Getty Myles Gaskin against the Atlanta Falcons on August 11, 2023 in Miami.
Turns out, the Los Angeles Rams’ October 18 signing of running back Myles Gaskin came with an endorsement from a former NFC West coaching rival.
Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur told the media the following day about how Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel vouched for Gaskin, who played for McDaniel in 2022.
What Mike LaFleur Said in Response to Myles Gaskin Signing
LaFleur, who was the New York Jets‘ offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022, was asked whether Gaskin was someone he admired when they were AFC East.
“Yeah, he’s been a good player in this league,” LaFleur said. “Unfortunately for him, he fell behind a really talented crew there in Miami and because he’s talented himself. And that’s obviously why he’s been in the league as long as he has and has had the production. So [I] had a lot of respect for him.”
He also said getting the endorsement of McDaniel, who was on the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff from 2017 to 2021, was important.
“Obviously just hearing about, you know, from McDaniel about what kind of guy he is … In the 24 hours I’ve known him or however long — 36 [hours] — it’s holding true right now,” said LaFleur, who also was on the Niners’ coaching staff, from 2017 to 2020.
Gaskin comes during a time the Rams have to operate without top running back Kyren Williams — who hurt his ankle during the Rams’ Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals and was seen with a walking scooter, according to Yahoo Sports — and backup Ronnie Rivers, out with a PCL injury.
Did Myles Gaskin Thrive Under Mike McDaniel? A Look Back at Past Production
McDaniel is currently creating a buzz around the NFL for his creative and aggressive offensive approach.
His offense has been described by fans and analysts as an old-school running approach but with a twist. As seen here versus the Carolina Panthers, the Dolphins run this fake reverse out of a single-wing formation — a formation that’s been in existence since before the 1970s. Difference is, McDaniel runs it out of the shotgun.
This is so beautiful.
Single Wing is football in it’s purest form!
But how did Gaskin fare under McDaniel? Or was he really lost in that backfield shuffle?
Gaskin had some early promise with the Dolphins, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2019. But that was mostly with Brian Flores as the head coach. Before McDaniel took over in 2022, Gaskin started in 17 games and racked up 1,329 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He also produced back-to-back seasons of hitting past 40 receptions in 2020 and 2021.
Myles Gaskin joins the Rams in an influx of running backs after injuries, sustained last week.
Gaskin was very serviceable in Miami as he rushed for 1200 yards and caught 90 passes during a two year stretch of 2020 and 2021
But his numbers and reps went down in 2022 during McDaniel’s first season.
Gaskin didn’t start in any game. He saw action in only four total games, getting just 10 carries for only 26 yards and no touchdowns. As a receiver, Gaskin hauled in only four catches for 28 yards.
But now, and after a brief stop with the Minnesota Vikings, Gaskin gets a new opportunity and in an offense that needs the extra presence of running backs. Already, LaFleur is convinced that Gaskin won’t be wide-eyed when called upon.
“So if he gets his opp, I know the game’s not going to be too big for him and so do his teammates,” LaFleur said.
Currently, it’s still to be determined when the Rams will elevate Gaskin to the active roster ahead of the Week 7 home contest versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, as Gaskin remains on practice squad. But he’s considered one of the healthy remaining options in a room with rookie Zach Evans and fellow RB veteran Royce Freeman.
The Rams also welcomed back Super Bowl winner Darrell Henderson to the practice squad.