"The metric I'm using to singlehandedly support this bold claim is success rate. Using historical data, we can determine whether any play for an offense made it more or less likely to score on that drive. A 6-yard gain on first-and-10 from the 42-yard line? Positive expected points added, positive play. A 4-yard gain on the same first-and-10? Negative expected points added, negative play."
"According to NFL Next Gen Stats, those 2018 and 2025 Rams are the only two rushing offenses since 2016 with success rates over 50% on carries by running backs. The 2018 team was at 50.13%, while the 2025 Rams are right behind at 50.12%. No cheeky scrambles, no quarterback keeps on read options -- pure running back handoffs. Even in 2018, we knew we were watching something special in Los Angeles."
Success rate measures whether a play increases the likelihood of scoring on a drive, distinguishing positive plays (e.g., a 6-yard gain on first-and-10) from negative ones (e.g., a 4-yard gain on the same down). Running plays primarily aim to keep the offense on schedule and gain manageable yards, so high success rate denotes a reliable rushing attack. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the 2018 Rams (50.13%) and the 2025 Rams (50.12%) are the only teams since 2016 with over 50% success on running back carries. The 2025 Rams achieve that mark without quarterback scrambles or read-option keeps.
Read at ESPN.com
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