LA Rams offensive line gearing up to protect new quarterback

It’s 7:00 am, and the morning air is filled with the all-too-familiar sound of metal weights sliding onto and off of metal weight bars, already ringing and clanging loudly in the weight room. It’s more than coffee that makes these LA Rams players wake up in the morning.  You’ve heard the descriptions associated with the best at the positions: Low center of gravity, wide base, powerful legs, ripped. That doesn’t happen via a great diet of protein shakes and vitamin supplements.

That only happens by constantly working out in the gym. It’s the constant dedication to working on the lower body, It’s the daily regiment of weights to build power, cardiovascular to build endurance, and cross-training to build agility and balance. It’s a choreographed training cycle, one that each player believes will make the difference between success and failure.

The LA Rams offensive line is not wasting any time in preparing for the next season. Perhaps that’s a good thing, as the Rams will depend heavily upon this offensive line next season. Not only will they be expected to create a pocket for new quarterback Matthew Stafford, but the offensive line has not had one thousand-yard rusher since 2018.

The pads won’t go on for months. But it’s the work today that makes that even special. Right now, the LA Rams have starters Andrew Whitworth, Joseph Noteboom, Austin Corbett, and Rob Havenstein returning. Of course, David Edward has seen a significant number of starts at left guard for two years running.  What of center? Well, the Rams have Brian Allen back from injury, and he started in 2019.

Of course, the LA Rams offensive line was all but ruled out for any improvement in 2020. But the Rams had a bit of help in that department. In fact, the work had such impressive results a year ago that the team is doubling down in 2021. It’s all thanks to Ryan Sorensen, Inc. In-Home Training. Of course, Sorenson also is known for getting actress Kelly Cuoco in the best shape of her life.

What of the Rams backups? Well, at the offensive tackle position, they have Chandler Brewer back from opting out for a season, Bobby Evans, and of course, Tremayne Anchrum is versatile enough to handle nearly any of the offensive line positions.  Utility offensive lineman Jamil Demby will rejoin the team this year. In fact, the only players not planning to come back, for now, are center Austin Blythe and interior offensive lineman Coleman Shelton. Blythe is a free agent, while Shelton is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent.

Some believe that the Rams offensive line is still broken. But the reality is that the Rams unit played much stronger in 2020.  The team struggled in several games, with the most obvious challenge occurring when Bobby Evan replaced David Edwards at left guard. As long as the starting unit is healthy, they actually played very well.

Just as the team’s running backs.

Yes, the offensive line would be happy to welcome reinforcements from free agency or the draft. And there is some uncertainty with a new offensive line coach as to how he plans to address the center position, or when and how he plans to roll the tackle positions over to younger players.

But those answers will come down the road. For today, the LA Rams offensive linemen are content to lift, grunt, hydrate and towel off. The fun starts later. Today, it’s all business.