Former NFL running back Todd Gurley was the focal point of the offense while he was a part of the Los Angeles Rams. After rushing for 1,106 yards as a rookie in 2015, Gurley won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award right out of college.
Gurley returned to prominence with the Rams in 2017 and 2018, following a lackluster 2016 season. Leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in both seasons, he was named to the first team of the All-Pro team. With more than 2,000 scrimmage yards, he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. Gurley’s 2018 season included 1,251 yards gained on the ground and nearly 20 touchdowns.
Gurley had two incredible seasons back-to-back, but he was misused in the latter part of 2018 and during the team’s Super Bowl run. Gurley was replaced by running back C.J. Anderson, who the Rams acquired in December, during a few games towards the end of the regular season.
During the postseason, Anderson outplayed Gurley in terms of carries and total touches in both the NFC Championship Game and the Divisional Round. In the NFC Championship Game, Gurley received just four total carries; in the Super Bowl, he received ten.
Speaking about his small part in the 2018 playoffs on The 25 10 Show, Gurley stated, “It wasn’t like, ‘(expletive) ’em,’ but it was like, ‘damn.'” Remaining the team player, not really trying to make a mistake. I’m simply like, “Y’all (expletive) want to pay me to sit down?” though. Alright, my friend. Alright, anything.
Gurley was the team’s star and one of the NFL’s greatest offensive threats, but his role was drastically reduced during the playoffs. Gurley split carries with Anderson and saw little open receiver out of the backfield, which many found to be an absurd decision. Gurley was obviously perplexed, just like many other fans watching the playoffs, despite his best efforts to keep his focus on the team.
Gurley would play one more season with the Rams following the Super Bowl loss before being abruptly cut.
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