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THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- While so much of the focus in Rams camp is on the development of second-year quarterback Jared Goff -- and rightfully so -- another dynamic to the success of the team's offense is also under a microscope. Running back Todd Gurley, who slumped to 885 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games in 2016 after earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 with 1,106 and 10 touchdowns in 13 games, is in need of a major rebound in 2017.
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Not just personally, either. His potential bounce back will be a major factor in determining whether or not the Rams' offense is able to get back on track.
If early returns in camp are any indication, Gurley and the Rams are on the right track.
The third-year running back has looked confident, dynamic and elusive while working behind a retooled offensive line boosted by the signing of All-Pro offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth and center John Sullivan.
Gurley put it all on display over the weekend when the Rams and Chargers held a joint practice that included significant 11-on-11 work. Twice he took runs to the house, and the way he blew past defenders was encouraging even in light of the no-tackle drill.
"I feel like there was some good work out there today," Gurley said afterward. "It's good to go against some other competition during camp."
One run in particular gave indication Gurley is on track to return to form, as he utilized his vision and footwork to first lure defenders in a certain direction before cutting back against the grain to find open space along the sideline to the end zone.
"Oh yeah, I had one of those runs -- it was an inside zone play, I was to suck them in and bounce out. The guys up front, they did a good job. I just react off of those guys."
New coach Sean McVay noticed.
"I thought you saw a violent runner," McVay said. "He did a great job getting it out into the open field and there was a couple where he's reading it one gap at a time on some of the schemes we have and you can feel his speed once he gets to the corner. He's a guy that has been motivated and has been a standout throughout the offseason program and it's been the same throughout camp and we're expecting big things from Todd."
Gurley was pleased with the description.
"I'll take that all day, for sure," he said. "We just got to keep working, coming out here getting better. I felt like it was a pretty good day overall."
