About a month ago after the 2016 Los Angeles Rams’ first two games, I asked if Rams fans should be worried about RB Todd Gurley.
At the time (again, through two games), Gurley was averaging 49 yards per game on 18 carries per and had yet to get into the end zone.
The comments were nearly unanimous that Gurley was fine.
Now six games into 2016, Gurley is averaging just 57.67 yards per game, 19.83 yards per and averaging one touchdown every two games. It’s worth acknowledging he has been a legit option in the passing game the last three contests, but those rushing numbers still override the secondary output he’s added as a receiving threat.
Today over at NFL.com, Chris Wesseling has Gurley headlining his top “trapped” player in the NFL:
The inspiration for this topic, Gurley managed the same stat line (14 carries, 58 yards) as Lions fourth-string running back Zach Zenner last week. That pedestrian figure of 4.14 yards per carry was the best of the season for the 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Gurley is averaging a league-low 2.91 yards per tote as the focal point of opposing defenses with little regard for Case Keenum's arm.
Since exploding for more than 125 yards in each of his first four NFL starts, Gurley has topped the century mark just once in 14 games, averaging a measly 3.45 yards on 254 carries in that span. The problem with Gurley's production isn't Todd Gurley. It starts with a poor run-blocking offensive line that affords the former Georgia star a league-low 1.2 yards before contact. The game film shows an explosive runner on the rare occasions when Gurley is given a crease to exploit at the line of scrimmage.
It's maddening to watch such a unique talent mired in a dysfunctional ground attack. If Gurley were operating behind Dallas' offensive line, he would be mentioned in the same breath with David Johnson, Le'Veon Bell, Ezekiel Elliott and LeSean McCoy.
So it’s time for, I guess, a monthly touch on the pulse of the fan base.
You concerned about Todd Gurley yet?