​Although much of the chatter surrounding Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay centers on him as a quarterback whisperer and a guru of an open, high-flying offense, his approach isn’t far removed from traditional offensive football values. Over nine seasons, the Rams have only cracked the NFL’s Top 12 in pass play percentage once, ranking 8th in 2019, underscoring a consistent inclination toward a balanced attack. His typical year-to-year mix sits around 57 percent pass to 43 percent run. Part of that run-game profile stems from the lack of truly mobile quarterbacks who might lift run-play percentages, yet McVay has shown no hesitation in varying his rushing schemes.
He has embraced the zone run concept with gusto. With Todd Gurley as the lead and, to a lesser extent, Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers, McVay’s rushing attacks leaned heavily on outside zone runs aimed at sealing the edges of the defense. After Gurley’s decline, he shifted toward more inside and mid-zone looks and incorporated duo (essentially double-teams) and power-blocking concepts. The coaching carousel along the offensive line—Aaron Kromer, then Kevin Carberry, and ultimately Ryan Wendell in 2023—reflects a push toward a more physical, downhill style designed to drive defenders backward rather than simply pulling them laterally to open lanes. As a result, the Rams have become one of the league’s prominent users of the duo blocking scheme. The team’s current identity emphasizes running between the tackles and off-tackle, with less emphasis on the outside run that characterized earlier iterations of McVay’s offense. In the prior season, inside-the-tackle runs accounted for about 60 percent of rushing plays, with many other attempts coming through the C-gap between the tackle and the tight end.
The Rams’ backfield now aligns with the blocking scheme’s needs, prioritizing patience, vision, and burst through openings. Players must read the flow of blockers and defenders in real time, making swift decisions and cuts that can yield either big gains or short losses. Kyren Williams, at 5’9″ and 195 pounds, has been a model of consistency, delivering 1,100-plus rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns in three straight seasons. Across 45 starts in that span, he has produced 60-plus rushing yards in 78 percent of his games (35 of 45) and ranks just behind Derrick Henry in carries that lead to a first down or touchdown (roughly 220 such carries). While some observers question his breakaway speed, Williams has been exceptional at turning limited opportunities into positive results, evidenced by his 143 missed-tackle forced mark and 2,434 yards after contact over the same period. He has also developed as a receiver and pass blocker, contributing in multiple facets of the offense.
Blake Corum, listed at 5’8″ and 205 pounds, provides a different dynamic to the Rams’ rushing plans. Not a blazing speed threat (measured in the 4.5s for the 40-yard dash and a 1.57-second 10-yard split), Corum nonetheless adds a noticeable breakaway dimension when he finds space. Film study highlights his tendency to burst through runs outside or off the grain, a trait reminiscent of the “slasher” back of yesteryear. He appears particularly well-suited to the mid-zone game, attacking the tackles. In space, Corum’s athletic traits stand out—his 3-cone time of 6.82 and shuttle time of 4.07 are indicators of his agility and balance, contributing to his ability to accelerate and convert opportunities in tight quarters.
In sum, the Rams have evolved from prioritizing exterior runs and outside-zone flurries to a more physical, interior-focused rushing scheme, underscored by a patient, contact-breaking backfield. McVay’s offensive philosophy remains rooted in balance and play-action principles, yet the personnel and blocking adjustments over recent years have reinforced a ground game designed to wear defenses down and create efficient home-run opportunities through a steady, physical run game.