Under head coach Sean McVay, the run game has always been a central focus for the Los Angeles Rams in order to set up their explosive passing attack.
McVay and the Rams have been one of the most frequent play-action passing teams in the league, but over the past month they have really leaned into a more physical style of play. The change in identity can be attributed to Sony Michel who has been a revelation for the team during their hot streak.
Michel brings a higher level of physicality and toughness to Los Angeles’ offense and the running back emphasized the need to gain extra yardage after contact via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“Just being violent runners,” Michel said. “When you’re violent runners and you just keep your feet moving, you should be able to gain extra yards after contact. And that’s kind of the goal as a running back, you know? The offensive line blocks, and you may gain five yards without being touched, but once somehow touch you, how many yards can after that? Whether it’s making a guy miss, or trying to run through a guy.”
While Michel is primarily responsible for those chunk gains, he made sure to credit his offensive line for giving him the added boost and energy:
“(The offensive line) coming back to the huddle, like, ‘Alright, let’s get it,’ or, ‘We got this play,’ or after a play, them picking me up and clapping me up, letting me know how successful (it was), I kind of feed off the offensive line’s energy knowing that, ‘Man, these guys are ready to roll,'” Michel said.
The Georgia product was handed the reins after several disappointing showings from Darrell Henderson, and with the latter now out due to an MCL sprain, Michel is in line for even more work as the team’s lead back. There is no reason to believe he can not keep this momentum going, especially in this upcoming Week 17 matchup against a decimated Baltimore Ravens squad.
