By Jordan Long
The L.A. Rams sit at 11-3, preparing to take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Rams can earn a 1st-round bye if they win and the Chicago Bears lose to the San Francisco 49ers. L.A. added depth to their running back position with the signing of C.J. Anderson.
TheRams were thin at running back. Starter Todd Gurley is expected to play this week even though he is dealing with kneeinflammation in the left knee. Backup running back Justin Davis is dealing with a shoulder injury and may not play onSunday. This left rookie John Kelly asthe only healthy running back.
C.J. Anderson was on the free agency market after being cut by the Oakland Raiders on December 11th. He also spent time with the Carolina Panthers this year. Anderson is hoping to stick with the Rams for the playoff run.
Anderson has not had the opportunity to shine this season. In 9 games with the Panthers, he rushed for 104 yards. His average yards per rush was 4.3. In his career Anderson has a total of 3,155 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
Anderson will not only improve the running game, but he will be part of the passing game. He can sneak out of the backfield to catch passes. When Jared Goff throws him the football, he will make defenders miss. Those can be for large gains. In his career, Anderson has a total of 883 yards receiving with 5 touchdowns. He averages an impressive 8.5 yards per catch
Anderson is not just a runner but can block. He will stop a defensive lineman from hitting Goff. When he does this, it buys Goff more time to throw the football. Goff hits the wide-open receiver for 1st downs or touchdowns.
This move on paper makes the Rams a more dangerous team for the final 2 weeks and the playoffs. Anderson has the experience to improve the Rams. Anderson hopes this could be a long-term home. If he plays well and the Rams make a deep run in the postseason, the Rams may keep him.
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