Kyren Williams is only 5-foot-9 and 194 pounds, which isn’t exactly big for an NFL running back. He’s certainly not one of the fastest players around, either, running a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash last year.
Despite his lack of size and speed, Williams has proved to be one of the toughest running backs in football to tackle. It’s been a completely unexpected development, but one that has provided a spark for the Rams offense every time the ball is handed to Williams.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams forced 11 missed tackles against the Ravens on Sunday. That’s the most in the NFL this week, which is impressive considering the team he went up against.
Kyren Williams forced 11 missed tackles vs. the Ravens 🤯
1st in the NFL for week 14 pic.twitter.com/4OvLdbXH0j
— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) December 11, 2023
On the season, Williams now has 41 missed tackles on rush attempts. That’s tied for the fifth-most of any running back with at least 46 rush attempts, behind only Christian McCaffrey (53), Travis Etienne Jr. (50), Raheem Mostert (43) and Derrick Henry (42).
However, when you take into account the fact that Williams has only played nine games, it makes his missed-tackle rate look even better compared to his peers. He’s forcing 4.56 missed tackles per game, which is tied with James Conner for the highest rate in the NFL.
Williams also forcing one missed tackle every 3.88 rush attempts, which is the eighth-highest rate in football. So again, getting Williams on the ground is a surprisingly difficult task given his smaller stature.
He gets the job done with shiftiness, elusiveness, a punishing stiff-arm and a lot of power for a player his size. Just look at his patience and burst through the line on this play.
Kyren Williams looking like prime Le'Veon Bell on this run 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cWo40yfqAg
— Johnny Kinsley (@Brickwallblitz) December 11, 2023
Williams has been a revelation for the Rams this year and if not for injuries in 2022, he might’ve become their starting running back last season, too. He’s exceeded all expectations as a former fifth-round pick already and as long as he stays healthy, he’s going to continue on an upward trajectory after three straight games with 100 yards from scrimmage.
