Sean McVay: There will be a time we rely on Darrell Henderson, it could be this week

[CGI_Ram]

Through five games, Rams' Darrell Henderson has zero yards

Over the summer, Rams rookie running back Darrell Henderson was a fashionable fantasy football pick, viewed as a player likely to get a solid workload with Todd Gurley expected to see reduced playing time.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Through five games, Rams’ Darrell Henderson has zero yards

Over the summer, Rams rookie running back Darrell Henderson was a fashionable fantasy football pick, viewed as a player likely to get a solid workload with Todd Gurley expected to see reduced playing time. It hasn’t happened.

Although Gurley is playing a little less this year than he did last year, Henderson is not getting on the field even when Gurley gets plays off. In fact, Henderson has done exactly nothing this season: He has one carry for zero yards rushing, and despite talk that he could be a playmaker in the passing game and on special teams, he has still yet to catch a pass or return a kick.

So far this season Henderson has played two snaps on offense and nine on special teams. On Thursday night he played one snap, on special teams. It’s as if the Rams put Henderson on the field just once to show that he is healthy and available, but don’t trust him to do anything that makes a difference in the game.

If Gurley can stay healthy enough to play 16 games, this may be the story for Henderson all season. But if Gurley’s bum knee sidelines him, the Rams will need to count on Henderson more than they have through five games.

 

[RamDino]

Never thought of Henderson as an insurance policy. I thought he was going to be a role-player.

 

[den-the-coach]

Seems to be a problem inside the classroom not outside on the practice field. Can't just get by on your talent, it takes dedication and you have to know your assignments and maybe some of the other player assignments as well, hopefully, Henderson is getting closer in the classroom too, again JMHO.

 

[Fatboy]

I also figured he would be just a role player, would help if he was 3 inches taller and 20lbs heavier. -- the Fatboy

 

[HE WITH HORNS]

I don't think he's gonna see any playing time unless we are blowing out a team, at the end of the game.

 

[Zodi]

I would love to see him return kicks instead of JoJo "roster spot" Natson

 

[den-the-coach]

I would love to see him return kicks instead of JoJo "roster spot" Natson

He can return kicks, but not punts and that is what Natson is really on the roster for.

 

[OntarioRam]

Our RBs are not getting very many carries. And Henderson was always going to be behind Gurley on the depth chart. I would argue that Henderson was always going to be behind Malcolm Brown as well. Brown is a very capable RB who we also just signed for decent money. Plus, Brown has more experience in this system, and is a seasoned pro as opposed to a kid straight out of college. We just aren't running the ball enough for our #3 RB to see much of any action. In the circumstances, it isn't surprising that Henderson has been a no show. It will be in interesting to see if he can manage to supplant Brown as the #2 back towards the end of the season by balling out in practice, demonstrating good pass protection, etc. But I wouldn't count on that. Brown can ball.

It is a bit frustrating though to use a decently high pick on a player - one that we traded up for no less - and see him sit on the sidelines.

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

I was really a big fan of the pick, it usually doesn’t take long for RBs to assert.

Watching him in preseason the one thing that kept popping up. Was how easy he goes down

Not giving up yet but it’s possible we may have whiffed on this one

 

[Ramrasta]

Henderson has the “touchdown on any play” ability and I’m sure he will show it once he gets his chance. My guess as to why he isn’t playing is probably pass protection. Given that the offensive line has struggled, the RBs have to be adept pass blockers and both Gurley and Brown offer more in that aspect.

 

[Jacobarch]

I dont like taking a guy in the 3rd round to ride the bench

 

[BonifayRam]

With Gurley dropping many passes, fumbling the ball & overall downward trending performances.....I think we would have seen Henderson by now IF he was the player as advertised before the draft.

I should remind myself the mighty Malcolm has seen very little action too so in McVay's eyes there is certainly no real need to get a less of a player on the field. Obvious there is a big unknown to the Rams RB situation & it's not positive.

 

[Merlin]

I think the Rams are aware and careful of Todd Gurley's ego. Not saying TG is a problem or anything like that, we know he's not. But he is a superstar player and the way this season has gone that has affected everyone in that RB room not just Henderson.

Henderson is going to get his chances. And once again here I'll mention there's a difference in these backs in terms of role at least the way I see it...

Gurley: big play speed back. Outside zones, pitches to the edge, and interior runs when he's got a seam are his bread and butter because he can bust it at any time.

Brown: power back. Squeezes the most yards from his carries, makes the most of runs in traffic but not really a risk to break it big so not an ideal match for an outside zone game.

Henderson: big play speed back. See Gurley.

Worst part here and this is purely IMO is that both Gurley and Brown are guys who you want to be careful with. Gurley has the knee irritation or whatever that affects his touch usage. Brown has a tendency to get dinged up.

So with Henderson what is his role? Well it would be subbing into a game where the outside zone is clicking BUT you have to watch Gurley's touches. Problem is we haven't seen a game yet where the outside zone is working. When that happens, IMO, we'll see Henderson make an appearance and teams are going to notice him when he's got the rock.

Oh and btw... this is where a RB room of 3 is hurting us. But since the Rams don't want to add Kelly to the roster (who would balance things a bit) probably because he wouldn't be active on game days, they're going to have to find out IF Brown can handle that role. Plain and simple. Give Brown the carries you're not giving Gurley and let's find out.

 

[BonifayRam]

Sean McVay looking to find "creative ways" to get RB Darrell Henderson involved

McVay says they’re evaluating ways to get the 70th overall pick more involved

www.turfshowtimes.com

McVay says they’re evaluating ways to get the 70th overall pick more involved
By Brandon Bate

With all the drama surrounding Los Angeles Rams’ RB Todd Gurley’s knee this past offseason, I think many were made to feel even more concerned when they selected Memphis RB Darrell Henderson with the 6th pick in the 3rd round (70th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.

But he’s been a non-factor up to this point. Hendo has been active for three games, has played two snaps, and has one carry for zero yards (at Carolina) on the year. So through five weeks of play, it’s been Gurley and Malcolm Brown doing all the heavy lifting out of the backfield.

On Friday, Rams’ head coach Sean McVay was asked about Henderson and his lack of impact in the offense.

I think that’s one of those things that we’re going to look at and are evaluating. It’s our job and it’s my job to make sure we find a way to continue to develop him and give him an opportunity, because I think he is a guy who can help us whether it’s immediately or whether it’s later on in the season. He’s done a nice job, it’s really just kind of that ultimate deal of figuring out, ‘All right, how do you get him with the amount of guys involved that you feel like are deserving touches?’ That’s a positive problem for us, but that’s something that I think you could expect us to see trying to find creative ways to maybe get him going a little bit.

The former first team All-American, who averaged 8.9 yards per carry over his last 344 attempts, does have big play potential — something the Rams’ offense could certainly use both as a rusher and out of the backfield. McVay, however, sounds pretty noncommittal about when fans might get another glimpse.

Stay tuned. It’s encouraging to see McVay & Co. are looking to find ways to get the ball in his hands, and sounds like it’s more a matter of when, not if, that happens.

 

[SteveBrown]

I thought at home against the Bucs he might get a few.....not in Seattle....now I think the Rams need 'every' play to beat 49es, so he won't play then either???

 

[EastRam]

Rams need a thumper at RB. Like CJ was last year.

A big , strong bust you in the mouth type back that can catch also.

Oh like a Fullback!

 

[Mojo Ram]

Given that the offensive line has struggled, the RBs have to be adept pass blockers and both Gurley and Brown offer more in that aspect.

 

[RamDino]

The coaches know more then me, but I would like to see Henderson used a few times per game. Screen, draw, whatever...

 

[“Turbo set!”]

No concern here. He was more an insurance policy and that is not to say he isn't good.

Backs can become injured in a hurry.

 

[NoCoNite]

Gurleys playing more like a power back now.
He’s not taking runs up the side line anymore. He’s turning up field for a couple yards.
It was really noticeable against on Thursday. He had an open sideline a few times then turned upfield.
He’s not at lateral as he used to be.
He’s trying to run guys over now instead making them miss.

It’s weird to see a running back change their style so much in a short period of time.

Makes me think something is really wrong with his knee.
Yes he’s still fast. Can run straight forwards, but he’s not making the quick cuts like we saw early on.