The Rams continue to insist that Todd Gurley‘s left knee is fine
Andrew Whitworth Jersey , and he will continue to be the “focal point” of the offense. But they matched the Lions’ offer to Malcolm Brown this offseason
and, on Friday, used a third-round choice on a running back.Los Angeles selected
Memphis running back Darrell Henderson with the 70th overall choice.Rams coach
Sean McVay insisted it had nothing to do with Gurley and everything to do with
Henderson.“Yes. This had to do with his skillset,” McVay said, via quotes
distributed by the team. “He was a player that we identified as a unique
playmaker. He can obviously so some things as a runner
Robert Woods Jersey , but the versatility that he provides and some of the things that he can do are what was so enticing about him for us. You see the
explosiveness — over 8 yards a carry. There’s a lot of good things that you’d
seen with what he’s done and his résumé at Memphis. We’re excited to get him in
here and get to work and really learn under Todd and Malcolm.” Gurley missed the
final two regular-season games with “knee inflammation” before gaining 118 yards
from scrimmage against the Cowboys in the divisional round. He then played a
complementary role the rest of the way.The Rams have talked about managing
Gurley’s workload, while keeping him a mainstay in the offense.“Like we have
said all along, we anticipate Todd being a huge part of this like he has been
the last couple of years,” McVay said. “As far as managing the workload, those
are things that we talk about with Todd and as you continue to get educated
on
Brandon Allen Jersey , is that something that we should do for the long haul or something that is or isn’t going to affect Todd most importantly and how does
that affect our team? But we added a really good playmaker was a big
thing.”Gurley has averaged 326 touches per season over the past three seasons.
ATLANTA (AP) — After keeping Tom Brady out of the end zone for three and a half
quarters, the Los Angeles Rams‘ defense finally blinked.In this Super Bowl, that
one brief lapse was too much to overcome. Even holding the New England Patriots
to one field goal until midway through the fourth quarter wasn’t good enough.For
the sixth time in his career, Brady found a way to win the Super Bowl. The Rams
defense had done enough to win most games, but the Los Angeles offense didn’t do
its part.That gave Brady a chance for one touchdown drive in the fourth
quarter
Sam Shields Jersey , and he delivered.“That’s our role, to disrupt the passer and disrupt the running game,” said Rams defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh
following New England’s 13-3 win on Sunday night. “For the most part we did
that, but we just didn’t close it out. That’s on us.”The low scoring total in
any game with the powerful Patriots was a surprise.“They hardly scored and we
were in this game until the end of the fourth quarter,” said linebacker Cory
Littleton. “We were doing everything just fine and we just made mistakes at the
end and they capitalized.”Littleton helped set the tone for the Rams’ strong
defensive game with his first-quarter interception after Brady’s first pass was
deflected.“We were in a zone defense
Aqib Talib Jersey ,” Littleton said. “I’m a hustle player. I’m reading the quarterback … (Nickell) Robey-Coleman makes a great deflection, ball is in the
air and I pick it off.”After being contained most of the game, Brady struck
quickly when he suddenly solved the Rams’ defense in the decisive fourth-quarter
touchdown drive.Brady completed four straight passes, including 18- and 29-yard
strikes to Rob Gronkowski. The last catch set up Sony Michel’s 2-yard scoring
run. The game’s only touchdown left the Rams with a deficit they wouldn’t
overcome.“It was a hell of a game,” said Rams cornerback Marcus Peters. “We just
didn’t get it done.”Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was frustrated by Brady’s
crucial 29-yard pass to Gronkowski.“I had an opportunity there on a
one-on-one
Marcus Peters Jersey ,” Donald said. “I got off my one-on-one clean. (Brady) was sitting back there and had time to make a good pass. He made a good play.”The
Rams held New England to 13 points despite giving up 407 total yards and 22
first downs.“I thought our defense did a nice job, but they were able to make
some plays here and there,” said Rams coach Sean McVay, who gave credit to Brady
and the Patriots. “You see why they are a great football team.”
