Los Angeles Rams

Rams laud rookie Gurley for knowing when to pump the brakes

Published Oct. 5, 2015 4:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

Todd Gurley did plenty for the St. Louis Rams with an explosive performance in his second NFL game.

Yet, it's what the rookie running back didn't do that earned him praise from his coach and teammates alike in Sunday's 24-22 victory at the Arizona Cardinals.

Gurley carved up the Cardinals by rushing for 144 of his 146 yards in the second half, including 106 in the fourth quarter alone. His most impressive run, however, may have been one in which he surrendered a chance at his first NFL touchdown.

The No. 10 overall pick in this year's draft, Gurley burst down the sideline and had a clear path to the end zone, but he instead pulled up and went to the ground so the Rams could run out the clock.

"It’s totally unselfish,” Rams coach Fisher said, “and beyond that, for a rookie to have the presence of mind to do that -- that says a lot for his understanding of this game and putting games away.”

"That was a veteran move right there, especially being it possibly his first touchdown on a run like that, in a situation like that," Rams quarterback Nick Foles added. "It shows you that he is a team guy first and that is what you want."

Todd Gurley (@TG3II) is 1st rookie drafted in 1st Rd with 100+ rush yards in 4th Q since Adrian Peterson in 2007 pic.twitter.com/m8dPgPss6z
— Randall Liu (@RLiuNFL) October 5, 2015