LA Rams mortgaged offensive line future to fix 2019 pass defense

Rams commit to young OL

The stage is set for 2020. Through the course of many transactions, the Rams have committed to developing young talented offensive linemen into a cohesive NFL unit through the tutelage of OL coach Aaron Kromer. However the Rams fill the 2020 offensive line, the team will once more commit to at least two young players.

It’s quite possible that with both OT Andrew Whitworth and C Austin Blythe effectively on one-year deals, and OT Rob Havenstein’s poor play in 2019 combined with his season-ending injury, the team is already discussing when to recast the entire offensive line for the future. Right now, the team will likely try to emphasize experienced players wherever possible.

Still, the team may force the issue in 2020. While there has been much ado about the LA Rams poorly 31st ranked offensive line play in 2019 per Pro Football Focus, another ranking from FootballOutisiders.com ranked the LA Rams offensive line far more favorably 19th in the NFL.  In that ranking, the LA Rams league fewest 22 sacks in 2019 was a far more significant factor. Where the Rams struggled in both rankings was the ability to effectively run the ball.

So we now face the chicken and the egg paradox for the LA Rams 2019 running game. Did the running game suffer from poor run blocking, poor running back play, or a savage combination of both?

Wherever you draw the line, the Rams are committing to returning nearly the identical 2019 offensive line in hopes that a healthier season will produce far more positive results.  And the team may be correct, as history suggests healthy offensive lines that play successive games together typically rank higher at year’s end.