Exclusive | Todd Gurleys surprising plan to beat Rams star-studded defense

Imagine being an NFL running back walking into an offensive meeting room and your opponent for that week is the Rams.You open up your notebook, and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett’s name is staring back at you.Oh yeah, three-time DPOY winner Aaron Donald’s is, too.Then Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Byron Young and Nate Landman.The offensive coordinator tells the group that if the quarterback somehow survives the pass rush long enough to throw the ball, that All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie is waiting for him.So, how exactly do opposing offenses attack this revamped Rams defense?Former Rams running back Todd Gurley has an idea.The former 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year faced plenty of intimidating defenses during his six seasons in the league.

But during an exclusive interview with the California Post courtesy of DraftKings Gameday, Gurley shared his intimate strategy on how he would attack the Rams’ defense if he were still in an offensive meeting room.“If I’m an offensive coordinator, I’m doing a lot of formations,” Gurley said.“I’m switching it up.

A lot of sweeps.Make those guys run.”Gurley was asked if he thinks the 49ers and reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey will utilize a similar strategy on Thursday in the season opener against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.“It’s the first game,” Gurley said.

“Obviously, some people have to build into that endurance, but I’m running straight at guys.I’m running straight at guys.”His strategy might sound counterintuitive.

Garrett is a two-time DPOY winner and a great run-stopper.So is Donald and Ford.

Running directly at them sounds less like an offensive strategy and more like a crash test dummy volunteering to be in a car accident.Gurley’s point, however, exploits a Rams weakness from last season and forces an elite defensive front to have to exert a lot of energy and effort in chasing the running back instead of allowing their ...