Todd Gurley might have been slowed but he still made an impact for the Rams
Reporting from east rutherford, n.j. — His performance did not include a touchdown or a long breakaway run.
He rushed for fewer than 70 yards.
For the first time this season, however, Todd Gurley showed multiple glimpses of the form that earned him the NFL’s offensive-rookie-of-the-year award last season.
After being limited to only 10 yards in 10 first-half carries, he gained 54 yards in 11 carries in the second half of the Rams’ 9-6 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Gurley played despite a thigh injury that limited him during practice last week.
“I didn’t feel like my old self,” he said after the game, “but the runs we [were] getting there were like my old self.”
Gurley did not get the ball when the Rams had a first and goal at the one in the first quarter.
But offensive coordinator Rob Boras called Gurley’s number five times during a third-quarter drive and four times during a fourth-quarter drive. Both ended in Greg Zuerlein field goals.
On the Rams’ final possession, Gurley had a long gain nullified because of a holding penalty.
He said his thigh injury was not a major issue.
“Just have to fight through stuff,” he said. “Everyone in the league is feeling as bad as me.”
The Rams won despite not scoring a touchdown.
“We were in the red zone two or three times,” he said. “We just have to score. There aren’t any ifs, ands or buts about it.”
Running back Benny Cunningham was encouraged by Gurley’s performance.
“To see him come out and get a little bit of success, that’s good for him,” Cunningham said. “Hopefully, he can build on it and get back to where he was last season.”
Happy homecoming
Receiver Kenny Britt, who hails from nearby Bayonne, N.J., and played at Rutgers, caught seven passes for 109 yards, including a 46-yard reception.
Britt had three catches during the Rams’ opening drive, including one he made one-handed for a 25-yard gain.
Britt’s performance helped the Rams end a four-game losing streak. He has 44 catches for 693 yards, both team bests.
“It was up and down,” he said of the game. “That’s the NFL, every play is not gonna be perfect, all we can do is strive to execute on the next one.”
In his honor
The Rams planned to send the game ball to former teammate Isaiah Pead, the running back who is in critical condition after being involved in a single-car accident in Columbus, Ohio, early Saturday morning.
Pead, 26, who played for the Rams from 2012-2015, reportedly lost control of his vehicle on a freeway, went through a guardrail and down an embankment and struck several trees. He was ejected from the vehicle.
“Our organization’s hearts and prayers go out to the Isaiah Pead family,” Coach Jeff Fisher said. “I spoke with his mom [on Saturday]. He’s struggling, and he’s going to have a tough road. We’re hoping that he’ll come through this, but his career is over, and he was an outstanding young man while we had him.”
Gurley said the Rams “definitely talked about [Pead] during the game. He’s in our heart.” Punter Johnny Hekker said the accident was a reminder to not take anything for granted.
“You learn that life is kind of fleeting and that a tragedy can happen at any moment,” Hekker said. “We need to cherish these moments, love each other and have a ton of fun out there. We’re praying for him, hoping he comes out of this well.”
Quick hits
Defensive lineman Eugene Sims came out of the game and did not return because of concussion protocol. . . . Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner left the game because of leg cramps but returned.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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