Blake Corum's Underutilization: A Missed Opportunity for the Rams

Introduction

In a year filled with expectations, the Los Angeles Rams rookie running back, Blake Corum, has found himself largely sidelined. Despite being drafted in the third round and showing promise during training, his on-field presence has been disappointingly minimal. This post explores the concerns surrounding Corum's underutilization and the implications for the Rams as they aim for a playoff push.

Blake Corum's Rookie Season: The Stats Don't Lie

While Corum had a stellar college career at Michigan, leading them to a national championship by rushing for 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2023, his NFL transition hasn’t reflected that success on the field. Through 11 games with the Rams, Corum has only 29 carries for 106 yards and has yet to reach the end zone. His peak performance occurred during the week 2 blowout against the Cardinals, where he managed a total of eight carries. Since then, he has seen limited touches in just two games, including five carries against the Packers. The stark discrepancy between his college capabilities and his current role raises questions about coaching decisions and game strategy.

Kyren Williams and the Struggles Ahead

Kyren Williams, Corum's counterpart and the Rams' current RB1, has his own issues, particularly with fumbling. Over the last four games, he has recorded four fumbles, leading to serious concerns about his reliability as a primary ball carrier. The coaching staff's confidence in Williams, even amid these struggles, illustrates a troubling trend in decision-making. Instead of giving Corum a greater share of the workload, the Rams seem inclined to stick with Williams despite his performance dips.

Coaching Accountability

It’s essential to point out that Sean McVay and the Rams’ coaching staff must be held accountable for their decisions regarding running back usage. The reluctance to increase Corum's playing time appears to stem from a lack of faith in the rookie despite promising attributes that Colm displayed during practice and previously in college. McVay recently acknowledged Corum's raw talent and work ethic, stating, "The Rams want to continue to get him opportunities that have been earned." Yet, words must translate into action, as Corum continues to be left in the shadow of Williams.

Potential for Corum Moving Forward

Looking ahead, the upcoming game against a susceptible Saints defense presents an opportunity for Corum to showcase his skills. If the Rams can learn from the mistakes of heavily relying on Williams, they could find ways to integrate Corum more into their offense, especially if Williams's fumble issues persist. The idea of shared workload is not only beneficial for Corum but could also extend Williams's longevity throughout the season by reducing wear and tear on him.

Fantasy Implications

From a fantasy perspective, Corum is lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for an opportunity to shine. If he begins to earn more snaps, he could quickly become a valuable asset for fantasy players. Current projections suggest that should Corum see double-digit touches per game, especially if Williams continues to struggle, his value could see a significant boost. Drafting Corum as a late-round option in deep leagues may not seem appealing now, but his potential for increased usage could turn into a winning strategy.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Rams stand at a crossroads regarding their utilization of Blake Corum. With a coaching staff that needs to reassess their offensive strategy and a struggling RB1 in Kyren Williams, the potential for change exists. As the season progresses, it’s imperative that McVay and his team prioritize talent over old habits in their rushing game. The loss of opportunity with Corum could be felt long-term, not only affecting game outcomes but also the player's development.

In summary, Blake Corum deserves a chance to earn more carries as he brings fresh potential to a team that desperately needs a spark. The upcoming weeks will reveal if the Rams can adapt and utilize their roster effectively before it's too late.