Rams’ constant O-line shuffling is unmatched in Super Bowl era

[Kupped]

​

Snead/McVay might want to go ahead & start planning to beef up the LT position now for the future to help protect #9 going into the future. Mega amounts of this Ram teams assets (past/present/future) to bring #9 to the Rams.

Rams did well to lock up the RT position with a trio of RT players ....veteran Havenstein with youngsters Arcuri & Pircher. They need to do the same @ the LT position. With the current two ( Noteboom/ Jackson) under contract LT's 2023 availability in question, now is the time to begin to build up that LT position

Need to tie up a veteran 37 LT Ty Nsekhe now for the 2023 season while he can be had & for a low economy-priced salary.​

I would absolutely try to keep Nsekhe if he was relatively cheap.. and cut Boom and Allen.
You'd be less pressed to draft a tackle.. and could draft a Center higher.

 

[Psycho_X]

​

Snead/McVay might want to go ahead & start planning to beef up the LT position now for the future to help protect #9 going into the future. Mega amounts of this Ram teams assets (past/present/future) to bring #9 to the Rams.

Rams did well to lock up the RT position with a trio of RT players ....veteran Havenstein with youngsters Arcuri & Pircher. They need to do the same @ the LT position. With the current two ( Noteboom/ Jackson) under contract LT's 2023 availability in question, now is the time to begin to build up that LT position

Need to tie up a veteran 37 LT Ty Nsekhe now for the 2023 season while he can be had & for a low economy-priced salary.​

I'd be good with keeping Nsekhe for sure. Boom's contract probably keeps him here at least one more season but obviously can't be relied on and is coming back from a crippling injury. Jackson looked like the future and now has a serious blood clot issue that I'm guessing will make him a question mark until summertime. If there is a LT the Rams like come round 2 I'd jump at the opportunity. But would be a smart move to lock up Nsekhe for 2024 and let the room sort itself out in training camp/preseason. Can't go into 2024 with only Boom and Jackson for sure.

 

[BonifayRam]

I'd be good with keeping Nsekhe for sure. Boom's contract probably keeps him here at least one more season but obviously can't be relied on and is coming back from a crippling injury. Jackson looked like the future and now has a serious blood clot issue that I'm guessing will make him a question mark until summertime. If there is a LT the Rams like come round 2 I'd jump at the opportunity. But would be a smart move to lock up Nsekhe for 2024 and let the room sort itself out in training camp/preseason. Can't go into 2024 with only Boom and Jackson for sure.

The big lurking problem going into 2023 is #9's health & his possible retirement due to the serious spinal cord injury. I automatically insert the current & future Ram LT problems in with the #9 problem. Together thats ONE VERY LARGE PROBLEM!

 

[Psycho_X]

The big lurking problem going into 2023 is #9's health & his possible retirement due to the serious spinal cord injury. I automatically insert the current & future Ram LT problems in with the #9 problem. Together thats ONE VERY LARGE PROBLEM!

Yeah it sucks. I honestly would not be upset by us drafting a QB early or even trading up into round 1 for one if McSnead likes someone. Worst case they sit a year or two and Stafford makes a comeback. But we need something there to fall back to even if that's picking up Mayfield on waivers today. The whole oline has so many question marks... might be completely fine might be a complete mess depending on recoveries. But LT needs sorted out first.

 

[bwdenverram]

Losing all of your main OL, best WR, second best WR, now your franchise QB (for whatever time we have) in the same season in the first 10 games ~ is unreal. I don't know any team that could handle all of that. We've had chances to win 2-3 more games if our D could have hung on one or two more drives.
This is where ending up with a top 10 pick sucks trading them 1's away. We're gonna have a lot of work to do this offseason.

 

[iamme33]

Injuries are due, to a large extent, to luck, or lack thereof.

well in that case we should be trying to draft and sign lucky players.

 

[Malibu]

I don't know @blackbart.

If there was some reason(s) for all the Rams' OL injuries, that would suggest something changed since last year. The coaches, training staff, medical team, practice and playing surfaces all seem to be the same.

As far as history under McVay, the success of the Rams is directly-tied to health and continuity on the O-Line.

In 2017 and 2018, the Rams were 1st or 2nd the NFL in scoring. In those two seasons, not a single OL-starter missed a single game due to injury. In 2019, the Rams had injuries on the O-Line. They finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs. They had good OL health in 2020, made the playoffs and won a playoff-game in Seattle. Last year, the Rams had very good OL-health.

Not saying that it's only bad fortune and luck; and I agree the Rams should consider and look into possibilities. However, until I read something that makes sense, I am leaning towards misfortune.

Just want to point out 2017/18 we had a great OL why - Whit 5 years younger, Saffold a a great LG and Sullivan was solid at Center, Blythe at RG was the weakness and Big Rob at RT 4 of the 5 OL were really good with no injuries you watch the KC 2018 game Goff had all day and no pressure whatsoever. This season the walls always seem to be caving in outside of playaction roll outs.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Just want to point out 2017/18 we had a great OL why - Whit 5 years younger, Saffold a a great LG and Sullivan was solid at Center, Blythe at RG was the weakness and Big Rob at RT 4 of the 5 OL were really good with no injuries you watch the KC 2018 game Goff had all day and no pressure whatsoever. This season the walls always seem to be caving in outside of play action roll outs.

Agree about the quality but don't dismiss the continuity. Not a single starter missed a single game due to injury in either 2017 or 2018. That's incredibly rare.

Even last season, when the O-Line was not as talented. It was relatively healthy and that allowed for continuity. The 2021 O-Line was far from top-tier but it was good enough to win a Lombardi.

Also, Jamon Brown was at RG in 2017.

 

[BonifayRam]

David Edwards Will ‘Most Likely’ Be Shut Down For 2022 Remainder Of Season​

Published on12/11/2022 AUTHOR Matt Peralta

Rams News: David Edwards Will 'Most Likely' Be Shut Down For 2022 Remainder Of Season

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said it's most likely that David Edwards will be shut down for the remainder of the 2023 season.

ramsnewswire.com

It’s no secret that injuries derailed the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl defense, but the ailments along the offensive line were ridiculous by any measure.

The Rams were forced to use a different set of offensive linemen nearly every week as the injuries piled up, contributing to more sacks and hits on Matthew Stafford who is likely out for the remainder of the season. One of the key losses for the team was guard David Edwards who has been out due to multiple concussions.

Ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Sean McVay said Edwards likely won’t return this year, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:

Los Angeles previously designated Edwards to return from injured reserve on Nov. 16 and on the final day of his 21-day window to be activated, it looks like he’ll have to sit out the season. The NFL and its teams have been more cautious with players dealing with concussions, and for Edwards, this is the best move to preserve his career long-term.

With Edwards out, Matt Skura figures to replace him at left guard though he has been mediocre as his replacement. The rest of the o-line has shown some flashes, but it’s clearly a weakness of this team that will need addressing in the offseason.

At this point of the season, McVay should use the last remaining games to evaluate the younger players on the roster with next year in mind. Hopefully their key players including Edwards recover completely and are ready to go for 2023.

 

[Merlin]

Well, I don't think it is the training staff due to the history up to now. If I was going to point to a cause for all these leg and ankle injuries on the Oline, I would say it is caused by an overall lack of talent on the front five. From the very first game, this line was getting pushed around. which would lead to being off balance getting pushed into teammates legs and also getting knees in awkward positions. Now we know that even good lineman get injured, but the best lines don't get decimated by injuries because they are pushing the defense around and doing the knocking down. Usually it is mediocre to bad lines. So if you want to blame someone it would be the front office and coaching. Lets face it this line from most of the board here's perspective was a "hope this line is good enough". It wasn't.

I see things similarly. Even if we hadn't suffered the injuries there's a good chance the line is still flawed enough to keep us from winning the division. We'd probably be a playoff team, but one that is going nowhere.

So it seems like this will be the offseason to make some hard calls on the line. Boom getting another chance is fine by me, but we need better options if he gets hurt immediately again. This roster in general just feels to me like they have rolled the dice a bit too often with guys who are injury prone and in seasons like this those types will let you down. But this team will go as their OL goes. So let's at least get that right so we can win shootouts again and keep our QBs upright.

 

[BonifayRam]

So it seems like this will be the offseason to make some hard calls on the line. Boom getting another chance is fine by me, but we need better options if he gets hurt immediately again.

What type of chance?

Chance to be the starting LT when he returns to full health?

Chance to be part of the 2023 OL as a reserve LT in 2023 & get his $15.5 million paycheck?

I agree Ram's needs better options but where will those better options come from?

Noteboom pre June 1st 2023 release would result in Salary Dead Cap hit is $13 million, with only a cap savings of $2.5 million. Sure looks like Noteboom will be retained if that info is correct.

Hard for me to see through the 2022 Noteboom contract & how to save the team from being hindered by it by not having a starting LT on the field playing but sitting home on the Rams injured reserve unit Noteboom is coming off his 5th IR event when he has only been in the NFL 5 years since 2018.

If McVay still has full faith in Noteboom & his 3 yr $40 mil with $25 mil guaranteed to be his starting LT & not get his 6th IR event in 2023 then McVay is in full gamble mode.

The team found out that LT Alaric Jackson tore up his knee then a worse finding was discovered where Jackson was found to have life-threatening blood clots. His NFL career is on a serious HOLD into the future.

Is Ty Nsekhe a better option?

Could David Edwards who the Rams started @ LT who is on the IR & done for this season, will be a UFA in March, might he be a possible reserve LT/LG for McVay in 2023...an option?

The 2023 draft appears to be the best better option (low-cost way ) to bring in another LT prospect who is healthy.

This roster in general just feels to me like they have rolled the dice a bit too often with guys who are injury prone and in seasons like this those types will let you down. But this team will go as their OL goes. So let's at least get that right so we can win shootouts again and keep our QBs upright.

You are right if we are speaking about starting LT Noteboom, starting center Allen, starting LG Edwards & now starting RG Shelton, all placed on the injured reserve or out injured this season. Rams had 7 starters( OL'ers) placed on the injured reserve & 1 placed on the IR starting in the preseason... ...a total of 8.

 

[Merlin]

What type of chance?

Chance to be the starting LT when he returns to full health?

Chance to be part of the 2023 OL as a reserve LT in 2023 & get his $15.5 million paycheck?

I agree Ram's needs better options but where will those better options come from?

You let him compete for that job in camp. Which, when you look at who he will be competing with, means he gets another shot to be our starting LT. Unless by some miracle KC doesn't lock up their LT and he hits FA, which I seriously doubt will happen.

In the draft you pray there is a good LT early round two. Unless you find yourself looking at a rare player who falls at another position you suck it up and take said OT and there's your insurance against Boom getting hurt. If say a rare RB is there (RB is most likely to fall due to lower valued position) then take the RB and address OT the next pick.

Also and btw there is potential to move an established player in trade to recoup a pick to help with this. It sucks but it's where we're at. So allowing Boom to do the job we signed him for would not be a problem. The problem would be assuming he can stay healthy, so we must have a fallback option. Jackson and the bloodclots was a huge hit in that respect. It sucks. So I am not counting on him and don't think it would be wise to do so. We need fresh OT blood via draft or FA or trade or trade/draft of another valued piece to fill OT.

 

[Kupped]

I see things similarly. Even if we hadn't suffered the injuries there's a good chance the line is still flawed enough to keep us from winning the division. We'd probably be a playoff team, but one that is going nowhere.

So it seems like this will be the offseason to make some hard calls on the line. Boom getting another chance is fine by me, but we need better options if he gets hurt immediately again. This roster in general just feels to me like they have rolled the dice a bit too often with guys who are injury prone and in seasons like this those types will let you down. But this team will go as their OL goes. So let's at least get that right so we can win shootouts again and keep our QBs upright.

Hard to say, when it comes to the line and what could have been this season because of all the other injuries. I think a healthy team could absolutely be 8-5 right now and have taken one from the 9ers. Just too hard to say.

That doesn't mean they should think all is hunky dory and it's just bad luck.

I think being aggressive is the way to go... Boom gone for sure.. if you can bring back Nsekhe as a decent backup to Jackson.
Allen I'm hemming and hawing on because he's not that expensive and it gives you the possibility of Shelton as an ideal backup to three IOL spots. They would need to bring in a tackle prospect who's more athletic than Arcuri to develop behind Jackson and/or be a starter in the near future if Jackson doesn't work out.

They have to be right on their choices.. that's the hard part. Brewer looked like a capable Guard.. we don't know about Anchrum and Bruss.. Is Arcuri worth keeping as someone who's probably limited to being a RT, ideally?

Tough choices, indeed.

 

[So Ram]

Hard to say, when it comes to the line and what could have been this season because of all the other injuries. I think a healthy team could absolutely be 8-5 right now and have taken one from the 9ers. Just too hard to say.

That doesn't mean they should think all is hunky dory and it's just bad luck.

I think being aggressive is the way to go... Boom gone for sure.. if you can bring back Nsekhe as a decent backup to Jackson.
Allen I'm hemming and hawing on because he's not that expensive and it gives you the possibility of Shelton as an ideal backup to three IOL spots. They would need to bring in a tackle prospect who's more athletic than Arcuri to develop behind Jackson and/or be a starter in the near future if Jackson doesn't work out.

They have to be right on their choices.. that's the hard part. Brewer looked like a capable Guard.. we don't know about Anchrum and Bruss.. Is Arcuri worth keeping as someone who's probably limited to being a RT, ideally?

Tough choices, indeed.

To early to tell. I really thought The Rams needed a bigger RB.The risk The Rams took was Tutu Atwell 2021.I won’t beat that one up anymore. I think Tutu Atwell showed his worth & will continue to show his value over the years.

My main point is depth was important & to think a rookie 4th Rd pick going to be The Rams starting RG was wishful thinking..

 

[Kupped]

To early to tell. I really thought The Rams needed a bigger RB.The risk The Rams took was Tutu Atwell 2021.I won’t beat that one up anymore. I think Tutu Atwell showed his worth & will continue to show his value over the years.

My main point is depth was important & to think a rookie 4th Rd pick going to be The Rams starting RG was wishful thinking..

3rd rounder.. and.. was it? 3rd round picks at guard starting as rookies is anything but a stretch. He didn't look good, but got hurt. How would we know?

 

[So Ram]

My view is having A” Jackson at RG.

Point being if The Rams resign Ty N?

LT
Noteboom/TY N (battle at LT) Jackson is a solid depth at LT as well.

LG - is the biggest question mark right now. Is David Edwards even an option?

C Allen & Shelton (Shelton backup c/g)

RG - A’ Jackson /Bruss

RT Havienstien (he looked bad Thursday again)

That is the core IMO The Rams have young depth & these last 4 games really mean something moving ahead to figure out.

 

[Kupped]

My view is having A” Jackson at RG.

Point being if The Rams resign Ty N?

LT
Noteboom/TY N (battle at LT) Jackson is a solid depth at LT as well.

LG - is the biggest question mark right now. Is David Edwards even an option?

C Allen & Shelton (Shelton backup c/g)

RG - A’ Jackson /Bruss

RT Havienstien (he looked bad Thursday again)

That is the core IMO The Rams have young depth & these last 4 games really mean something moving ahead to figure out.

Bruss not starting would signify a significant failure and waste of resources. If he's not starting at one of the guard spots next season, there might be a big problem.

I just don't see the value in keeping Noteboom. He's not worth the contract, imo, when healthy, at this point. Not when there was no drop-off between him and Jackson.. and, you could argue, Jackson was better.

Edwards? His contract is ending and he may not play again and he wasn't great. If you got him back at a minimum deal and had him fight for a guard spot and potentially be a backup LT, that's fine.

Hav looked bad Thursday because Crosby is a fucking destroyer.

 

[So Ram]

3rd rounder.. and.. was it? 3rd round picks at guard starting as rookies is anything but a stretch. He didn't look good, but got hurt. How would we know?

Well you can play that card. I will give you the 3rd rd pick.

From what I saw from Bruss since training camp was not IMPRESSIVE at all. He did not look like he belonged as a starter at all.

I said from the start & continue to say A’ Jackson was The Best RG on The Rams in 2022.

Kupped I might be wrong BigTime,but if you go look back at tape you might get where I am coming from.

A’ Jackson was a UDRFA in 2021,but learned with Big Whit & Co to the SuperBowl. Not saying any of that means Jack. I just really liked In training camp watching A’Jackson at RG. He has that SIZE I like & a CALMNESS to him.

I believe he was at RG on The Rams first TD drive of 2022? The Rams did have a winning record.

I hope A’ Jackson is ok & that he gets that chance again at RG? Bonifay’d doesn’t believe me & thinks A’ Jackson is better at LT. Once again IMO A’ Jackson is a good fit at RG.

I liked Adam Timmerman at RG as well.His size was nice. Watching Roger Saffold still doing it at his age playing LG is cool to always see.

Call me crazy.

Against everyone else’s view. My hope he is healthy & that he gets a chance to compete at both RG & LT.Ultimately winning the starting RG position. Maybe Bruss can take over for Edwards at LG a long with a nice LG FA signing ?

 

[Kupped]

Well you can play that card. I will give you the 3rd rd pick.

From what I saw from Bruss since training camp was not IMPRESSIVE at all. He did not look like he belonged as a starter at all.

I said from the start & continue to say A’ Jackson was The Best RG on The Rams in 2022.

Kupped I might be wrong BigTime,but if you go look back at tape you might get where I am coming from.

A’ Jackson was a UDRFA in 2021,but learned with Big Whit & Co to the SuperBowl. Not saying any of that means Jack. I just really liked In training camp watching A’Jackson at RG. He has that SIZE I like & a CALMNESS to him.

I believe he was at RG on The Rams first TD drive of 2022? The Rams did have a winning record.

I hope A’ Jackson is ok & that he gets that chance again at RG? Bonifay’d doesn’t believe me & thinks A’ Jackson is better at LT. Once again IMO A’ Jackson is a good fit at RG.

I liked Adam Timmerman at RG as well.His size was nice. Watching Roger Saffold still doing it at his age playing LG is cool to always see.

Call me crazy.

Against everyone else’s view. My hope he is healthy & that he gets a chance to compete at both RG & LT.Ultimately winning the starting RG position. Maybe Bruss can take over for Edwards at LG a long with a nice LG FA signing ?

I don’t think you’re crazy at all when it comes to how good Jackson was at RG.
I just think he’s at least as good as Noteboom at LT and is a HUGE value there.
Both of us are going on a small sample size. There are risks.

 

[Tano]

We wouldn't be looking at next year like this if they had focused a little more on OL in the 2020 and 2021 drafts.

They really screwed up the OL due to those two drafts.