LA Rams RT Rob Havenstein roaring back with a vengeance

LA Rams RT Rob Havenstein was hot in 2018, not in 2019. But he’s roaring back with a vengeance in training camp so far

The LA Rams have had both the best and the worst of offensive tackle Rob Havenstein. The career of an offensive lineman is one of a career filled with the element of desired anonymity.  In each NFL game, the best offensive linemen never hear their name or number called by an official for a penalty. In the huddle, the best offensive linemen are not loudly reminded to block their guy.

Even on the bench, the best offensive linemen never hear their names called out by coaches who want to “coach them up” when the defense is on the field. The cameraman in televised games only pans to him after a bad play or a called penalty. Their best work happens when nobody knows their names.

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away

Right now, Rob Havenstein wishes for a bit of anonymity. His 2019 performance is often cited as one of the biggest 2019 disappointments. And his name pops up in most articles dealing with the LA Rams 2020 season, particularly if the topic is the Rams offense.

Havenstein should be prepared for this level of scrutiny. After all, he is a 6-foot-8 330-pound offensive lineman. He should be used to standing out in a crowd and people looking up to him. The former Wisconsin Badger was selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.  Since that moment, he has been a standout offensive lineman.

2019 changed everything

Well, until 2019 that is. In 2019, his name was discussed often, but not in ways you like to see. In fact, the entire offensive line seemed to be locked in some sort of spiral downwards. So what fell apart? After all, he had the same number of penalties called as 2017, and he surrendered one fewer sack last season than 2017.

The problem with those statistics is that 2017 Havenstein played over 900 offensive snaps. In 2019 he played for just 616 snaps. Havenstein wasn’t alone. Center Brian Allen struggled mightily. Left guard Joseph Noteboom struggled. Right guard Austin Blythe struggled. Only veteran Andrew Whitworth did not seem to struggle in 2019. Injuries happened. Seasons ended, Young players got NFL starts. No playoffs.

2020 changing everything back again?

Is 2020 resetting everything back to the way it should have been in 2019? So far, the approach to structuring the offensive line is a bit different. Austin Blythe, last year’s center to close out the season, returns to snap the ball. Last season’s mid-season addition Austin Corbett takes over for Blythe at right guard. Joseph Noteboom returns to the left guard. and the offensive line is bookended by Whitworth and Havenstein.

So far? McVay likes what he sees. No pads? Check. Pads on for two days of training camp? Check again. In controlled practices, half-speed drills, and contract-but-don’t-hit-hard drills, Havenstein is looking the part once more.

But will it last when the season starts?

I  think it can. The offensive line rallied together. Players found ways to put the work in. And the group is returning to a very familiar setting. How much is needed for the Rams to get back to the NFL Playoffs in 2020? The Rams will get all of that, plus a bit more, this season.