7 LA Rams players hoping training camp success translates into season

Right offensive tackle

I don’t want to overstate his importance, but LA Rams’ right offensive tackle Rob Havenstein is truly the pace car for the team’s offense this year.  If he struggles as he did in 2019, the Rams offense will struggle just as much. But if he dominates once more, then the LA Rams offense has a real chance to dominate again.

To do that, Havenstein must be more than a wall of protection on pass plays. He must be able to get a push off the line on running plays, digging deep into defenses, and knocking down anyone who crosses his path. Can he do it?   Well, head coach Sean McVay seems to think so.

That seems to be a pretty solid endorsement.

Passing the baton

Why is Havenstein so important to the Rams offensive line this year? He is the still-in-his-prime veteran of the group. Even as Andrew Whitworth starts on the left side, it will be Havenstein who will determine how well the Rams run, pass, and score.  Run because the Rams struggled at running inside the tackles. If Havenstein can block the edge, running back Cam Akers and company can slip behind him for a nice pickup.  Pass because if he can block effectively, the Rams can return to three wide-receiver formations.

Scoring because the Rams will need to move the pile on short-yardage situations. The Rams were dominant in scoring on the ground last year in short-yardage plays. This year, I think the team will blend more passing plays into the red zone  With Havenstein’s positive momentum in training camp, the season automatically takes on a positive outlook.