Kyren Williams helped power the Los Angeles Rams back to the playoffs this season by finishing with his second straight 1,000-yard campaign. The Rams star is undoubtedly one of the best running backs in the NFL and earned praise from a former rushing yards leader.
NFL.com analyst Maurice Jones-Drew listed Williams at No. 7 in his rankings of every team’s primary RB from the 2024 season:
“I love Williams in this offense. He’s been a rock for a unit that’s had several of its stars in and out of the lineup this season. Williams, one of six players with 300-plus carries this season, has been essential to the Rams’ success in the red zone, scoring 93.3 percent of Los Angeles’ rushing touchdowns this season, the highest mark for any back in the NFL. He has continued to build in each year under Sean McVay and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.”
Ahead of Williams was Saquon Barkley (#1), Derrick Henry (#2), Jahmyr Gibbs (#3), Bijan Robinson (#4), Josh Jacobs (#5) and Jonathan Taylor (#6). Pretty great company for Williams who has been on quite a tear lately.
Williams finished third in the NFL behind Barkley and Henry with 316 rushing attempts and seventh in rushing yards. The All-Pro missed four games in 2023, yet was an ironman and touchdown machine this season after missing only one game—the meaningless season finale against the Seahawks.
Some fans called for Williams’ job after his bad fumbling streak during the regular season. How foolish they must look now! Following LA’s Week 12 loss to the Eagles when Williams fumbled twice in the blowout, I was among those calling for rookie Blake Corum to get additional opportunities. Okay, maybe I was one of those silly fools. Sue me.
Here is a snippet of what I said about the Rams’ primary starter:
“His butterfingers are a major concern and should place him on the hot seat. Or at the very least, the Rams should think twice before giving him a sizable contract extension this offseason.”
OOPS. The Rams would be foolish to let him go.
In my defense, Williams’ fumbles are a problem, but there is hardly anyone in the league better suited to taking handoffs from Matthew Stafford than #23. If Kyren Williams can make amends for his terrible showing in the first Eagles matchup and leads LA into the NFC Championship, (mostly) all will be forgiven.
