Can LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford throw deep behind as-is OL?

Offensive tackles

One of the strengths of the LA Rams offensive line so far has been continuity of the offensive line bookends in offensive left tackle Andrew Whitworth and offensive right tackle Rob Havenstein. It was not as much of a protection scheme that wobbled the Rams offense in 2020, but rather a poorly aligned playbook to the quarterback’s strengths.

Rams Left tackle – Starter Andrew Whitworth, backup Joseph Noteboom

Andrew Whitworth is clearly getting up in years, but you couldn’t tell it from his 2020 performance. The 39-year-old 6-foot-7 330-pound rockstar was not just good for his age, but he was one of the best in the league, never surrendering a single sack. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury halfway through the season, forcing the Rams to start his backup 6-foot-5 321-pound, Joseph Noteboom. Noteboom was a surprise, as he showed the competence to keep the Rams on track for the playoffs. While he did surrender two sacks,  his debut at left tackle kept the team in a good position for Whitworth’s return in the playoffs.

Lions Left tackle – Starter Taylor Decker, backup Matt Nelson

Taylor Decker is no slouch on the offensive line, as the 6-foot-7 311-pound left tackle allowed just two sacks in 16 starts. That’s well over a thousand offensive snaps, not bad. His backup, 6-foot-7 299-pound 2019 undrafted free agent Matt Nelson arrived from the Iowa Hawkeyes.  While Nelson did not see action at left tackle, I’ll call this one a tie.  Whitworth was the better starter, but his injury fragmented the Rams’ overall performance.

Rams Right tackle – Starter Rob Havenstein, backup Chandler Brewer

The LA Rams needed a huge rebound season from right tackle Rob Havenstein, and they got one in 2020. Although Havenstein allowed four quarterback sacks, his snap count of over 1100 offensive snaps is huge. The 29-year-old 6-foot-8 330-pound offensive tackle will be called up to duplicate, or even improve, that performance this year. His backup, 6-foot-6 319-pound Chandler Brewer, opted out of the 2020 NFL season and will now need to prove his worth. I think he will be a solid piece as the Rams assemble their offensive line for the 2021 season.

Lions Right Tackle – Starter Tyrell Crosby, backup Halapoulivaati Vaitai

The Detroit Lions signed former Philadelphia Eagles backup Halapoulivaati Vaitai to a huge contract and then had to shuffle him around the offensive line and work to get him up to speed. Crosby started the first six games and then started games eight through twelve at right tackle.  Backup Halapoulivaati Vaitai was used at guard and tackle throughout the year. Between the pair, they surrendered 11 sacks and committed four penalties.

The LA Rams are far superior at right tackle for the time being and will be a significant upgrade for quarterback Matthew Stafford, particularly when he rolls to his right. ADVANTAGE: RAMS