Todd Gurley still looking for a breakout performance as Rams head to Arizona

It was an unprecedented streak that began against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Rams running back Todd Gurley rushed for 146 yards in his first start last season, the first of an NFL rookie-record four consecutive games in which he ran for 125 yards or more.

On Sunday, Gurley returns to Arizona looking for his season’s first breakout performance.

Gurley, who rushed for 1,106 yards in 2015, has gained only 183 yards and has yet to burst for the long gains that characterized his first season.

He ran for 85 yards and two touchdowns in 27 carries in last week’s 37-32 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the Rams improved their record to 2-1.

“I felt like stuff got going — definitely in the second half,” he said Friday, adding, “You’re just so close, you’ve just got to stay patient and, hopefully, it’ll come soon.

“It’s definitely been opening up.”

Gurley was at his best against the Buccaneers in the third quarter. He ran for nine yards on each of two first-down plays and then gained 16 yards on an acrobatic run that ended just short of the end zone.

Gurley took a handoff, burst through the line, shook off an ankle tackle with a spin and then put his hand to the turf three times as he moved toward the goal line.

Gurley, asked to rank the run compared with others in his young pro career, said it was “probably like top 10.”

What if he had scored?

“It probably would have been top five,” he said.

Gurley’s NFL highlight reel begins in the second half of last season’s 24-22 victory at Arizona.

Gurley did not play in the first two games while recovering from knee surgery. He gained nine yards in six carries in his Week 3 debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the stage for his start against the Cardinals.

“I was just so anxious to get back on the field,” he said, adding, “I was just ready to play again, try to redeem myself.”

Gurley gained only two yards in four carries in the first half and then ran for 144 in the second.

During the game’s final drive, Gurley impressed by picking up yardage and staying inbounds to keep the clock running.

“You love to see stuff like that,” left tackle Greg Robinson said.

Gurley broke for a 30-yard run but slid to the turf eight yards short of the end zone to prevent the Cardinals from regaining possession with a chance to win the game.

“I could’ve got it,” he said of a possible touchdown, “but you know, just wanting to get out of there, and get in victory formation.

“But it’s definitely a good feeling, be in it for a minute — running the ball, able to get first downs at the end of the game. That’s what it’s all about. We didn’t get a chance to do that last week — hopefully, we can do it again this week.”

The Cardinals come into Sunday’s game with a 1-2 record and ranked 29^th in rushing defense. They gave up 208 yards rushing in last week’s 33-18 defeat by the Buffalo Bills.

Arizona features defensive lineman Calais Campbell, linebackers such as Deone Bucannon and Kevin Minter, cornerback Patrick Peterson and safety Tyrann Mathieu.

Safeties Tony Jefferson and Tyvon Branch are the leading tacklers for a defense that would seem to be vulnerable if Gurley can get through the line of scrimmage.

“Yeah, if the Honey Badger [Mathieu] doesn’t come to get you, or Pat P,” Gurley said. “He’s fast as well.”

Season debuts?

Cornerback E.J. Gaines and rookie receivers Pharoh Cooper and Nelson Spruce practiced this week and could play for the first time this season.

Gaines, a third-year pro, sat out all of last season because of a foot injury and has been sidelined because of a thigh issue. Gaines would augment a secondary that needs reinforcements against Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, receiver Larry Fitzgerald and other playmakers.

“It’s going to be fun to see if he answers the bell this week,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said of Gaines. “The head coach will make the determination. It’s been a while since he’s played.”

Cooper (shoulder) and Spruce (knee) would add depth to the receiver corps if one or both are not ruled inactive.

Quick hits

Defensive end William Hayes did not practice this week because of an ankle injury suffered against Tampa Bay. Coach Jeff Fisher said Hayes will be a game-time decision…. The Rams will travel to Phoenix on Saturday.