 2.5. Inconsistent to say the least. However, over the next 8 games, they were very good (all 4.2 or better except 1 game and 3 games over 5.0) and that brings us to Baltimore, SF and the postseason. 6 games in total where their best average was 3.7. To me, that's not successful running, though with this offense, just the threat can be enough. So was I totally disappointed in the run game? Absolutely not. But I was curious why, after a slow start we had an 8 game stretch where we were running real well, then dropped off the final two games and in the postseason. Tougher games? I can buy that. I'd still like Michel to resign or draft that Bama kid.

Wow, you keep moving the goal posts on me.
The run game was adequate, but not great until Higbee went down. Without Higbee, it was a train wreck. Hopkins/Blanton were terrible.
If the run game is going to improve this season they'll need a healthy season from Higs

 

[PARAM]

Wow, you keep moving the goal posts on me.
The run game was adequate, but not great until Higbee went down. Without Higbee, it was a train wreck. Hopkins/Blanton were terrible.
If the run game is going to improve this season they'll need a healthy season from Higs

DB where did I say that? I said early on it was inconsistent. wk 8 through wk 16 it was running on all cylinders. Week 17 through the playoffs it wasn't, unless you think 3.7 is awesome....the attempts were there and that kept defenses honest. We don't really need a run game, just the threat of one. No goalposts moving.