The Los Angeles Rams’ championship ambitions suffered a devastating setback on Sunday as rookie sensation Blake Corum sustained a season-ending injury. In a somber postgame press conference, head coach Sean McVay revealed that the dynamic running back fractured his right forearm during the Rams’ disappointing 30-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and would miss the entirety of LA’s impending playoff run.
Drafted in the third round, Corum had rapidly emerged as an integral component of the Rams’ offensive attack. His explosive quickness and uncanny elusiveness in the open field consistently kept defenses on their heels, providing a much-needed spark to complement the aerial prowess of quarterback Matthew Stafford and his array of receiving weapons.
A Rookie On The Rise
Though his rookie campaign was cut short, Blake Corum’s impact on the Rams’ offense cannot be overstated. In 17 games, the electric back amassed 207 rushing yards on just 58 carries, showcasing his game-breaking ability every time he touched the ball.
“He’s a tough, resilient guy. He’s going to be a really good player for us for a long time, but he will miss the postseason.”
– Rams head coach Sean McVay on Blake Corum’s injury
Corum’s absence will undoubtedly be felt as the Rams gear up for what they hope will be a deep postseason run. His explosiveness and ability to create something out of nothing added a critical dimension to LA’s offensive attack that will be sorely missed.
Next Man Up Mentality
With Corum sidelined, the onus now falls on the Rams’ remaining stable of running backs to step up and fill the void. Veteran Cam Akers, who has battled injuries of his own, will likely shoulder the bulk of the workload. Akers’ power running style differs from Corum’s slashing approach, but his experience and toughness between the tackles will be invaluable.
Expect to also see an increased role for speedy backup Kyren Williams. The second-year pro out of Notre Dame has flashed potential in limited action and could help replicate some of Corum’s big-play ability. Utilizing Williams in the passing game on screens and wheel routes could add a much-needed wrinkle to keep defenses honest.
Playoff Implications
The Rams’ path to a Super Bowl repeat just got significantly more arduous with the loss of Blake Corum. Falling to the 4th seed after their Week 18 defeat, LA must now host the loser of Sunday night’s Lions-Vikings clash in the Wild Card round.
- A more one-dimensional offense: Without Corum’s game-breaking threat, defenses can key in on Stafford and the passing game
- Playoff-tested foes loom: Potential matchups with the 49ers, Eagles, or Cowboys would severely test the Corum-less Rams
If the Rams are to make a legitimate run at defending their title, coach Sean McVay will need to get creative with his play-calling and put his remaining playmakers in positions to succeed. A heavy dose of Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson will be imperative, but establishing a credible ground attack to keep defenses honest will be equally vital.
“This team is resilient. It’s next man up. We’re going to rally around each other and find a way to get it done.”
— Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald
Losing a talent like Blake Corum would be a crushing blow to any team, let alone one with championship aspirations. But if any squad is equipped to overcome such adversity, it’s these battle-tested Rams. With a roster replete with star power and the steady leadership of Sean McVay, LA still has the pieces in place for a memorable playoff journey – even if the road ahead just got substantially rockier.
