Rams' Gurley looks to stay healthy, improve as receiver in 2nd year

After taking home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, finishing third in the league in rushing, and being elected to the Pro Bowl in his first season in the league, it would be understandable if Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley already believed he possesses a complete skill set.

However, Gurley said Wednesday he's focused on improving the weaknesses in his game from his rookie season.

"Definitely, routes and catching," he said when asked what areas he need to work on, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “I've got to get more catches this year, stay healthy and then run the ball.

"Get my line right and make sure we start off strong and finish strong. But most definitely I want to work on catching."

Gurley put up 1,106 yards rushing after missing the Rams' first two regular season games. He spent the majority of the prior offseason rehabbing from knee surgery, but didn't take long to hit the ground running.

After totaling just nine carries in his first game, Gurley rattled off four consecutive 100-plus yard rushing days.

His numbers did decline later in the season, however, as the grueling season appeared to take a hit on his body.

Gurley was effective in the passing game in 2015, catching 21 of his 26 targets for 188 yards. But as one of the few three-down backs in the league, he'll need to prove himself more of a threat to keep defenses honest on later downs.

The 21-year-old will likely benefit from having a full offseason of practice to work on his game, and is hitting the sessions so hard, that he's even being asked to reel in his efforts somewhat.

"He's doing everything to the point where you almost say, 'Let's back down a little bit,'" Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said.