New York Giants vs LA Rams: Todd Gurley hoping for momentum boost from Twickenham win

EXCLUSIVE
In action: Gurley carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills earlier this month
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James Benge21 October 2016

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley has his eye on a win at Twickenham on Sunday that could provide a valuable momentum boost heading into the second half of their NFL season.

The Rams arrive at Twickenham with the same 3-3 as their opponents, the New York Giants and with both sides set for a bye week after their transatlantic voyage.

Heading into their week of rest with a sense of momentum is crucial for any side and the Rams’ opponents on Sunday can attest to the benefits that come from a victorious visit to London. In 2007 the Giants claimed victory at Wembley over the Miami Dolphins, a crucial staging post on their way to a Super Bowl triumph at the end of the season.

Though a ring may be beyond the Rams a playoff spot as one of the NFC’s two wild cards may feel that a win in London can set them well on course for a run of four games against teams with losing records after their bye week.

Speaking earlier in the year Gurley told Standard Sport: “Most definitely it can be crucial. Just to get a win period is important in this league but having it going into a bye week will make it all the better and give the second half of our season real momentum if we come back from London with a win.

“We’ve been talking about it of course – it might be the longest trip we make but it’s going to be a cool experience to go to London. For some of us it’ll be our first time so it’ll an incredible experience to play in a different country.

“I’ve spoken to a bunch of guys from different teams about how you deal with the travel. If you lose it feels like a lot of work but if you win it’s a great feeling and can really propel you on.

“If we can come back with the win it’ll be great to bring our locker room together. Just to be in a different country and have a unique experience is crucial for us.”

This has been a roving season for Sunday’s home team. The Rams began 2016 a St Louis team before their move to Los Angeles, initiated by Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenek, was confirmed and have since played four of their six games away from home.

Their powerful defence has been crucial in tight victories, helpful as it has not been the smoothest of transitions for Gurley, last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Having run over 125 yards in each of his first four NFL starts last season the running back’s progress has been checked behind a poor offensive line and without the joint threat of a quality quarterback to ensure variety on offence.

But that has not dulled the excitement of the move to Los Angeles, where Gurley has become one of the brightest sporting stars.

“Everybody has been excited about moving to a new city, everyone is happy so far,” Gurley added. “The weather’s great and the city is crazy. We’re just excited to be playing our part in bringing football back to Los Angeles.

“Running out in the Coliseum for the first time: awesome. You don’t get those sort of opportunities often in a career so I’m going to enjoy them for sure.”

Gurley will hope that his Twickenham trip goes down as a similarly memorable moment

Todd Gurley uses Bose Headphones to block out distractions and stay focused ahead of the Rams game in Twickenham.

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