LA Rams OL performing well in training camp. But can you believe it?

Perhaps the most crucial factor of all

The most curious aspect of the LA Rams 2019 offensive line slide is how dramatically how much that contrasted with the 2018 dominance of nearly the same offensive line. While there was some change both at the left guard and the center, the plummet of the right side of the offensive line was so sharp, it was as though everyone was banged up early.

Factor IV – How much will LA Rams veteran offensive linemen improve this year?  Okay, there it is. There’s that elephant in the room.  Well, let’s start off by stating that Andrew Whitworth put up one helluva season in 2019. But age comes at you fast on the offensive line. The Rams should expect no more than a repeat of 2019 from the big guy but prepare for some degradation at the left tackle.

Big Two – Blythe and Havenstein

Last season, Austin Blythe was the starting right guard and Rob Havenstein was the starting right tackle. This year, Blythe will start as the Rams offensive center and last season’s acquisition Austin Corbett will line up at the right guard. While Blythe will certainly not be pushing for the Pro Bowl at the center, the Rams need a lot of cleaning up from that position.  Blythe needs to diagnose blitzes effectively, particularly A-Gap blitzes. Beyond that, Blythe needs to be able to hold his own at the line of scrimmage, perhaps even get a bit of push.  If he gets driven back, this will be a long season for the Rams.

Finally, this is a prove-it year for Rams Rob Havenstein. While he had a tremendous season in 2018, 2019 was just as atrocious. 2020 is the rubber match. Was Havenstein dinged up last year? If he was, nobody talked about it. Whatever the cause, 2019 was a forgettable season. But much like Noteboom, Havenstein has the opportunity to learn and grow from the experience. While he has the ability to dominate, even improving to a “hold his own” would be huge for the Rams this year.

Any single factor could be huge for the Rams this year. But if the team improves in multiple areas on the offensive line? Last year was 9-7. Why wouldn’t an improved offensive line mean playoffs?