With new quarterback Matthew Stafford under center and most of the team’s starters on defense returning for another year, expectations are high for the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 NFL season. After missing the playoffs in the 2019 season, the Rams returned to the postseason in 2020 after finishing with a 10-6 record. But after a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round, their season ended with a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round.
But a new season along with some big moves on offense brings renewed optimism for head coach Sean McVay and his players. The arrival of quarterback Matthew Stafford is easily the team’s biggest move in the offseason, which unlocks a lot of possibilities for the Rams’ offense and many opportunities for their receivers. The 33-year-old Stafford, a one-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Comeback Player of the Year winner will certainly carry the team’s offense.
Last season, his 12th for the Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford still completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,084 passing yards and 26 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. His arrival will certainly aid a Rams offense that averaged just 23.3 points per game last season, which ranked 23rd in the NFL. But even though the team’s success on offense will largely rest on their new quarterback’s arm, another member of their offense could serve as the team’s X-factor in the upcoming season: running back Darrell Henderson Jr.
With Henderson and Cam Akers at running back, the Rams had two starting-caliber players at the position last season. But with Akers going down with an Achilles injury before the start of the season, the 24-year-old Henderson will have a larger workload in the upcoming season. Akers rushed for 625 yards last season and had two touchdowns, while Henderson, the Rams’ third-round pick in 2019, posted similar numbers with 624 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
With Akers’ 2021 season likely over, Henderson will have to do more for the Rams’ offense. Los Angeles averaged just 126.1 rushing yards per game last season, which ranked 10th in the league, and the pressure is on the Memphis product to ensure his team remains gains a lot of yards on the ground as they did in 2020. Fortunately, Henderson will not do it alone, as the Rams also acquired running back Sony Michel from the New England Patriots.
Michel, who had an impressive first year in New England, now joins the team that the Patriots defeated in Super Bowl 53. The 26-year-old rushed for 449 yards and one touchdown last season, down from his 912 rushing yards and seven touchdowns during his rookie season. Henderson has also dealt with hand injuries, which is why it helps to have Michel on the team as well as their third option at running back, Jake Funk.
But despite having other options, it’s likely that when the Rams open their season against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, McVay will trust Henderson as the team’s primary running back, with Michel and Funk playing behind him. With Stafford joining the team in the offseason, their offense should improve from last season as they set their sights on a strong regular season and a deep playoff run. But while all eyes will be on their new quarterback, Henderson’s adjustment to the bigger responsibility on his shoulders at running back will also determine how far the Rams can go this season.
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