Latest Rams loss proves problems go deeper than quarterback position

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Andrew Donnal (64) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Rams 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The answer, the offensive line.

The St. Louis offensive line was young, very young, entering the season. The line had only two returning players from 2014, Greg Robinson and Rodger Saffold. Saffold was lost early in the season to a shoulder injury, just one of many suffered during his career. And Robinson now leads the league in offensive holding flags with nine as of the completion of Sunday’s game.

The remaining positions have been an endless cycle of rookies and inexperienced role players. Rookie guard Jamon Brown, who started the season well, was lost to a fractured leg. Rookie tackle Rob Havenstein has been fighting injuries the past couple of weeks and as a result has missed significant time.

Sunday, rookies Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann both started on the right side. Only one would finish the game. Donnal would leave with a knee injury and not return. Demetrius Rhaney, who was part of a three-way battle for the center position this offseason, replaced Donnal. Center Tim Barnes, who had four games of starting NFL experience entering the season, has been the only consistent element along a very poor line.

Despite all of that, The Rams have not had much trouble running the football. Most of that success has come from rookie running back Todd Gurley who is now ranked in the top five in the league in rushing yards and has scored a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games. Back up Tre Mason has struggled mightily in his limited spots, but Benny Cunningham has provided a great change of pace option and an element in the kick return game.

To add to the woes in St. Louis, the wide receivers haven’t done much to help their quarterbacks move the ball down field. The teams leading receiver, Kenny Britt, has managed just over 340 receiving yards and a three touchdowns. While speedster Tavon Austin has seven total touchdowns, he is inconsistent and clearly limited in the passing game because of his size and poor route running. The usually sure handed tight end Jared Cook is also suffering from a down year. Dropped passes are running rampant through this offense.

At some point the Rams will need to take along hard look in the mirror and decide whether or not this team has what it takes to compete for a division title, or if changes are needed. With Fisher and GM Les Snead squarely on the hot seat, expect more changes and shakeups before this season comes to an end. It’s clear upgrades need to be made and remaining players need a serious change of culture as the Rams are nose diving to yet another postseason absence for the 11th straight season.