The running game just looks completely different with Nolan James. I will defer to experts on why.
I’m far from an expert, but have played and coached OL for two decades—but that play inside the 10 in the 1H is the play that sticks out in my mind. Zone run to short side, DE shouldn’t be able to make a play on the back, but is able to trip Aneyas up for a short loss. James either gains yardage or scores on that.
When your OL has trouble creating creases, you need a back who can find it and hit it. If finding the crease on a zone run is equal between Williams and James, James is a step quicker and instead of a defender meeting him behind the LOS, James is a step past and even if he doesn’t break a tackle, gains 3-5 yards.
