Importance of Health and Continuity on the O-Line

[Allen2McVay]

Did a little research of perhaps the six best teams in the NFL at this point.

In no particular order, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Buffalo, San Francisco, Dallas and Cincinnati.

Other than the Bengals, it’s my opinion all those teams have more OL-talent than the Rams. However, all six of those teams have enjoyed very-good-to-terrific health and continuity on the O-Line.

The starting-five offensive linemen for those six teams have missed a combined 15 games thus far in 2022. That’s COMBINED. So it’s 2.5 missed games per-team for those six teams.

The Rams projected starting-five OL alone has missed 27 games thus far. And, that doesn’t even consider the three projected top-reserves who are all on season-ending-IR.

We have discussed the Rams’ O-Line injuries; and, like most here, I recognize that the Rams have other issues and there have been other disappointments. Like most, I hope to see an off-season up-grade in OL-talent.

All that being said … six teams … 5 starters per-team … 30 players … 15 total missed games.

The Rams … 5 projected starters … 5 players … 27 missed games.

The injuries to the Offensive Line is not the Only Story of the 2022 Rams. It is the Lead Story, in my opinion.

By-the-Way ... the 2021 Super Bowl Champion Rams' O-Line had a total of 5 missed games for the entire season.

 

[CGI_Ram]

The starting-five offensive linemen for those six teams have missed a combined 15 games thus far in 2022. That’s COMBINED. So it’s 2.5 missed games per-team for those six teams.

The Rams projected starting-five OL alone has missed 27 games thus far. And, that doesn’t even consider the three projected top-reserves who are all on season-ending-IR.

Those are shocking stats.

 

[den-the-coach]

FWIW I would like to see Zach Thomas at LG or RG, I guess keep Shelton at RG and Thomas at LG. Realize that they have been going with the same line, but it's obvious Skura struggles and Thomas is younger with some upside and I can't imagine would be any worse in pass protection.

 

[fearsomefour]

FWIW I would like to see Zach Thomas at LG or RG, I guess keep Shelton at RG and Thomas at LG. Realize that they have been going with the same line, but it's obvious Skura struggles and Thomas is younger with some upside and I can't imagine would be any worse in pass protection.

I like what Skura has brought.
You don't like him.
But, he is, at this point, a back up player. That is what you get with a back up player. His run blocking has been solid and pass pro has been better than the players that came before him. He does give up some ugly, ugly sacks because his balance isn't great. He should really just grab hold and eat a holding penalty on those plays. As we saw with Hav vs the Raiders.....they won't call all of them, haha.
But, I agree.
Lets see what Thomas can do at LG.
See what a younger guy can do as the process of trying to identify next years depth if nothing else.
Give him a shot, nothing to lose.

 

[den-the-coach]

I like what Skura has brought.
You don't like him.

Skura has been much better than Evans as you posted, just feel if Thomas is ready to give him an opportunity. Skura has been pushed back, but there have only been a few whiffs (Chiefs) I just like to see what Thomas offers and maybe the Rams found something there.

 

[BonifayRam]

Skura has been much better than Evans as you posted, just feel if Thomas is ready to give him an opportunity. Skura has been pushed back, but there have only been a few whiffs (Chiefs) I just like to see what Thomas offers and maybe the Rams found something there.

Zach Thomas NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Chicago Bears' IOL

HEIGHT: 6'4 7/8" WEIGHT: 308 HAND: 10 1/4" ARM: 33 7/8" WINGSPAN: 6'10 1/2" 40-YARD DASH: 4.96 3-CONE:...

currently.att.yahoo.com

Thomas is a four-year starter with 31 career starts primarily at tackle and most recently at left tackle in 2021 inside San Diego State's run-heavy, zone-based run scheme. He has broad shoulders, long arms, large hands and very good athletic ability.

Zach Thomas Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

www.nfl.com

Tackle-to-guard prospect with run-blocking talent to work with, Thomas is a fit for zone-scheme teams as a sticky move blocker with the ability to shift and stay connected while continuing to keep his feet moving.

 

[Kupped]

Zach Thomas NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Chicago Bears' IOL

HEIGHT: 6'4 7/8" WEIGHT: 308 HAND: 10 1/4" ARM: 33 7/8" WINGSPAN: 6'10 1/2" 40-YARD DASH: 4.96 3-CONE:...

currently.att.yahoo.com

Thomas is a four-year starter with 31 career starts primarily at tackle and most recently at left tackle in 2021 inside San Diego State's run-heavy, zone-based run scheme. He has broad shoulders, long arms, large hands and very good athletic ability.

Zach Thomas Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

www.nfl.com

Tackle-to-guard prospect with run-blocking talent to work with, Thomas is a fit for zone-scheme teams as a sticky move blocker with the ability to shift and stay connected while continuing to keep his feet moving.

I'm not sure if getting Thomas in is the right thing with Mayfield around.

You want to maximize Mayfield on the field for two reasons.. to have a respectable team and to get the highest possible comp pick for him.

But, getting Thomas in the building, a guy with real potential, is a big win. They control him next season cheaply, so he may be another option.
He's got a lot of physical comps to Austin Corbett.. a guy who developed pretty damn well.

 

[Merlin]

There are two key metrics at play that affected the Rams' 2022 OL. One was injuries, which it is true you simply cannot plan for when you suffer the level of injuries this team has suffered. But the other is quality of the players in the room overall and that is an area where the Rams were already short.

Also I don't blame them for their approach to the OL. After you win the Super Bowl and are riding high it's easier to rationalize a lesser level of quality in your unit.

But for 2023 they are looking at a roster that is short once again in quality of the players in the room. Will they be stupid enough to simply make a go with the same unit? I doubt that. Certainly you can play what-if here. For example you can say "well maybe we don't need to address LG as someone will fill it." This is probably true. But the overall strength of the starting 5 has to be weighed. That is the key. Having a weakness on the OL, a less than optimum player, that is something even the best OL have. But generally speaking you need to have two studs if you want those JAGs in the remaining spots to produce. Those studs are the glue that holds the line together.

Who are our studs. This is the heart of the problem and it is why focusing too much on the gross misfortune of this season's injuries has the potential to work against us.

 

[Kupped]

There are two key metrics at play that affected the Rams' 2022 OL. One was injuries, which it is true you simply cannot plan for when you suffer the level of injuries this team has suffered. But the other is quality of the players in the room overall and that is an area where the Rams were already short.

Also I don't blame them for their approach to the OL. After you win the Super Bowl and are riding high it's easier to rationalize a lesser level of quality in your unit.

But for 2023 they are looking at a roster that is short once again in quality of the players in the room. Will they be stupid enough to simply make a go with the same unit? I doubt that. Certainly you can play what-if here. For example you can say "well maybe we don't need to address LG as someone will fill it." This is probably true. But the overall strength of the starting 5 has to be weighed. That is the key. Having a weakness on the OL, a less than optimum player, that is something even the best OL have. But generally speaking you need to have two studs if you want those JAGs in the remaining spots to produce. Those studs are the glue that holds the line together.

Who are our studs. This is the heart of the problem and it is why focusing too much on the gross misfortune of this season's injuries has the potential to work against us.

Great points.
I guess part of the answer is what you think Havenstein is. Is he a stud?
The second part would be what you think Jackson's potential is. Can he be a stud? I saw much more growth from Jackson, year one-to-two, than I thought possible. He's not a world beater.. but, he's something.
Bruss is the other guy you *hope* can become a stud, based on where he was drafted.

But, to your point, there's no *obvious* difference-maker lineman on the team at the moment.

 

[BonifayRam]

Great points.
I guess part of the answer is what you think Havenstein is. Is he a stud?
The second part would be what you think Jackson's potential is. Can he be a stud? I saw much more growth from Jackson, year one-to-two, than I thought possible. He's not a world beater.. but, he's something.
Bruss is the other guy you *hope* can become a stud, based on where he was drafted.

But, to your point, there's no *obvious* difference-maker lineman on the team at the moment.

Jackson's potential ......with devloped blood clots is?

 

[RAMSinLA]

Most important positions in football is the O-Line

 

[gogoat1]

Most important positions in football is the O-Line

Hey, thats my line !
You got it, great O lines make everybody's job easier. Even the defense.

 

[thirteen28]

Did a little research of perhaps the six best teams in the NFL at this point.

In no particular order, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Buffalo, San Francisco, Dallas and Cincinnati.

Other than the Bengals, it’s my opinion all those teams have more OL-talent than the Rams. However, all six of those teams have enjoyed very-good-to-terrific health and continuity on the O-Line.

The starting-five offensive linemen for those six teams have missed a combined 15 games thus far in 2022. That’s COMBINED. So it’s 2.5 missed games per-team for those six teams.

The Rams projected starting-five OL alone has missed 27 games thus far. And, that doesn’t even consider the three projected top-reserves who are all on season-ending-IR.

We have discussed the Rams’ O-Line injuries; and, like most here, I recognize that the Rams have other issues and there have been other disappointments. Like most, I hope to see an off-season up-grade in OL-talent.

All that being said … six teams … 5 starters per-team … 30 players … 15 total missed games.

The Rams … 5 projected starters … 5 players … 27 missed games.

The injuries to the Offensive Line is not the Only Story of the 2022 Rams. It is the Lead Story, in my opinion.

By-the-Way ... the 2021 Super Bowl Champion Rams' O-Line had a total of 5 missed games for the entire season.

To add another data point ... the 1999 Rams had a total of *1* missed game among their starting 5.

 

[Kupped]

Jackson's potential ......with devloped blood clots is?

Wide variety if possible outcomes, from what I’ve read.

I would think they would have enough info to make a decision for next season on good time.

 

[fearsomefour]

Skura has been much better than Evans as you posted, just feel if Thomas is ready to give him an opportunity. Skura has been pushed back, but there have only been a few whiffs (Chiefs) I just like to see what Thomas offers and maybe the Rams found something there.

Agree 100%.
Nothing to lose and sometimes you learn something about a player.
One great thing about getting Mayfield under center is will really help the young WRs we are running out there develop. They can actually get the ball delivered to them. We saw that on Thursday with Tutu with a personal best in catches in a game and Skow with a personal best in yards in a game.
Lets see what a young lineman has to offer, I agree 100%.
The silver lining to this season may be the development of guys getting some opportunities they may not otherwise get.

 

[SWAdude]

Most important positions in football is the O-Line

For 50 years now I have heard it is a battle in the trenches.

Time has proven that to be true.

Just watched the Cardinals lose with the same amount of O-line injured as the Rams and most in the NFL to a 50/50 team.

It really is a thing.

I sure hope next season this gets resolved one way or another. I hope injuries is not inherent within an individual and can be prevented with scheme. Otherwise I feel the cap can screw us there. Along with draft debt.

Love we are World Champions. And I certainly want more.

GO RAMS!!!

 

[BonifayRam]

Who will start on the Rams offensive line next season?​

4 different OL projections for 2023

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Dec 21, 2022

Rams 2023 offensive line projection: It will be better

4 different OL projections for 2023

www.turfshowtimes.com

Though the Los Angeles Rams did not have a top-100 pick in the draft this year, it’s easy to forget that Les Snead’s top pick actually was an offensive lineman this time. Snead hasn’t had much success with his third round offensive line picks thus far, but let’s not call Logan Bruss’s career over just yet.

On that same note, we don’t know for sure that Joe Noteboom, L.A.’s third round pick in 2018, wouldn’t have had the breakout season that the Rams were expecting prior to tearing his Achilles in the sixth game of the year. At that point, the Rams were 3-3. Since then, they are 1-7.

Before even talking about the 2023 draft or the next round of free agency, who could Sean McVay start on the offensive line next year?

The Hold Steady Projection​

LT - Joe Noteboom​

LG - David Edwards (re-signed)​

C - Brian Allen​

RG - Coleman Shelton​

RT - Rob Havenstein​

Edwards is a free agent but it should be easy to bring him back if the Rams want to do that. Edwards has been out since Week 6, ending the starting left side of L.A.’s offensive line before they even hit their Week 7 bye. Edwards might cost between $5-$7 million per season, if not a little less.

And essentially that is all that Snead would have to do to bring back the same Week 1 offensive line that the Rams had this year. It wasn’t necessarily a bad plan, they just lost every single one of these players to injury, and many of their backups, other than Havenstein.

It’s an easy plan. It might work.

The Use Bruss Projection​

LT - Joe Noteboom​

LG - Coleman Shelton​

C - Brian Allen​

RG - Logan Bruss​

RT - Rob Havenstein​

If the Rams would rather spend that Edwards money elsewhere, they already have Bruss and could give him that opportunity. It’s more in line with what McVay tends to do with his interior offensive line starters. L.A. could bring back Matt Skura and Oday Aboushi at a low cost for depth that has gotten quite a lot of reps this season in the offense.

Tremayne Anchrum and Chandler Brewer could also provide depth on the interior, with A.J. Jackson back for another year as Noteboom’s backup. Max Pircher will enter his third year as the team’s International Pathway Program player.

The Save Money Projection​

LT - A.J. Jackson​

LG - Coleman Shelton​

C - Matt Skura/Rookie​

RG - Logan Bruss​

RT - Rob Havenstein​

Before getting too cute and cutting Havenstein too, let’s see how this line looks with just the injury releases of Noteboom and Allen. Those cuts save a combined $5.1 million, leaving dead money on the cap, but saving roster bonus payments. Jackson may have outplayed Noteboom this year too. The team hasn’t placed a high priority on center and Allen isn’t having the season that he had in 2021, even just accounting for the injury issues.

The Move Noteboom Projection​

LT - A.J. Jackson​

LG - Joe Noteboom​

C - Brian Allen​

RG - Coleman Shelton​

RT - Rob Havenstein​

Depth: Logan Bruss, Matt Skura, Tremayne Anchrum, A.J. Arcuri

Perhaps the team lets Edwards walk, moves Noteboom back inside, and brings back Skura as Allen’s backup. The team could draft an offensive lineman on day two, no problem, but the Rams still need better depth than they had this year. Clearly. So it can’t be L.A.’s only plan, to just “draft starting replacement rookies.” No, it doesn’t usually work that way. But the Rams could double down and still come back with a much better line in 2023.

 

[oldnotdead]

I think the Rams need to look long and hard at the strength and conditioning dept.

LT Noteboom
LG Jackson
C Shelton
RG Bruss/Thomas
RT Havenstein

Gameday actives: OT Nsekhe, C/OG Allen, OG/OT Thomas or OG Bruss

That's my guess for the 9 roster OL next year. Jackson played well at RG last year. He would be a big upgrade over Edwards.

 

[So Ram]

I think the Rams need to look long and hard at the strength and conditioning dept.

LT Noteboom
LG Jackson
C Shelton
RG Bruss/Thomas
RT Havenstein

Gameday actives: OT Nsekhe, C/OG Allen, OG/OT Thomas or OG Bruss

That's my guess for the 9 roster OL next year. Jackson played well at RG last year. He would be a big upgrade over Edwards.

Thomas ?

 

[Kupped]

Chandler Brewer is practicing again… I don’t know if he’ll play this week.. but really hope to see him a lot the rest of the season. Showed well and is an excellent size/athleticism prospect.

Could easily see him and Bruss starting next year.