OL through 2 games

[Riverumbbq]

Two other Oline thoughts:

1. Avila - I think Avila is going to need some work on recognizing which pass rusher to pickup. NFL defenses are sneaky and he has a little bit of work in this area as you can see on his college film and in the preseason. But his recovery is so quick it should be minimized until he can improve there.

2. Noteboom - I think Boom is a little better then we sometimes give him credit for. He has really turned in some solid games vs top pass rushers and stood in well for Whitworth in big time games for us. I agree he is subpar as a guard in the run game but he is an asset in pass pro even when inside. Especially compared to someone like Shelton or possibly even Anchrum. I don't think a trade would be wise considering the value of a depth guy with experience on the Oline, and I am not going to be surprised if he gets the start at RG and holds up well in pass pro.

Noteboom isn't helping himself by not practicing last week and possibly not practicing this week either.

 

[MachS]

Just imagine if Noteboom and Bruss weren't complete whiffs and were NFL starting caliber, or even potentially Pro Bowl caliber. Avila seems to be the real deal but you never know. Our OL luck has been bad in the McVay era. When will the pendulum swing back?

 

[kurtfaulk]

Just imagine if Noteboom and Bruss weren't complete whiffs and were NFL starting caliber, or even potentially Pro Bowl caliber. Avila seems to be the real deal but you never know. Our OL luck has been bad in the McVay era. When will the pendulum swing back?

Noteboom was fantastic as the back up for Whitworth. Didn't see much of a drop off when he had to come in.

The Rams had to make a choice and there was no indication he couldn't handle the position, apart from injury concerns.

.

 

[Londoner]

 

[Merlin]

In the 4th quarter, Whit said something like, "Joe Noteboom is a strong and extraordinarily talented athlete, so I'd expect him to be one of the starting 5, somewhere on the line." Only available spot would be RG, right?

Whit might be too close to these guys though. He's still a lineman in his head, one of the guys. So for some of his takes I sort of take it with a grain of salt.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I’ve slagged Noteboom for being such a disappointment as much as anyone, but Whit’s comments move the needle for me; if anybody knows what’s up it’s Whit. It’s not the first time he’s talked up Noteboom.

 

[oldnotdead]

The constant shuffling on the OL should have ended in OTAs. The OL is a month behind in their development as it takes WEEKS OR MONTHS for them to gel as a unit. McVay in his indecision has done them no favors. I'm not convinced that Noteboom's current problem isn't related to his Achilles injury. It takes almost a year for an OL to regain 100% functionality with an injury like that. Akers isn't an OL man so his stressing his Achilles is measured in seconds or fraction of seconds. An OL player has to maintain his drive and power during a block for the entire play. So returning 100% from that kind of injury is a whole different animal compared to Akers.

I think Thomas is their best option at RG in all honesty. He's been very good in preseason. He is more mobile than Shelton with a better play radius with his height and long arms. He gives them the same advantages they want with Noteboom. But I think they will start Shelton if Noteboom can't play.

The real weakness will remain on the right side while the strength will be the left side. The problem with Avila and Jackson is that they still don't communicate as well as they should. That will take time for them to know immediately in any given circumstance what the other is going to do. That is true across the board with the OL. To think they can simply line up and play at a high level during an actual game without the same 5 guys is asking a lot. If Shelton is their RG, or Thomas or whoever they need to just decide who it is and go with them. C'mon man the season starts on Sept 10 that's in 3 weeks. That's the minimum time they will need to learn how to play as a cohesive unit.

LT Jackson
LG Avila
C Allen
RG Thomas
RT Havenstein

Swings: OT/OG Noteboom, C/OG Shelton, OT McClendon, C/OG McAllister

Those are the nine best OL they have IMO. Starting Thomas at RG IMO is a no brainer. He brings the ability to pull on left side runs something none of the others do. This brings size and mobility to this new OL.

 

[TexasRam]

The constant shuffling on the OL should have ended in OTAs. The OL is a month behind in their development as it takes WEEKS OR MONTHS for them to gel as a unit. McVay in his indecision has done them no favors. I'm not convinced that Noteboom's current problem isn't related to his Achilles injury. It takes almost a year for an OL to regain 100% functionality with an injury like that. Akers isn't an OL man so his stressing his Achilles is measured in seconds or fraction of seconds. An OL player has to maintain his drive and power during a block for the entire play. So returning 100% from that kind of injury is a whole different animal compared to Akers.

I think Thomas is their best option at RG in all honesty. He's been very good in preseason. He is more mobile than Shelton with a better play radius with his height and long arms. He gives them the same advantages they want with Noteboom. But I think they will start Shelton if Noteboom can't play.

The real weakness will remain on the right side while the strength will be the left side. The problem with Avila and Jackson is that they still don't communicate as well as they should. That will take time for them to know immediately in any given circumstance what the other is going to do. That is true across the board with the OL. To think they can simply line up and play at a high level during an actual game without the same 5 guys is asking a lot. If Shelton is their RG, or Thomas or whoever they need to just decide who it is and go with them. C'mon man the season starts on Sept 10 that's in 3 weeks. That's the minimum time they will need to learn how to play as a cohesive unit.

LT Jackson
LG Avila
C Allen
RG Thomas
RT Havenstein

Swings: OT/OG Noteboom, C/OG Shelton, OT McClendon, C/OG McAllister

Those are the nine best OL they have IMO. Starting Thomas at RG IMO is a no brainer. He brings the ability to pull on left side runs something none of the others do. This brings size and mobility to this new OL.

I am not going to be mad if they go with Thomas. He has shown some promise. But I doubt they go that direction. On my 3rd rewatch I was able to really focus on Anchrum vs the Raiders. He was real solid. I don't see any way they swap him out of the starting lineup unless its for Noteboom.

Mcallister also looked really solid. I definitely think he takes over at center at some point.

Avila is just a dam beast. Man he is fun to watch. And I don't say that based on him draft hype. He really pops off the fim with his quickness, power, hands and his alpha vibe.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I’m not buying into Whitworth’s comments. He’s not going to say anything negative.
Joe is injury prone and is backup material.

Just imagine if Noteboom and Bruss weren't complete whiffs and were NFL starting caliber, or even potentially Pro Bowl caliber. Avila seems to be the real deal but you never know. Our OL luck has been bad in the McVay era. When will the pendulum swing back?

Yeah, Snead has a mental block on linemen. Maybe it’s because he was always looking for agile guys who can run to play the outside zone scheme.

 

[Tumak61]

Noteboom is best used backing up either Tackle or Guard. He can come in and function during a game if needed. Also when the Offense goes heavy he can come in as an extra lineman and provide value there. I believe they try and move him in a trade, if not he's the 6th Lineman for this season.

 

[Loyal]

Whit might be too close to these guys though. He's still a lineman in his head, one of the guys. So for some of his takes I sort of take it with a grain of salt.

Big Whit Diminisher!

 

[snackdaddy]

My preference may not be their preference. What I'd like to see from left to right is Jackson, Avila, Shelton, Anchrum, Havenstein. They may have Allen at center. If so I'd prefer Shelton at RG with him. That is a combo that is familiar with each other. But its possible Noteboom is the right guard. I'd prefer he be swing tackle. Not impressed with his guard play.

 

[Tano]

My preference may not be their preference. What I'd like to see from left to right is Jackson, Avila, Shelton, Anchrum, Havenstein. They may have Allen at center. If so I'd prefer Shelton at RG with him. That is a combo that is familiar with each other. But its possible Noteboom is the right guard. I'd prefer he be swing tackle. Not impressed with his guard play.

Noteboom is probably going to be IR - (note that is completely a guess but with Noteboom - it wouldn't surprise me one bit)

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Usually they’re candid and asap with letting us know about player injuries, so what are some possible reasons for not disclosing Noteboom’s?

 

[Psycho_X]

I’m not buying into Whitworth’s comments. He’s not going to say anything negative.

Idk, I've heard Whit be pretty candid about players at times. He doesn't go overboard like people on a message board does but he puts in subtle critiques about players at times. I remember him talking about Bobby Brown not always having the motor every down coaches want him to have this last game for instance.

Usually they’re candid and asap with letting us know about player injuries...

 

[Psycho_X]

To add to the video from page 1 I also love seeing this from Avila. It doesn't effect the play but I get sick of seeing o-lineman let defensive lineman jump at will with no repercussions. It happened a lot last couple of years. So glad to have an enforcer on this line especially in the middle.

View: https://twitter.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1691096394449424385?s=20

 

[hotanez]

My preference may not be their preference. What I'd like to see from left to right is Jackson, Avila, Shelton, Anchrum, Havenstein. They may have Allen at center. If so I'd prefer Shelton at RG with him. That is a combo that is familiar with each other. But its possible Noteboom is the right guard. I'd prefer he be swing tackle. Not impressed with his guard play.

I would bet that will be the starting 5 in week 1

 

[Riverumbbq]

Usually they’re candid and asap with letting us know about player injuries, so what are some possible reasons for not disclosing Noteboom’s?

Noteboom's 'injury' may be more mental than physical, but my speculation really does no good. The guy just appears as rather unhappy. I'd really like to see the team move him than lose another up & coming OL talent to the waiver wire.
jmo.

 

[Merlin]

To add to the video from page 1 I also love seeing this from Avila. It doesn't effect the play but I get sick of seeing o-lineman let defensive lineman jump at will with no repercussions. It happened a lot last couple of years. So glad to have an enforcer on this line especially in the middle.

View: https://twitter.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1691096394449424385?s=20

Avila is gonna be the best pick we've made in years on the OL. Not the kind of guy who needs a coach reminding him to play through the whistle. This dude just gets it.

 

[Ram65]

It's been a mixed bag but I think one thing we're not talking about enough is the fact we might have a starting LT. Jackson looks solid man. And I am pretty sure right now Avila is going to get better and better as we go forward so the left side of that OL is potentially going from garbage last season to decent. Now if Jackson can hold up physically and log games we might be lottery winners at LT, but of course that's a ways off.

Still, though, I'll take wins where I can get them. Arcuri wasn't too bad either btw, so him and McClendon might make for a nice bottom of the roster OT duo if they can both make the cut.

RG honestly I still don't know what to think. But Center looks like it'll be ok and maybe we found some fresh blood for that depth chart overall so if and when they solve RG we may have the makings of a line.

A nice positive spin on the O Line (for a change).

I agree if Jackson holds up the left side should be solid. Avila will be fine and will keep improving. Allen/Shelton should be solid. Hav will be Hav solid but, gets beat sometimes.

The Rams have not been game-planning etc so I expect McVay will keep defenses off balance much better once the season starts. Good depth and some good health and things should be much improved over last year.