The Los Angeles Rams have come a long way, and though the team started at a paltry 1-4 record to start the 2024 season, the team rocketed into the playoffs, making it all the way to the Divisional Round.
A major reason for the Rams' success has to do with hard-running star Kyren Williams. Williams secured 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 182 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Despite back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons, Williams was shockingly left off the consensus top 10 running back list by ESPN.
Not only did Williams not make it on the top 10 list, but he was not even given an honorable mention. He simply received votes from the executives, coaches, and scouts who voted on the top 10 at the running back position.
The consensus top 10:
1. Saquon Barkley
2. Derrick Henry
3. Jahmyr Gibbs
4. Bijan Robinson
5. Christian McCaffrey
6. Josh Jacobs
7. Jonathan Taylor
8. James Cook
9. Joe Mixon
10. Alvin Kamara
The honorable mentions are Bucky Irving, Aaron Jones, De'Von Achane, Breece Hall, and James Conner.
To put this list into perspective, Williams was seventh in the league with 1,299 rushing yards, tied for fifth with 14 touchdowns alongside Robinson. Granted, Williams had a 4.1 yards per carry average, which is not the best — but the fact that he was not even an honorable mention is wild.
Williams kept the Rams going while they were struggling due to having a multitude of injuries on their offensive line.
Alaric Jackson, Rob Havenstein, Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, and Joe Noteboom all dealt with injuries or suspensions in the 2024 season, leading to the Rams going 1-4 in their first five games. Through that, Williams still found ways to make plays on the ground.
The Rams became a huge success story, as they continued to fight despite their poor start and injuries. Through their struggles, they nearly beat the eventual Super Bowl champions in the Divisional Round.
Sadly, the Philadelphia Eagles bested the Rams with a final score of 28-22.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, there was a belief that the Rams were attempting to trade Matthew Stafford, which never came true. Instead, Los Angeles signed him to a $44 million deal for the 2025 season, and he can bring in another $40 million if he remains with the team in 2026.
The Rams also have a major transformation on the offensive side of the ball. Longtime star Cooper Kupp joined the Seattle Seahawks, but Los Angeles was able to sign fellow longtime star Davante Adams.
With Adams in the building alongside Puka Nacua, this offense should become even more dangerous. Williams is expected to handle the bulk of the carries again, and he could have an even bigger year if defenses have Adams and Nacua to worry about.
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