The Los Angeles Rams picked up an impressive victory over the Arizona Cardinals, 37-14, in their Week 12 matchup. It was the best the offense has looked in weeks, as the 37 points are the most for the team this season.
That unit received a massive boost with running back Kyren Williams rejoining the lineup. Williams had been sidelined since Week 6 when he was injured in the first matchup of the season against the Cardinals.
Without him in the lineup, the Rams turned to veterans Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman to carry the load in the backfield. Not surprisingly, the production wasn’t at the same level without Williams leading the way.
Back in the lineup for Week 12, Williams picked up right where he left off. In the first matchup, he carried the ball 20 times for 158 yards and one touchdown. This past weekend, in his first appearance off injured reserve, he put forth a record-setting performance.
Williams carried the ball 16 times for 143 yards, adding six receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns. Per OptaSTATS, that made him the first player in NFL history to have 140+ rushing yards, 6+ receptions, 60+ receiving yards and 2+ receiving touchdowns in the same game.
Williams is currently leading the NFL with 85.6 rushing yards per game, as he is an integral part of the Rams’ offensive attack. His presence and production helps take pressure off of Matthew Stafford and the passing game, which for years was the only thing keeping this group afloat.
With Williams operating at that high of a level, the Rams are a team to keep an eye on down the stretch of the season. They are a balanced, highly productive offense as Stafford can still sling the ball around and has numerous productive pass catchers to get the ball into the hands of.
That offense will be put to the test in the next two weeks. Los Angeles hosts the Cleveland Browns in Week 13 before heading on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, matching the Rams up against two of the best defenses in the NFL.
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