Rams Struggle as Kyren Williams Questions Offense Energy

Kyren Williams questions offense energy

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams believes his usage might be connected to the team's uneven offensive energy. Los Angeles dropped to 2-4 after an 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. When asked why the energy level was inconsistent from drive to drive, Williams gave a direct answer.

"Probably because I'm not out there," Williams said.

Williams shared the backfield workload on Sunday with 2024 third round pick Blake Corum. Williams played 40 offensive snaps, recording 10 carries for 50 yards and three catches for 17 yards. Corum played 16 snaps, finishing with nine carries for 42 yards, two catches for 18 yards, and a touchdown.

For the season, Williams has played 70 percent of offensive snaps, which is 287 out of 410 plays. Corum has played 28 percent, or 114 plays. Williams trails only Jonathan Taylor and Jaylen Warren for total snaps among running backs this season. Williams said playing time is not his decision, but added that the team must maintain its energy regardless.

Sean McVay points to self inflicted errors

The Cardinals came into the game as 13.5 point underdogs and earned the upset win. They became only the second double digit underdog to win outright over the past two seasons.

Rams head coach Sean McVay pointed to penalties and unforced errors as the primary reasons for the defeat.

"We won't win a game unless we figure out how not to beat ourselves," McVay said, adding that there was nothing positive to say about the performance.

McVay stated that different players are making mistakes each week. He admitted he does not have immediate answers right now, but acknowledged it is his job to fix the issues.

Playoff odds slip after poor start

The loss leaves the Rams at 2-4 in the NFC West, trailing the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers. According to NFL NextGen Stats, Los Angeles now holds a 43 percent chance to make the playoffs.

The Rams are just the fifth team in the past 50 seasons to start the year as outright Super Bowl favorites and then lose four of their first six games. None of the previous four teams reached the conference championship game.

McVay emphasized that even if the Rams had won on Sunday, the overall performance was still not good enough.

What it means for the next game

Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): Las Vegas Raiders win 31%, Los Angeles Rams win 69%; projected score Las Vegas Raiders 21, Los Angeles Rams 26. Our safest pick: Rams to win.