The LA Rams say farewell to free agent OC Austin Blythe

But it was time to move on

Okay, what’s going on here? Suddenly I’m saying that offensive center Austin Blythe is good enough for the defending AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs, but won’t cut the mustard for the LA Rams? Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.

Blythe was very good, most of the time. But when he had a bad game, it stunk. Two games that come to mind are the game against the New York Giants where the Giants put up an A-gap blitz that Austin Blythe did nothing to prevent. Nada.

That was one time. The other occasion was the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. In that game, left guard Bobby Evans, making his first start of the season at an unfamiliar position on the offensive line, struggled mightily.  And Austin Blythe not only did not help the situation but struggled as well.

So the Rams are bringing in a veteran pocket passer in quarterback Matthew Stafford. And Stafford will need a pristine pocket. The Rams are committed to the passing game for 2021. But about Austin Blythe’s pass blocking? Um… not so good.

The LA Rams invested a fortune to bring Stafford to the Rams. Now the Rams will invest in upgrading pass protection at the center position.

So now the LA Rams have work to do. They can sit tight and hope for a rostered player to step up. They can roll the dice that a free agent offensive center is available when they step up to the 2021 NFL Draft podium. Or they can take a flyer on one of the NFL FA centers still available. In any case, the Rams will be doing something. What will that be? Anyone’s guess.