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theramswire.usatoday.com] Sony Michel excelled Sunday despite Jaguars loading the box to stop him
Skyler Carlin
December 6, 2021 10:29 am PT
Sony Michel was given the reins of the backfield for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an injury to Darrell Henderson Jr. Following Sunday’s performance by Michel, there’s a good chance that he’ll remain the starting running back moving forward.
In Sunday’s 37-7 win over the Jaguars, Michel carried the ball 24 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. Barring the Monday night game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills, Michel will finish this week with 14 rushing yards over expectation, which is third-best among running backs this week.
The only running backs to have more rushing yards over expectation this week are Cordarrelle Patterson and Tevin Coleman. Michel was able to record 1 more yard over expectation than Jonathan Taylor in Week 13.
What makes Michel’s performance even more impressive is the fact that he faced a stacked box on 12 of his 24 rushing attempts. He would still rush for 54 yards on those 12 attempts, which is where 13 of his 14 rushing yards over expected came from.
Sony Michel served as the lead back for the #Rams in their 37-7 victory over the Jaguars, playing 64 of 66 snaps (97% playtime).
Michel faced a stacked box (8+ defenders) on half of his 24 carries, gaining 54 yards on those carries (+13 RYOE).#JAXvsLAR #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/OmEUFEAU8e
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 6, 2021
Besides the advanced metrics, one simple statistic puts Michel’s performance into perspective: He was the first Rams running back to eclipse 100 rushing yards this season. While Michel was able to have success against a hapless Jaguars defense in Week 13, hopefully he can continue thriving on the ground in a pivotal rematch with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14.
