Which RB will have the most combined yards against the Steelers?

[jap]

Unfortunately what I saw of Evans in preseason was unimpressive. I thought both Rivers and Freeman showed a lot more "pop" and ferocity in their runs.

Hope I'm wrong on Evans, but I thought he could use another year of seasoning. We'll see how it goes the next 4 games without KW and RR.

He doesn't necessarily need to wait 'til next year. He just needs to get used to the fact that NFL defenders are faster, quicker, bigger, stronger, and smarter than what he experience at the collegiate ranks. He needs to learn to hold onto the rock, to protect his 'meal ticket' QB with pro level pass blocking, and to look the rock into his hands before heading for paydirt. He can learn this very quickly like his upright rushing predecessors Eric "the Great" Dickerson and Todd "the Gurley Man" Gurley, or take the slow growth route like lesser RBs.

 

[Merlin]

Evans should get early carries and get a chance to get rolling. So if Hendy is the most yards we are probably in trouble.

 

[So Ram]

Don’t know why I’m thinking Royce Freeman steps up today!

 

[KA210927]

Report on espn fantasy says Freeman/Hendo split most of the work and Evans will be #3 on the depth chart.

 

[CanadaRam]

Sources: Rams to lean on Freeman, Henderson

Running backs Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson are expected to receive the majority of the workload for the Rams against the Steelers, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[den-the-coach]

Sources: Rams to lean on Freeman, Henderson

Running backs Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson are expected to receive the majority of the workload for the Rams against the Steelers, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

Henderson is back and for this game, better then ever. Both Freeman & Henderson are very good in pass protection plus offer the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Henderson is less patient, where Williams thrives, but Henderson does have the ability for some longer runs, whereas Freeman will get you 3 yards.

 

[dieterbrock]

Gotta think that Freeman knows that as the senior guy of the group, he has to show up big with every rep he gets.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Report on espn fantasy says Freeman/Hendo split most of the work and Evans will be #3 on the depth chart.

Phooey. I got Zach Evans off the waiver wire hoping he’d get the start and bulk of the carries. That plan, now…

 

[OntarioRam]

Henderson is in game shape and is a very capable pass catcher out of the backfield ,which McVay loves in his RBs (so it should be no surprise that Gaskin was signed; I think he could be a real dark horse as a result once he learns the playbook). Hedo also knows the system and brings some speed to the RB room. I was hoping that Zach Evans would be ready to carry the load, particularly as RB is one of the more plug and play positions coming out of college. But if the coaching stuff does not think Evans is ready yet, then Hendo for sure is the back to watch IMO. Freeman is what he is. An average plodder that can at times get in a nice rhythm if given enough carries and prove far more effective than most believe him to be. Good for depth if injuries hit. And we are seeing that now. But Henderson be RB1 easily over him IMO, and relatively easily.

It could also all be a smoke screen to try and get a leg up on Pittsburgh, and Zach Evans comes out blazing.

 

[RamWoodie]

Zach Evans: "Look, buddy, the only reason I looked 'very tentative' was because there was no holes. We had the lead, and the Redbirds knew we were going to run the pigskin and eat clock so they loaded up the LOS against me, leaving me with no place to go. Hence, I 'looked' tentative.

This weekend I probably start or will at least get into the game early on when the Steel Curtain isn't sure whether Mr. Stafford is gonna hand off or toss the rock. Master Donald has assured me that if I am too sloppy with the pigskin he is gonna skin me alive! in front of the the entire team; so you see, I now possess both inspired motivation and proper respect for my teammates and the coaching staff. I expect to do well come Sunday afternoon, 'yall."

Notice I said Zach's production "remains to be seen" and also "may surprise"....IOW I left room for myself to be wrong about it. Indeed, Zach could do very well...but likewise, Hendo could do very well too. If that be the case, it's all the better. Whichever way it goes...JUST WIN!!!

 

[Merlin]

Gotta think that Freeman knows that as the senior guy of the group, he has to show up big with every rep he gets.

Let's hope.

 

[Kupped]

If Royce can just get positive yards and keep the defense honest... and provide real QB protection.. fine.

Protecting Stafford is key.

My one biggest worry about this apparent development is that it could mean the Rams will over-emphasize the pass, again.

 

[I like Rams]

Not a good look for Evans if he got passed up by 2 other dudes.

 

[Kupped]

Not a good look for Evans if he got passed up by 2 other dudes.

I don't know.. I'll chalk it up to a rookie with no game experience going against a D with a good pass rush that likes to blitz.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Not a good look for Evans if he got passed up by 2 other dudes.

And one of them wasn’t on an NFL roster all season.

I am a little bummed, unless it’s a fake job.

 

[I like Rams]

I don't know.. I'll chalk it up to a rookie with no game experience going against a D with a good pass rush that likes to blitz.

Given he was projected to be a first/early second round talent in the draft if it wasn't for his ball security issues, I'd say he SHOULD have more talent than anyone on the roster. So it's a little disappointing he's getting passed up by journeymen.

 

[Merlin]

Not a good look for Evans if he got passed up by 2 other dudes.

Agreed but the media might just be guessing.

We need Evans now. This week. Get out there and win that fucking job.

 

[den-the-coach]

Agreed but the media might just be guessing.

We need Evans now. This week. Get out there and win that fucking job.

Gentlemen I disagree. Evans is a work in progress in pass protection and that is priority one at this juncture. FWIW, it is what most backs struggle with coming out of college, however, Kyren Williams rated the best in his draft class in pass pro plus Freeman & Henderson are very good.

 

[Kupped]

Given he was projected to be a first/early second round talent in the draft if it wasn't for his ball security issues, I'd say he SHOULD have more talent than anyone on the roster. So it's a little disappointing he's getting passed up by journeymen.

I'm just not that disappointed or too surprised. You said "a little disappointing", so it's not like we're really that far apart here.

Henderson was on the street.. but we've seen multiple backs come off the couch to be productive... including CJ Anderson.

Whatever some may have considered Evans, he is a 6th round draft pick with little/no game experience. I don't see the decision as being a judgement on his potential or running ability, I see the Rams as being much more worried about Stafford's health than anything else.

QB health is absolutely paramount.

 

[Rams43]

By a process of elimination…

Gaskin is too new and probably won’t even be active today.

Freeman is just a journeyman, or a plodder, if you will. He’ll be active but likely won’t see snaps.

Which means that Evans and Hendo will be in some kind of rotation. If either gets the hot hand then McVay will keep feeding that one. Could go either way, imo.