Darrell Henderson is not an every down back (Revisited)

[Merlin]

I like Funk but he's another guy who you'd have to be nuts to tell yourself he can hold up to a carry load. Drafting him you basically add more depth uncertainty.

The Williams addition was welcome but then the guy goes and gets hurt right away. Honestly I am starting to think Les needs to just draft a RB he thinks can stay healthy. Quit trying to find all these pass catchy types or at least for the next guy they draft prioritize a guy with a decent floor who can eat carries. And yes I realize RBs get hurt across the league. I do acknowledge that but at some point maybe you ask yourself if your selection process is adding to the injury issues in the backfield.

Both 2018 and 2021 had midseason lulls where the Rams could not run the ball and they struggled vs defenses. Both those were largely due to run game inefficiency. The Rams overcame that run game inefficiency this time in the playoffs which is a testament to all involved but McVay is a competitive dude who is all about pushing to improve so I think that the run game is a clear area they can do that as a team.

Can't wait to see Williams btw. Like his tape and he's got good all around skills to keep McVay happy. But I really hope between he and Akers we have a consistent backfield threat on the ground this year.

 

[Ram65]

The only real knock on Henderson is durability. It looks like Henderson was more productive than Michel. His averages were higher. His 4.6 YPR is impressive. Michel was more physical but, was not as quick through the hole. It was a good smart move for the Rams to get Michel. Looking forward to Henderson helping Akers with Williams and Funk rounding out a solid RB group.

No.	Player	Age	Pos	G	GS	Att	Yds	TD	Lng	Y/A	Y/G	A/G	Tgt	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Lng	R/G	Y/G	Ctch%	Y/Tgt	Touch	Y/Tch	YScm	RRTD	Fmb
25	Sony Michel	26	rb	17	7	208	845	4	39	4.1	49.7	12.2	33	21	128	6.1	1	24	1.2	7.5	63.6%	3.9	229	4.2	973	5	1
27	Darrell Henderson	24	rb	12	10	149	688	5	29	4.6	57.3	12.4	40	29	176	6.1	3	25	2.4	14.7	72.5%	4.4	178	4.9	864	8

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[BonifayRam]

Here's the Rams 7 signed RB on our roster currently....In 2021 here the snap % our 7 RB's got in the NFL...

Henderson was available to take 46.6% of the Ram's offensive snaps.
Funk got 1.8%
Akers got 1.2%
Ragas got 0.8 %
Calias got zero%
Rose got zero %
Williams was playing College ball

 

[Merlin]

The only real knock on Henderson is durability. It looks like Henderson was more productive than Michel. His averages were higher. His 4.6 YPR is impressive. Michel was more physical but, was not as quick through the hole. It was a good smart move for the Rams to get Michel. Looking forward to Henderson helping Akers with Williams and Funk rounding out a solid RB group.

No.	Player	Age	Pos	G	GS	Att	Yds	TD	Lng	Y/A	Y/G	A/G	Tgt	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Lng	R/G	Y/G	Ctch%	Y/Tgt	Touch	Y/Tch	YScm	RRTD	Fmb
25	Sony Michel	26	rb	17	7	208	845	4	39	4.1	49.7	12.2	33	21	128	6.1	1	24	1.2	7.5	63.6%	3.9	229	4.2	973	5	1
27	Darrell Henderson	24	rb	12	10	149	688	5	29	4.6	57.3	12.4	40	29	176	6.1	3	25	2.4	14.7	72.5%	4.4	178	4.9	864	8

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Good post and fair points made 65.

I would just point out that these guys were utilized in different windows vs different defenses with different usage. Sony was utilized as an early down back to keep defenses from tooling up heavy pass looks. He basically served in that settle shit down role that Henderson can't really do. And I think that's the difference in them tbh. What Sony did for us last season was larger than those stats are going to show.

And the reason is because defenses would fear Sony on early downs. During that winless month McVay started handing him the ball just like he did in 2018 to account for teams disregarding the ground game. It wasn't Henderson who turned that around. It was Sony who made teams accept that they were gonna get a steady dose of pounding if they disregard it.

I think Henderson is the perfect example of McVay's way of seeing the RB position. Everything is through the lens of the pass game to him. And I'm not saying he's wrong. But I do think if you get too high flying defenses will tool for it and eat your ass. And in both 2018 and 2021 Henderson was in that RB room and part of the reason why the Rams run game was being disregarded before another back was brought in from the outside to set shit right.

 

[OldSchool]

I don't know So Ram...Ram Org. sure has had very big issues keeping their RB's healthy the last few seasons.

They had to pay dearly for Sony before the trade deadline last season when all 5 signed RB's they came into OTA's went down to injuries @ one time or another.

Already this new season they lost their newly high-drafted RB Kyren Williams that replaced Sony before he could get the pads on not a good start. Williams was a small WR in HS.

They signed two new RB's but both of them were out all last season with injuries. Snead/McVay might need to plan to keep 3 healthy RB's on the PS to see if they can develop & keep a healthy stable of runners to attempt at having a running game this season. His luck needs to change!

IMO Funk's skills fit McVay's running scheme very well so I would not pencil him out.

And writing off Williams would be a mistake.

 

[OldSchool]

Here's the Rams 7 signed RB on our roster currently....In 2021 here the snap % our 7 RB's got in the NFL...

Henderson was available to take 46.6% of the Ram's offensive snaps.
Funk got 1.8%
Akers got 1.2%
Ragas got 0.8 %
Calias got zero%
Rose got zero %
Williams was playing College ball

Conveniently leave off one name?

 

[Ellard80]

henderson is productive for sure... just hard to keep him healthy.

 

[Ram65]

Good post and fair points made 65.

I would just point out that these guys were utilized in different windows vs different defenses with different usage. Sony was utilized as an early down back to keep defenses from tooling up heavy pass looks. He basically served in that settle shit down role that Henderson can't really do. And I think that's the difference in them tbh. What Sony did for us last season was larger than those stats are going to show.

And the reason is because defenses would fear Sony on early downs. During that winless month McVay started handing him the ball just like he did in 2018 to account for teams disregarding the ground game. It wasn't Henderson who turned that around. It was Sony who made teams accept that they were gonna get a steady dose of pounding if they disregard it.

I think Henderson is the perfect example of McVay's way of seeing the RB position. Everything is through the lens of the pass game to him. And I'm not saying he's wrong. But I do think if you get too high flying defenses will tool for it and eat your ass. And in both 2018 and 2021 Henderson was in that RB room and part of the reason why the Rams run game was being disregarded before another back was brought in from the outside to set shit right.

Back at you Merlin with good post and points.

I believe McVay had to change his mindset after the winless streak in which the Rams got behind in games early with teams teeing off on the passing game. I agree McVay gets too pass-happy at times. I don't think any team really feared Michel. As I stated he is more physical. McVay made a commitment to be more physical overall on offense with some extra lineman sets and the physcial Michel. He stayed with the running game more to keep teams honest. Interesting that they both had the same 1.9 YAC (yards after contact).

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Michel helped the Rams get to the SB and Henderson helped them win it. Both proved valuable for the Rams.

 

[kurtfaulk]

.

Is Cam Akers healthy? Yes? Then the Rams have a fantastic rb room. Henderson is perfect for the slasher role.

Not sure what people are worried about. I guess they just like worrying.

.

 

[So Ram]

I don't know So Ram...Ram Org. sure has had very big issues keeping their RB's healthy the last few seasons.

They had to pay dearly for Sony before the trade deadline last season when all 5 signed RB's they came into OTA's went down to injuries @ one time or another.

Already this new season they lost their newly high-drafted RB Kyren Williams that replaced Sony before he could get the pads on not a good start. Williams was a small WR in HS.

They signed two new RB's but both of them were out all last season with injuries. Snead/McVay might need to plan to keep 3 healthy RB's on the PS to see if they can develop & keep a healthy stable of runners to attempt at having a running game this season. His luck needs to change!

IMO Funk's skills fit McVay's running scheme very well so I would not pencil him out.

Hey Bonifay’d, good stuff.

I had a feeling about Sony being a Ram. Winning a SuperBowl cost how much to have had Sony. My guess was he cost a 5th & 4th rd pick? Do know I’m wrong though.

Williams was doing drills by the crowd.He looked quick & good. IMO
he is going to be electric.He did this drill where he would play like tag. with a trainer.
The guy is super quick with good vision.If your worried about his injury from my view point he is like some of the rookies from the past who The Rams bring up later in the season.Then finds his way in the rotation.

 

[So Ram]

Cam Akers is starting to get a better feel for finding his holes.Once The Rams get into a rhythm things will flow.
Henderson is just natural.He will be ready & isn’t going to be asked to do to much.He knows the offense & is electric. Has soft hands coming out of the backfield.He also has good spacing to give the QB a place to go on check downs.Not sure if it is a read & go. He will have 300 receiving yards easy.
Jake Funk is going to have to show case himself in the preseason.Akers & HENDO won’t get any plays in the preseason.
There is going to be a battle for a practice squad player,or player in the future next season depending on health of the RB group.

 

[BonifayRam]

Conveniently leave off one name?

Good Sunday Moring OldSchool......to your question......It's possible but like I posted the Rams only have 7 RB's under contract at this time. Who is on the 2022 roster that I conveniently left off?

.

Is Cam Akers healthy? Yes? Then the Rams have a fantastic rb room. Henderson is perfect for the slasher role.

Not sure what people are worried about. I guess they just like worrying.

I am aware this thread is about RB Henderson but I know he is not the starter Cam is he is by far the better overall talent. We have covered the #2 top reserve RB Henderson's extra long injury history over the last 3 seasons.

So I would like to further voice why I have concerns over the healthiness of this RB unit as it's currently made up. Cam is the unquestioned starter. So I will center in on him & endeavor to explain why ......here's a review of Cam's injury history in 2 seasons...

Cam open his 2020 rookie season as the starter but his health lasted only for the first game. Cam suffered a RIB/CHEST INJURY in Week #2. Cam returned to active status on wk #5 but was not fully recovered from the wk#2 injury until wk #11. But in wk #13 Cam suffered a SHOULDER INJURY. Cam did play wk #14 The next week #15 Cam suffered a HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN INJURY. Cam was not healthy for the rest of the 2020 regular season. Cam did play in the two 2020 playoff games. Cam's 3 regular season injuries only permitted him to have 5 starts.

Cam's 2021 regular season ended before it started due to injury. On July 20th Cam suffered a TORN ACHILLES TENDON INJURY. Cam missed 17 gms due to injury but did return on wk#18 to rush 5 times for 3 yds. In the first half of the NFC Championship Game, Cam suffered a SHOULDER INJURY. Cam was not effective when he returned from a torn Achilles', rushing 72 rushes for 175 yds for a 2.3 yds per rush and zero TD's. In the Super Bowl victory, Cam was battling through another shoulder injury when he rushed 13 times for only 21 yds. Cam played in 5 out of 21 games in 2021.

In conclusion: I have a hard time understanding why several ROD members have "No Problem" & "No Reason' to have the position of uneasiness about the health of this Ram RB unit when the past history of all 2022 contracted RB's is jammed filled with proof as why to this concern is valid. Are there some members who might share & provide me with knowing why they have contrasting sentiments? It might help me in lowering my blood pressure.

 

[Merlin]

My hopes for Cam were high last year before we lost him for the season. I felt like he was going to go off, based on what we had seen from him in small windows. So maybe this year he delivers.

Tbh I am just tired of getting my hopes up with RBs on this team. I do think Cam has the type of mentality where he can wear a defense down. I love his demeanor of no one dude is gonna bring him down. But at this point I have accepted a wait and see approach.

I want to see these guys stay healthy. Just start with that.

 

[Kupped]

My hopes for Cam were high last year before we lost him for the season. I felt like he was going to go off, based on what we had seen from him in small windows. So maybe this year he delivers.

Tbh I am just tired of getting my hopes up with RBs on this team. I do think Cam has the type of mentality where he can wear a defense down. I love his demeanor of no one dude is gonna bring him down. But at this point I have accepted a wait and see approach.

I want to see these guys stay healthy. Just start with that.

A functional running game is all I ask for. I know others want to see a dominant run game, but I'm not holding my breath with this line and these RBs.
If, somehow, they can stay mostly healthy? Henderson and Akers have enough ability to keep a defense honest and get a few big first downs, imo.

 

[OldSchool]

Good Sunday Moring OldSchool......to your question......It's possible but like I posted the Rams only have 7 RB's under contract at this time. Who is on the 2022 roster that I conveniently left off?

Sorry a jest at the name that's being brought up again in Hunt. Everybody thinking we'll trade for him outside of this forum, and a few inside it. Since he asked for a trade and was denied one I've read a half dozen articles about us being the team to move for him. It makes no sense whatsoever to me but the stories are out there.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Hendo is my current favorite Ram, because of how underappreciated he is.

He's been unavailable a lot, but that generally seems to be a league-wide phenomenon among RBs. I think the position is just these days one where you get what you can out of their availability. Hendo's very productive when he's out there (receiving too) and when we get average run blocking.

 

[majrleaged]

Not everybody fits the Rams profile. Hunt being a really good RB is not the only thing that maters. Plus, as has been brought up already, he wants a big contract. Not gona happen.

 

[BonifayRam]

Hey Bonifay’d, good stuff.

I had a feeling about Sony being a Ram. Winning a SuperBowl cost how much to have had Sony. My guess was he cost a 5th & 4th rd pick? Do know I’m wrong though.

L.A. sent New England 2022 sixth-round and 2023 fourth-round picks. For most NFL teams it would not look to have been a big cost but when you have a Snead as the GM having a 4th & a 6th might bring good talent to the future rosters.

Again this 2021 trade had to be made due to the constant & numerous injuries that the Rams RB's have had more many seasons now.

Hopefully, this new season with a new OC Liam Coen, new RB coach Ra'Shaad Samples & two new assistant offensive coaches will help this INJURY maligned RB unit finally remain healthy. McVay now has five RB's who have very good skills that could be used in the passing game. IMO this talent needs to be employed big time! One very good reason I suggested having only 5 active WR's on the MR53 with two WR on the PS when the regular season begins.

Go big in numbers in the RB unit unlike yrs in the past, in capturing that pass-receiving talent they currently have with these RB's. I see the need to cut that large grouped type #6 WR's. Several of those cut WR's will be available to sign back to the PS. I suggest also looking in the RB unit for your Returners & ST aces. You know those 5 WR's will be screaming wanting the ball, less of them means more balls to what's left.

 

[Merlin]

Not everybody fits the Rams profile. Hunt being a really good RB is not the only thing that maters. Plus, as has been brought up already, he wants a big contract. Not gona happen.

If he were to be available and if the Rams could fit him in he would help us.

Really the prob with Hunt is that it would mean Henderson is done in horns. They might still for whatever reason be enamored with him still. Because that fourth RB role probably has to affect teams, or should. Funk is another guy who hasn't been able to stay healthy, but he comes with cheap team control appropriate for RB4 and he is a teams dude.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Admittedly, I like Henderson more than many here; and I don't think he will be re-signed.

As to the durability, Hunt has missed 17 games over the past three seasons. Henderson has missed 9 games.

Their rushing stats are pretty-even.