Practice Report 11/18: Can Goff Starting Affect Gurley?

Practice Report 11/18: Can Goff Starting Affect Gurley?


Myles Simmons


It’s no secret that opposing teams have been making it particularly difficult on the Rams to get anything going in their run game. Week after week, it seems like running back Todd Gurley faces defensive fronts with eight or nine players in the box.

So with quarterback Jared Goff starting on Sunday, could things loosen up a bit for the 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year?

“That depends on our ability to put the ball down the field — if we’re having success,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “That’s the big deal, offensively, is to put it down the field so we can have balance.”


Gurley said he can remember how he felt prior to his first start last year against Arizona. The running back, of course, had a massive second half en route to a Rams victory.

“It was cool, just being able to play, to live out your dream,” Gurley said. “It’s definitely an exciting moment to just come in and be able to start.”

But regardless of who is behind center, Gurley and Los Angeles’ offense will have a challenge on Sunday, as Miami has been strong against the run — particularly as of late. Last week, they allowed 70 yards on 24 carries to San Diego’s Melvin Gordon. But 37 of those yards — 53 percent — came on two runs where Gordon shook loose. Add in another 13-yard run, and it means the Dolphins held the Chargers to under a yard per carry on 21 attempts. Miami’s defense racked up eight tackles for loss in the 31-24 victory.

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