St. Louis Rams Closing Evaluations: What Grades Do the Running Backs Receive?

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

It’s safe to say that the running backs were the most impactful position group for the St. Louis Rams’ offense in 2014, as two different backup quarterbacks led the Rams to an average of just 213 passing yards per game, which placed them 23rd in the league. While the Rams weren’t noticeably more successful in the running game, averaging 102.2 running yards per game, the backs paced the offense and made up for the limitations of Shaun Hill and Austin Davis.

While most Rams fans probably didn’t expect Tre Mason to completely take over as the Rams’ primary running back in 2014, he delivered a strong rookie effort and provided an explosive element to the Rams’ running game that hadn’t been seen since the days of Marshall Faulk, as power back Steven Jackson had received the lion’s share of the Rams’ carries ever since 2005, ultimately being replaced by Zac Stacy, who also runs with more of a bruising style than Mason.

No one is expecting Mason to be the next Faulk, but there is hope that the 21-year-old back will be able to become the Rams’ long-term starter following rather frequent turnover at the position since Jeff Fisher took over as the head coach. In addition, the Rams seem to have found several other backs who can be long-term complimentary contributors.

Click through the next few slides to see what grades the Rams’ backs received for their respective 2014 performances.

Next: Tre Mason