How The Rams Will Use Gurley in Super Bowl LIII

by
Former Writers
January 28, 2019

Felix Josephat via Flickr

Todd Gurley Was Only Given Four Carries in the NFC Championship, Leading Many to Question How He Will Be Used in Super Bowl LIII

While the Los Angeles Rams were able to emerge victorious over the Saints in the NFC Championship, they did so without the help of superstar running back Todd Gurley. Gurley was undoubtedly one of the best running backs in the league this season. However, he suffered an injury in the last weeks of the regular season and hasn’t seemed the same since. The Rams, notably, signed C.J. Anderson to take Gurley’s place while he was injured — and Anderson performed quite well. C.J. Anderson was vital in the Rams two playoff wins. Though he only managed 44 yards last week, he still led the team in rushing. In the same game, of course, Gurley had a mere four carries for only ten yards. So, with their tickets to the Super Bowl booked, how will the Rams use Gurley in the most important game of the season?

What’s Wrong with Todd Gurley?

Gurley was a workhorse back for the Rams this entire season. The Rams had no reservations about giving him 25+ touches every game throughout the regular season. Suddenly, however, that strategy has switched to one that sees him splitting the backfield with C.J. Anderson. It is well known that Gurley is far superior to Anderson, but Gurley was out-carried 16-to-4 in the NFC Championship.

Some think that it could be an injury that is hindering Gurley. The team hasn’t listed him on any injury reports, but that could just be to ensure that opponents still game plan for him. He did suffer a knee injury earlier in the season, though. An injured Gurley leading into the Super Bowl certainly presents an issue for the team. The Rams have a significant money invested in Gurley for the future, though. His limited action may have been a result of the team trying to reduce his workload to ensure his recovery.

So, How Will the Rams Use Gurley?

The Rams benefit from nearly two weeks of rest before the Super Bowl. This could provide Gurley enough time to reach full health before taking on the Patriots. If Gurley is deemed healthy enough, he should see at least 15 carries. Gurley should also be heavily involved as a pass-catcher, as C.J. Anderson does not excel in that category. However, if Gurley is in similar condition to the NFC Championship, he may be absent from the game for long spurts. Anderson, meanwhile, has shown that he is more than capable of leading the rushing attack. Gurley is undoubtedly a game-changing presence, though. If he plays, it better positions the Rams to keep the ball out of the Patriots’ and Tom Brady’s hands.