Random Ramsdom: Darrell Henderson Jr should be a focal point in Week 5

The Los Angeles Rams have four games in the books for the 2021 NFL season and stand at 3-1. On Sunday, the Rams took a rough loss to the Arizona Cardinals but one of the bright spots was the run game as the offense put up their highest total rush yardage of the season. While the air attack has been the focal point of the highlights thus far this season, the Cardinals game gave us an encouraging look at the rushing attack going forward.

In Week 4, Darrell Henderson Jr rushed for 89 total yards on 14 carries for a 6.4 yard average and in his Monday press conference, head coach Sean McVay noted that Henderson should be ready to play on Thursday. Sony Michel had three carries for 11 yards but also fumbled. Matthew Stafford added 21 yards to the rushing total for a season high for the team with 121 yards.

Up next on Thursday Night Football, the Rams take on the Seattle Seahawks who are 2-2 and also ranked worst in the league when it comes to rush yards allowed. Over the first four games, the Seahawks have allowed an average of 152 rush yards per game. The Tennessee Titans hung 212 rushing yards on them and the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers ran for 140 yards.

If the Rams start with and prioritize the run game against the Seahawks on Thursday night, it could give them the leverage they’ll need to control the game and open some opportunities for the pass game. The offensive line has also been playing well having opened lanes against the Cardinals while also keeping Matthew Stafford on his feet allowing zero sacks.

And now for today’s links:

RAMS NEWS:

Short turnaround from Week 4 to Week 5 gives Rams near-immediate opportunity to respond “the way that we expect to” (Rams.com)

Little fixables from LA Rams Week 4 L can create Week 5 W (RamblinFan)

Matthew Stafford was off on Sunday, but not because of the Cardinals defense (RamsWire)

Sean McVay breaks down two controversial decisions he made in loss to Cardinals (RamsWire)

NFL NEWS:

What we learned from Chargers’ win over Raiders on Monday night (NFL.com)

Broncos’ Vic Fangio rips Ravens’ last play: ‘I thought it was (expletive), but I expected that from them’ (NFL.com)

Urban Meyer apologizes to Jacksonville Jaguars, family after viral video (ESPN)

San Francisco 49ers say QB Jimmy Garoppolo, OT Trent Williams have chance to play Sunday (ESPN)