Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley enjoyed another fantastic season in 2018. Things ended on a sour note though as he missed time at the end of the regular season due to injury. Then he had weird playing time in the playoffs, as he was clearly still dealing with it.
Despite only playing in 14 games though, Gurley put up massive numbers. He ran for 1,251 yards and led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns.
His impressive season was a main reason why the Los Angeles Rams finished the season 13-3, tied for the best record in the NFL. A lot of people speculate that if he was healthy, the Rams might have had a different outcome in the Super Bowl as well.
That's in the past now though, and it's time to look towards the future – specifically 2019. Here are three numbers Todd Gurley should target in the upcoming season.
3. 16 Games Played
Todd Gurley was incredible last season and it's impossible to deny it. Now imagine what he could've done if he played in all 16 games instead of just 14.
The 1,251 yards were just 54 off his career-high. Obviously that's a number he would've passed with ease had he played the extra two games.
Meanwhile, his 17 rushing touchdowns were a career-best, crushing his old mark of 13. Gurley might have been able to reach 20 if he played the last two games. To be fair, he scored four touchdowns in the air as well, giving him 21 total on the season. However, strictly rushing touchdowns he could've reached 20. Maybe 25 total touchdowns was in his grasp too.
In four seasons, 16 games played is a number Gurley has only reached once. It's definitely something he should be striving for. I mean, he can't really help the team win if he's not on the field.
2. One Super Bowl Win
The Los Angeles Rams lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII by a final score of 13-3. In that game, Todd Gurley had just 10 carries for 35 yards. The clear speculation is that he still wasn't healthy, which is why he didn't play all that much.
However, that's probably not what's bothering him – it's the score. The Los Angeles Rams were maybe the most dominant team in the NFL last season and in the end didn't get their rings.
That's something that has to be eating at them. The good news is though, the window hasn't closed yet. Los Angeles has a stacked team with a young core. Due to that, they should have a few seasons of strong contention without having to change much.
Still, strong contention doesn't equal Super Bowl wins. After last season, there's no way Gurley and the Rams aren't hungrier than ever. Why not win now and get that first one out of the way?
1. 1,500 Rushing Yards
1,500 rushing yards haven't been eclipsed in a single season since 2016, when Ezekiel Elliott did it with the Dallas Cowboys.
Todd Gurley's career-high is 1,305 yards – set in 2017. It's definitely a realistic number for the superstar, especially if he can stay healthy.
If Gurley could hit that number he'd obviously prove that not only are the injury concerns overblown, but he's better than ever.
It's also something that would help the entire team. If Gurley's putting up numbers like that, all the pressure is off Goff and the passing game. That's already a lethal unit and now they have an even easier time as defense's are forced to focus on Gurley. People helping people.
Remember, Gurley will be 25 for the entirety of the 2019 NFL season. People tend to think he's a lot closer to ending his prime when he could actually just be entering it. What better way to show that than by lighting up NFL defenses.
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