Former Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley has outlined a strategy for opposing offenses to tackle the team's formidable defense, which features prominent players like Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett. Gurley, the 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, shared his insights in an interview with the California Post.
Gurley's proposed game plan involves aggressive offensive formations, frequent sweeps, and running directly at the defensive line. The aim is to force the elite defensive front to expend significant energy and move laterally, potentially disrupting their ability to dictate the game with their pass rush. "If I’m an offensive coordinator, I’m doing a lot of formations," Gurley said. "I’m switching it up. A lot of sweeps. Make those guys run."
He acknowledged that this approach might seem counterintuitive, given the run-stopping prowess of players like Donald and Garrett. However, he believes it exploits a weakness observed in the Rams' defense last season, when they allowed an average of 4.3 rushing yards per carry, slightly above the league average. By making the defensive line chase the ball, Gurley suggests offenses can keep the defense on its heels.
Gurley also stressed the importance of ball control and keeping the Rams' offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, off the field. He warned against abandoning the run game, noting that a series of incompletions could lead to the Rams' potent offense returning to the field quickly.
"You don’t want to throw three times in a row and then you’re off the field," Gurley stated. "Now your defense has to go back on the field against the reigning MVP in Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, about eight tight ends over there and their running backs who can get busy in space as well."
When asked to compare the current Rams' defense to elite units he faced in his career, Gurley recalled the Seattle Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" era and the Minnesota Vikings' defensive front. However, he noted that facing both Garrett and Donald on the same team presents a unique challenge.
The strategy will be put to the test when the San Francisco 49ers face the Rams in the season opener in Melbourne, Australia. The game is scheduled to kick off at 5:35 p.m. PT on Thursday.