Kyren Williams is shining in camp, and could be in for a career year

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Ramsresumed training camp after having a day off on Tuesday. Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams got veteran rest days, while the defense had their starting 11 on the field.

With Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson taking command of their offense, the defense had the advantage, especially as they’ve been playing against this same offense since OTAs. As a result, the defense dominated. If that wasn’t enough, the offense had a multitude of miscues that plagued their ability to execute. There were multiple false start penalties, which are frustrating in practice.

However, through the defensive domination, one fact became evident. As practice continued, the rushing attack began to pick up some steam. That’s expected, especially as fatigue sets in. The intriguing part is that it was Kyren Williams who continuously found holes through the mess.

Williams looked good. Really good. 2023 All-Pro good. Williams was breaking loose for big runs, looking fast and explosive. I didn’t see that breakaway speed that turns big runs into touchdowns, but that’s never been his game, and those running backs wouldn’t fit the Rams’ system unless they could catch and block.

It’s interesting because Williams has the ability to be a workhorse, but benefits from having fewer touches. By taking the stress and predictability away through a diverse offensive game plan, Williams becomes a true triple threat.

When Blake Corum is on the field, that’s less damage Williams is taking on a snap-to-snap basis. There’s also a good chance Corum is either getting the ball or the team is operating a short passing attack due to Corum’s size and skill set.

That induces the belief that when Williams is on the field, the team is more likely to pass. Thus, there are more chances to catch the opposition off guard. If Williams is taking the vision he displayed on Wednesday, zigging and zagging through waves of linemen and adding it to this Rams’ offense, he could be set for a career year.

He stated he expects to be a 1,000-yard rusher every season. If he hits that mark this season, it’ll be four straight years. Todd Gurley never hit four straight. Neither did Marshall Faulk (as a Ram). Lawrence McCutcheon got four in five years. Only Eric Dickerson and Steven Jackson have hit four straight.

This could be the year we’ll have to put Williams in the conversation as a franchise great. The greatest criticism about his game (that still exists) is that his play isn’t flashy. But genuinely, who cares?

Besides, Williams put Myles Garrett on his behind with a ferocious block a few years ago. That’s a running back I’ll take every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Considering his past, Sean McVay feels the same way.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Kyren Williams is shining in camp, and could be in for a career year