Sean McVay Uses Los Angeles Rams' Darrell Henderson to Reveal Keys to Pass Protection

The Los Angeles Rams had to feature the likes of Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman on Sunday, but their abilities in pass protection caught Sean McVay's eye.

The Los Angeles Rams running back room might as well have a revolving door on it. From trading away the incumbent starter to making a flurry of moves prior to Week 7’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, there’s been little in the form of certainty at the position.

However, that hasn’t stalled Los Angeles’ ground game. They currently rank fourth in success rate and fifth in expected points added per rush, a large credit to head coach Sean McVay’s wonderfully designed offense.

Last week, practice squad elevations Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman stepped in admirably for the injured Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers. Henderson ran 18 times for 61 yards and a score, while Freeman saw 12 carries and 66 yards.

The rushing production was on par with what Rams fans have come to expect, but an under-the-radar aspect of the position remained strong, too.

Henderson against the Arizona Cardinals.  / © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

McVay spoke about the quality pass protection Los Angeles saw from its running backs, particularly Henderson, on Sunday.

“I think he's fearless,” McVay said. “He plays with good technique. He'll stick his face on people. He always had a good low center of gravity and sturdy from his core all the way up.”

Stafford was sacked just twice against one of the better pass rushes in the league, a unit that includes All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt. To some extent, that success can be attributed to the backs.

“I think both those guys that played yesterday are checking both those boxes,” McVay said.

The coach in McVay couldn’t stop himself from describing what makes Henderson a good blocker.

“He will go meet people at the line of scrimmage,” McVay said. “Tight elbows, tight thumbs, and be able to uncoil up through people and he is not turning his face. He's going through people.”

It’s a balance of technique and attitude and one that many running backs struggle to handle, especially early in their careers. Henderson’s proclivity for pass protection likely played a part in the Rams bringing him back when injuries struck, and why he’ll continue to be used on passing downs.

“Well, I think it's definitely teachable from a technique but I think there are certain guys that have an innate toughness where they won't close their eyes at the point of contact,” McVay said. “And they'll go attack people when they see it and they're decisive.”

Henderson has exemplified those traits, and Freeman isn’t too far behind. Both have made a strong case to stick around once this group gets even healthier.

For now, they’ll look to take care of business against a strong Dallas Cowboys pass rush.