I saw Michel's ability to pass protect while he was in NE. His vision is what makes him a good RB. It also serves him well in pass protection. It's why I've been saying Sony is a true #1 RB who is good at all phases of the position. He runs with power, he's a solid receiver and he can pass protect with the best of RBs. His performance against the Bucs was quietly impressive. He ran well against a D-front most people consider a top unit. He showed exactly how powerful he can be. He definitely is the Ram's short-yardage and 3rd down RB. Oh yeah like everyone else I was yelling and rolling with laughter when he flipped that Buc on his head!
It is why I've been saying that trading for Sony is on the same level as the trade for Corbett, and Young and the signings of Floyd and Hollins. People tended to overlook these players when they were originally signed. But now they have proven themselves key players on this roster. I'm contending that Michel's trade to the Rams is on that same level. Despite Belicheat's viewpoint that he was expendable, Michel is a true #1 RB because he's very good in all phases of the position. He simply doesn't have blazing breakaway speed, but he isn't slow by any measure. Sony is the kind of grinder that will get the tough yards, that every good team needs. McVay has the flash with Akers, Henderson, and Funk who I think McVay sees another future Michel type of RB who has that blazing speed.
Personally, I question to what degree Akers can fully recover from an Achilles injury. History has shown that it shortens the careers of most RBs as it degrades their performance. I would be far more confident if it was an injury like an ACL as players can actually return to be as good or better.
That said I think the Rams have a very good trio of RBs in Michel, Henderson, and Funk. Getting Funk IMO was an absolute steal in the 7th round. I think he has a much higher ceiling than most judged him as having. I think he can become a faster version of Michel. Pass protection is a skill most RBs lack. It is a learned skill set that most RBs only get in the NFL. It all starts with good field vision which Funk seems to have. If he can develop it on par with Michel's, Jake has all the other traits to become a complete RB. Jake needs to gain strength which will serve him well as a power RB and in pass protection. The bottom line is as long as the Rams have Michel and Funk there RB situation is set for the long term.
I really like the RBs that the Rams have and honestly think Michel will earn that #1 RB position this year and will hold it going into 2022.
