Should Sean McVay Prioritize Rams Run Game?

The Rams have a plethora of running backs capable of seeing the field on Sundays

The Los Angeles Rams, unfortunately, provided another reason for the 'Super Bowl Hangover' term to exist in 2022, finishing with a 5-12 record. Most of their losses stemmed from injuries to quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive lineman Aaron Donald and several other key players.

The Rams lost Robert Woods midway through 2021 and allowed Odell Beckham Jr. to walk after contract disputes. Kupp was excellent in 2022, but when he got hurt, receivers Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, Allen Robinson and Tutu Atwell couldn't fill the Super Bowl MVP's hole.

Stafford had arguably one of the worst years of his career in 2022, finishing with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine games. Since the receiving corps hasn't really changed this offseason, should McVay prioritize the run game?

Running back Cam Akers had a short quarrel with the Rams and he was nearly traded because of it. The two parties settled their differences and Akers finished with a combined 345 rushing yards and three touchdowns over Los Angeles' final three games. He had only rushed for 441 yards and four touchdowns up until week 16.

Now that the wounds are healed, Akers may be poised for a big season. However, there are three other running backs capable of seeing the field on Sundays.

On June 20, the Rams signed running back Sony Michel, who played for them in 2021 but went to the neighboring Chargers in 2022. With the Rams, Michel led the Super Bowl champions in carries (208) and rushing yards (845). The 28-year-old also finished with career highs in receptions (21) and receiving yards (128) during his first stint with the Rams.

If Akers acts as the pure runner, while Michel plays the receiving back role, the Rams could have a potential 2017 New Orleans Saints-style offense. Michel was in a one-two-punch system with Nick Chubb at Georgia, so he already has experience in the rarely-utilized offense.

But it doesn't stop there. Despite only rushing 35 times in 2022, rookie Kyren Williams totaled 139 yards, a very solid four yards per carry. Now entering his sophomore campaign, the former fifth-round pick would be a great option if Akers or Michel gets sidelined.

Lastly, the Rams selected Ole Miss running back Zach Evans in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Like Michel, Evans also split carries in college, but he still finished with 936 yards on 144 carries (a staggering 6.5 yards per carry) for nine touchdowns. He is also a solid option if any of the three in front of him miss time.

The Rams are hoping to prove that their Super Bowl season wasn't a fluke and that their hangover was just a one-year setback. If McVay prioritizes the run game, while still utilizing Kupp, the Rams can change the narrative.

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here

Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!

Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.

Follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter

Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.