The Los Angeles Rams have had several players break out this season, which has helped them become one of the league’s most surprising teams. Of those breakouts, arguably none are more important than running back Kyren Williams. A former fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame who missed most of his rookie season with injury, Williams has been an absolute monster for the Rams this season. Although he’s only played 11 games, he has still rushed for 1,057 yards and nine touchdowns while adding another 192 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. Stats are one thing, but Williams’ impact on the Rams is far greater than numbers can show.
No doubt, we’re different when he plays,” Rams coach Sean McVay told The Athletic. “I mean, you just look at it. I mean, now there’s enough inventory and the energy, the production, just the overall work ethic. I mean, there are so many guys on this team that you just say, man, they are exactly what we’re looking for in Rams. I love him.” In games Williams has played this season, the Rams are 7-4 and averaging 27.5 points per contests. When he’s been out, they are 1-3 and averaging just 14.3 points per game. The difference has only become more noticeable since Williams returned from injury, as the Rams have scored at least 28 points per game while going 4-1, with the lone loss coming in overtime. “He’s not naïve to the fact too that his energy just being out there, it’s uplifting to people,” coach Sean McVay said. “It’s uplifting to his teammates, to me, to his coaches and so once he got back out there, I think there wasn’t anybody that was more excited for his return than he was.”
The Los Angeles Rams have experienced a surprising season with standout performances from several players, but none more impactful than running back Kyren Williams. Despite being a former fifth-round pick from Notre Dame and dealing with injuries in his rookie season, Williams has emerged as a vital asset for the Rams. In just 11 games, he has amassed impressive stats, rushing for 1,057 yards and nine touchdowns while contributing 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
However, Williams’ significance transcends mere statistics, as highlighted by Rams coach Sean McVay. McVay acknowledges the transformative effect Williams has on the team’s dynamics, emphasizing the undeniable shift in energy, production, and overall work ethic when he takes the field. McVay’s admiration for Williams extends beyond the numbers, emphasizing that Williams embodies the qualities the Rams seek in their players.
The impact of Williams on the Rams’ performance is evident in the team’s record and scoring averages. In the games where Williams has played this season, the Rams boast a 7-4 record, averaging 27.5 points per contest. Conversely, when Williams has been absent, the Rams struggled with a 1-3 record and a significantly lower average of just 14.3 points per game. This disparity becomes even more pronounced since Williams returned from injury, with the Rams scoring a minimum of 28 points per game and securing a 4-1 record, the lone loss occurring in overtime.
McVay underscores the intangible aspects of Williams’ contribution, emphasizing the positive influence of his mere presence on the team. Williams not only brings energy but serves as a source of inspiration for teammates, coaches, and McVay himself. McVay notes the palpable excitement surrounding Williams’ return to the field, highlighting the genuine enthusiasm and upliftment experienced by everyone involved with the Rams.
In essence, Kyren Williams has become a linchpin for the Los Angeles Rams, propelling them to unexpected success through his stellar performances and intangible contributions. His resilience in overcoming injuries and the positive impact he exerts on the team’s overall dynamics underscore his pivotal role in the Rams’ impressive season.
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