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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cameron DaSilva

Sean McVay loves what Ben Skowronek brings to Rams offense: ‘This guy’s a maniac’

Ben Skowronek frustrated a lot of Rams fans last year with his drops. He still did a nice job as a blocker on the outside when filling in at wide receiver, but it was the negative plays that fans had trouble forgetting.

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Coming into this season, Skowronek was poised for a big role with Van Jefferson sidelined. And while he’s still technically the Rams’ No. 3 receiver,

Against the Cardinals on Sunday, he had one of his best games as a pro. He caught four passes for 66 yards, leading the team in receiving. That’s tough to do with Cooper Kupp on the team, yet Skowronek managed to make a couple of big plays to help move the chains.

His most notable play was a 32-yard reception on third-and-1, which would’ve gone for about 55 yards had he not stepped out of bounds.

After the 20-12 win over Arizona, Sean McVay gave Skowronek some praise by pointing to the way he played both as a receiver and a blocker. He even called Skowronek “a mania” – in a good way, of course.

“I thought Ben Skowronek had a handful of big-time plays,” McVay said. “Four big catches on four targets, and then his presence was felt. You feel the physicality. This guy’s a maniac and you love what he does for our football team.”

What makes Skowronek a maniac, you ask? Take a look at his block on Zaven Collins on Cam Akers’ 14-yard touchdown run. He cleared the linebacker out and opened up a big hole, staying on his feet and following Akers into the end zone.

Not many wide receivers can make a block in the hole like that.

In a matter of two weeks, largely thanks to his play as a fullback, Skowronek has completely flipped the view of himself among Rams fans. He went from being a player fans preferred not to see on the field to someone they’re excited to see laying out blockers in the running game.

McVay found a perfect role for him and it’s helped evolve the offense, providing a spark in the running game.

Right guard Alaric Jackson, who knows a thing or two about blocking guys, wonders what Skowronek can’t do.

Just look at how the tide is turning on No. 18 on Twitter.

he’s also playing fullback and doing pretty much anything Los Angeles needs him to on offense.
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