After facing the Jaguars’ porous run defense last week, Todd Gurley and the Rams’ offensive line were in for a tough test against the Cardinals on Sunday. Arizona came into the game as the fifth-best run defense in the league, while also allowing just 3.3 yards per carry.

To take it a step further, the Cardinals hadn’t allowed a single 100-yard rusher in their last 19 games. Gurley, not surprisingly, snapped that remarkable streak with yet another dominant performance, totaling 106 yards on 22 carries.

As you can see, Gurley ran inside a lot against the Cardinals, right into the teeth of the defense. He was effective in doing so, largely thanks to his big friends up front.

So how did he and the Rams get it done? Let’s examine!

On the Rams’ first play from scrimmage, the offensive line set the tone by moving the Cardinals’ front a good 5 yards to the weak side. Rob Havenstein crashed down from his right tackle spot to set the edge for Gurley, who showed great vision to see the cutback lane and carry it for an 11-yard gain.

Later in the drive, the Rams used Gerald Everett as a blocker in the middle. He slid over as the trap blocker, getting enough of a body on Chandler Jones to open a running lane up the middle of the field for Gurley.

Being the elite back that he is, Gurley didn’t hesitate after seeing his lead blocker cross in front and seal off Jones, hitting the tiny hole with great explosiveness.

Throughout the game, and through the first seven games of the season, Gurley has showed great patience – something he was lacking last season. On this play in the second quarter, there didn’t appear to be much of a hole. Xavier Williams got good penetration on the left side, but couldn’t cut across quick enough to get to Gurley.

Andrew Whitworth was able to hold his block just long enough, pushing his man across the formation to open up a hole in front of Gurley. Without a stutter-step, Gurley probably doesn’t let that hole develop and is hit for short gain.

The same patience is evident on this run by Gurley, allowing Tyler Higbee to come across the formation and get a seal block. A perfectly executed play on the part of both players.

Gurley’s best run of the game came on his 18-yard touchdown, showing off every aspect of his skill set. He sidestepped the first defender, who was left unblocked. That alone was a top-level move by a dominant running back.

After shaking off one hit, Gurley showed his speed and acceleration to get to the edge before stiff-arming Tyvon Branch to the ground. Tavon Austin got a great block in the open field to spring Gurley free, and the rest was cake.

Here’s another look at the run from the end zone camera.

This play may have been a designed cutback by Sean McVay, but it doesn’t go for a substantial gain without a running back like Gurley. He stops on a dime before the line of scrimmage, cuts back to his left and goes for a nice 8-yard gain on second down.

Tyler Higbee didn’t have a great game as a receiver, but he was an effective blocker. Just as the Rams did with Everett earlier in the game, McVay used Higbee as a blocker moving across the formation. He sealed off the defender, who would have had a straight path to Gurley for a loss, allowing the back to scamper for a 6-yard gain.

It doesn’t look like much, but these are the types of plays that helped the Rams gain 197 yards on the ground.

Gurley ran between the tackles often this week, but he did take one pitch for a big gain late in the game. Those plays have often been reserved for Tavon Austin, but Gurley showed his speed on this play.

Of course, it’s not possible without 35-year-old Andrew Whitworth getting outside and laying a huge block on Tyrann Mathieu, as well as a nice block by Sammy Watkins on the edge.

After fielding one of the worst offensive lines and rushing attacks in the NFL last season, the Rams have done a complete 180 in both departments. They’ve improved dramatically in pass protection and run blocking, which is why the Rams have the sixth-most rushing yards in the league.

Gurley is obviously playing his best football ever, but he’s getting a lot of help up front, too.