'Glue Guy' Tyler Higbee's Run Blocking Powers Rams' Ground Game
On a third-and-4 on the Los Angeles Rams' first drive of the game, they were lined up in the shotgun with three wide receivers on the field, looking like they were going to throw in an attempt to pick up the first down.
Rams tight end Tyler Higbee came across the formation for a "wham" block, sealing a running lane for Kyren Williams' 9-yard gain and a first down on a drive that went on to put six points on the board and set the ton for Los Angeles' dominant 30-13 win against the Seattle Seahawks. Higbee got down and dirty in the trenches and helped Los Angeles' running game in crucial moments.
"Tyler Higbee, captain, guy that really is a glue guy for this football team," head coach Sean McVay said. "It was a huge play that he made 30 yards down the sideline with a good player in (Seahawks safety Julian) Love in coverage on him. He and Matthew had a great rapport on that route."
Williams owes Higbee a steak dinner, as he was a key run-blocking factor on both of his rushing touchdowns.
On third-and-goal on the opening drive, Higbee came across the formation and got just enough of a seal on Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant, who dove in attempt to make a tackle, as Williams walked into the end zone.
Midway through the third quarter, Higbee chipped outside linebacker Derick Hall at the line of scrimmage before engaging a fundamental-looking block on linebacker Jordyn Brooks at the second level, helping open a hole just big enough for Williams to squirt through.
On running back Cam Akers' 1-yard touchdown run on fourth down, Higbee pulled, got outside in a hurry and sent Seattle cornerback Riq Woolen to the parking lot.
On zone runs, Higbee received a run-blocking grade of 68.4, according to Pro Football Focus, which was tied for the ninth-highest in the NFL among tight ends who have played thus far in Week 1. Higbee was tied for the league's fifth-best pass-blocking grade by tight ends, according to PFF.
"In a lot of instances, those guys are an extension of the offensive line, especially when you're committing them to the blocking surface," McVay said.
He hauled in three passes for 49 yards, including completions of seven and 12 yards on third downs on the opening drive. Higbee beat Love on a wheel right up the sideline for a 30-yard gain.
Higbee wasn't alone in the effort, though, as Brycen Hopkins had the highest receiving grade of all tight ends who have played so far this season at 90, according to PFF.
Hopkins streaked from the tight end position on the left side of the Rams' offensive line, following quarterback Matthew Stafford who was on a naked bootleg to his right. Hopkins caught the pass in stride and picked up 21 yards on his only reception of the game.
"(I'm) really happy for those guys," McVay said. "They're going to continue to be big parts of what we do moving forward."
Tight ends don't get a lot of love due to their receiving totals not being as sexy as a wide receiver's, but Higbee and Hopkins earned the honor of two of the Rams' very best on offense in Week 1.
