Who should be the Rams starter at RB?

[NJRamsFan]

True Gurley was different and a beast. But heading into the playoffs we need to take that same approach of establishing and sticking with the run. We need to be balanced against the good teams because in the 4 losses we have each teams defense was not going for the fakes when we hadn't even run the ball. But when we did run the ball against those teams it opened the offense up. I just want us to stay balanced on offense.

We absolutely need more balance in our offense I 100% agree. With the way our roster is structured I would argue that the pass needs to open up the run and the coaches need to stay committed to running the ball. We dont have a RB that will open the pass game anymore we have a qb and wrs that should open the run game

 

[Big Game]

We absolutely need more balance in our offense I 100% agree. With the way our roster is structured I would argue that the pass needs to open up the run and the coaches need to stay committed to running the ball. We dont have a RB that will open the pass game anymore we have a qb and wrs that should open the run gam

I agree this team is built for the pass to open up the run game get them with more DB's on the field in a nickel or dime look and than run it up the gut. But yes we have to stay balance. Our next game will be a big test to that. IF we can stay balanced against the Cardinals i believe we can beat them. And no turnovers for easy points as well. I think as Rams fans that has been the most frustrating thing in all of the games we have lost. Giving away points only to lose by what we gave them or less.

 

[snackdaddy]

I do like Michel as the starter and the bulk of the carries. Not by a whole bunch though. Maybe 60/40. The two headed monster we envisioned when we got Michel. If they run 30 times Michel should get 18 carries to Henderson's 12.

 

[Ellard80]

They both need to get carries... depending on the situation.

 

[T-REX]

If there is a concern with Michel it probably is ball security. I haven’t looked up his NFL stats but that was listed as one of his “needs improvement“ coming out.

I don’t recall it being a problem in NE, but it’s something he needs to stay focused on each run.

Henderson has been pretty tight with the ball.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MichSo00.htm#all_defense

 

[bomebadeeda]

While I believe Michel is the stronger runner, I think Henderson adds more to the offense (running, receiving, pass protections, etc. ) and Akers is better (when healthy....) at all those phases of the game than Hendo. Yes, yesterday, we had a renewed dedication to the run game. But let's face it. This team is designed to score quick and get the lead in a hurry. Running the ball, while allowing you to control the clock, will not strike quickly in most scenarios. McVay is not Martz, but he is a pass first coach, who uses the run to set up the pass and vise versa. When we get the lead, it allows our defense to play pass first, which plays to our defensive strengths. I know some would love to return to the "Ground Chuck" era. But controlling the clock needs a better offensive line than we have. And with today's "spread" offenses, aren't as effective as they once were (controlling the clock). Look at the Whiners. They have beaten us 5 straight times. But they've lost to the Squawks 4 straight. Who in turn, lost to us 6 of the past 7 times. Teams are designed that way to matchup against certain teams better than others. I'm glad we got Michel. In the right circumstances he could be a "Bell Cow" back. And with Woods out, might be featured more from that perspective (Admit it Jefferson and OBJ are talented........but they ain't no Bobby Trees........). Time will tell. But I picked Henderson at this juncture. He's more of a 3rd down back than Michel. But he also opens things up better as well.

Just my thoughts.....

 

[OldSchool]

One thing we're lacking in these two is pass blocking and it's frustrating after having Gurley back there who was a monster at it. A few times yesterday I remember hearing the announcer mention that was Michel's guy to pick up. I don't recall Akers pass blocking at the moment but it's absolutely something that needs work.

 

[OldSchool]

View attachment 50093
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MichSo00.htm#all_defense

Four fumbles in 638 career rushes is very minimal ty for the link.

 

[thirteen28]

True Gurley was different and a beast. But heading into the playoffs we need to take that same approach of establishing and sticking with the run. We need to be balanced against the good teams because in the 4 losses we have each teams defense was not going for the fakes when we hadn't even run the ball. But when we did run the ball against those teams it opened the offense up. I just want us to stay balanced on offense.

That's the whole thing - balance. We don't have to be Ground Chuck or run like we did against Dallas in the playoffs a few years ago, but we do need to keep defenses honest and take the edge off their pass rush. Establishing the run game early with Michel and putting some wear and tear on the opposing defenses can do wonders for this offense.

 

[den-the-coach]

Me too..btw, you supposed to get a foot of snow tonight?

No, we're good at 55 degrees right now.

 

[Mackeyser]

Michel is the better runner for our current blocking scheme.

As Baldy pointed out, we use "position blocks" which don't favor a runner like Henderson who is better suited to the blocking style we used in '18... we drove guys off the ball more since Gurley was a one cut and GO runner as well.

What's funny is that CJ Anderson was much more like Michel... patient, quick feet so as not to get tangled up with the bodies on the deck... and plays with plenty of lean and low shoulder pads so he's always going forward for that extra yard or two which really add up.

20 carries time 2 yards = 40 extra yards. HUGE difference between 3rd and 6 versus 3rd and 4...

 

[Rams43]

Michel getting 60% and Hendo getting 40% sounds about right to me.

That run game helps in so many ways. Not the least being winning that TOP battle. A critical thing in the playoffs.

 

[dang]

I’m going with a “McVay is sneaky good” theory. What if McVay was holding Michel back in case of a Henderson injury or to save Michel for a run at the end of the season. It’s clear the clock controlling run heavy offense in this game was different from any other game this year so I’m saying it’s by design, That’s my answer and I’m sticking with it.

 

[RAMSinLA]

Hendo gets hurt too easy. Its playoff time the Rams need bad ass's on the field. But a mix of both backs due to Hendo's speed is good too....

 

[FarNorth]

Hendo gets hurt too easy. Its playoff time the Rams need bad ass's on the field. But a mix of both backs due to Hendo's speed is good too....

I like Michel because he's physical and imo helps the oline get physical too.

But really my sights are now set on whether McVay can break Belichek's most intimidating record:

Patriots throw just 3 passes, run away from Bills

With a power running game of monumental proportions, led by quarterback Mac Jones and running back Damien Harris, the New England Patriots threw for just 19 yards but bruised their way past the Buffalo Bills in a pivotal AFC East matchup on Monday.

www.espn.com

 

[XXXIVwin]

One thing we're lacking in these two is pass blocking and it's frustrating after having Gurley back there who was a monster at it. A few times yesterday I remember hearing the announcer mention that was Michel's guy to pick up. I don't recall Akers pass blocking at the moment but it's absolutely something that needs work.

I recall hearing some good things about both Hendo and Michel re. pass blocking.

I remember some last-second pass pro adjustments by Hendo that were quite good.

And Michel had this memorable pass pro block vs TB.

Anyway, our backs aren't elite, but IMHO their blitz pickups have been pretty good this year.


View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8nIo6mV6QMQ

 

[oldnotdead]

As Baldy pointed out, we use "position blocks" which don't favor a runner like Henderson who is better suited to the blocking style we used in '18... we drove guys off the ball more since Gurley was a one cut and GO runner as well.

This is what I've said all season. The Rams are gap blocking in a power run attack technique. What is lacking is a lead blocker to take the last LB out. When you watch Baldy's breakdown you will see that LB sitting right at the POA waiting to make the tackle. If you are not going to lead block in a power scheme you better run Michel who can move the pile on his own. That's why Henderson goes nowhere because he's not a power runner. That second TE would be better used as a lead blocker either from the backfield like a FB or out of his TE position on a wham block.

McVay didn't learn shit from last season when they tried to run power without a FB. McVay needs to quit relying solely upon being cute and be willing to play a real power scheme if that is what he wants. Give Henderson a lead block and he will break those runs. But until McVay gets a clue on why his power run isn't a power run then Michel has to be their #1 RB. Second and 5 or 6 is better than second and 9 or 10. On second and 5 the d front 7 has to honor the play action. On second and long they won't.

Michel is their best pass blocker of the RBs. He's actually pretty damn good.

 

[TexasRam]

Michel is a solid lead back. His ability to break tackles and move the pile is critical. We saw that vs the Jags. Same thing he has done for years with the Pats. He is just a tough back to bring down, much like Frank Gore in my book. Always pushing the pile for critical extra yards.

I don't mean to degrade Hendo but he is not a lead back. As a change of pace and relief to Sony he has an important role. I would continue to use him during the season to save Sony's legs. But come playoffs I go heavy Sony and honestly would either add a fullback as OldNotdead mentioned or I would add a second big back to pound the defense. Love what they are doing with Noteboom and the big sets including Blanton. As much as Evans is a massive liability in the pass game, he does have the bulk to move some bodies in short yardage as we saw in the Jags game.

This is the mentality Mcvay should move forward with. I would run the ball heavy and take some big shots when needed off that PA with Stafford. I think most Ram fans and Mcvay are realizing that Stafford is just not a move the ball down the field consistently type of QB. He is really the antithesis of Goff's strengths, which is consistent accuracy in the short to medium range. Our offense has to change if we are going to make noise in the playoffs. Use our players strengths. Which is exactly the Epiphany Mcvay talked about in his sit down this week.

 

[Kupped]

Michel is a solid lead back. His ability to break tackles and move the pile is critical. We saw that vs the Jags. Same thing he has done for years with the Pats. He is just a tough back to bring down, much like Frank Gore in my book. Always pushing the pile for critical extra yards.

I don't mean to degrade Hendo but he is not a lead back. As a change of pace and relief to Sony he has an important role. I would continue to use him during the season to save Sony's legs. But come playoffs I go heavy Sony and honestly would either add a fullback as OldNotdead mentioned or I would add a second big back to pound the defense. Love what they are doing with Noteboom and the big sets including Blanton. As much as Evans is a massive liability in the pass game, he does have the bulk to move some bodies in short yardage as we saw in the Jags game.

This is the mentality Mcvay should move forward with. I would run the ball heavy and take some big shots when needed off that PA with Stafford. I think most Ram fans and Mcvay are realizing that Stafford is just not a move the ball down the field consistently type of QB. He is really the antithesis of Goff's strengths, which is consistent accuracy in the short to medium range. Our offense has to change if we are going to make noise in the playoffs. Use our players strengths. Which is exactly the Epiphany Mcvay talked about in his sit down this week.

I don't think it's as much about Stafford's weakness as it is the offense was just getting predictable.

Showing teams that you're legitimately committed to running the ball changes their stance a little. Just enough, sometimes, to make that play-action really work.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Hot hand which really could be as simple as match up due to the contrast in running styles. SM will fight through a poorly blocked play to save a loss of yards or possibly pick up a couple. DH will get snuffed or possibly pick his way through with his nimble feet.
4.6 on 142 carries for DH
4.1 on 103 carries for SM
I would like to see DH run with the Jag game plan, we are fortunate to have two good backs. Neither are elite but both are starter caliber