[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
Sean McVay very pleased with Sony Michel's progress: 'He's been intense in meetings'
Cameron DaSilva
September 7, 2021 9:17 am PT
The Rams acquired Sony Michel from the Patriots, adding him to a backfield that’s led by Darrell Henderson Jr. It’s not yet clear which running back will handle the bulk of the carries this season, but Michel is going to be a key part of the offense as a between-the-tackles runner and likely a short-yardage back.
Because he joined the Rams late in the summer, he has some catching up to do. He has an offense to learn, chemistry to build with his teammates and a playbook to pick up, all of which he’s begun doing in practice.
Sean McVay likes what he’s seen from Michel thus far, especially with his involvement in meetings.
“I’m very pleased,” McVay said Monday. “I think (RBs coach) Thomas (Brown) is probably a better person to ask that. You can get a good gauge for guys when you go on script. When we’ve got 20 shots on offense where it’s all kind of predetermined, you don’t always get the best gauge, but he’s been intense in meetings. He’s got a good look in his eye. I know Thomas has been really pleased with him. So, he’s on track and he’s doing the things that we had hoped up to this point.”
McVay said Michel is on a path to play against the Bears in the opener on Sunday night, which is no surprise. Not to downplay the difficulty of playing running back, but he’s not a quarterback who needs to learn play calls and the deeper intricacies of the offense.
Michel can hit the ground running with the Rams, so long as he makes defenders miss and follows his blockers up front. Expect him to be the No. 2 running back behind Henderson, with Jake Funk working as the third-string option.
