Why do so many bash backup LA Rams offensive linemen?

Let’s wrap this up

The LA Rams are aiming at Super Bow LVI and I would argue that the backup offensive linemen have never been more important to the LA Rams vitality in head coach Sean McVay’s tenure than this year. I don’t say that lightly. But in all honesty, when has there been more pressure on this offensive line to deliver amidst so much uncertainty?

For starters, this season is 17 games. Andrew Whitworth was injured by week nine. Joseph Noteboom was injured in week two. Offensive linemen get banged up, sometimes too severely to shake off. The longer the regular season, the more likely it becomes for injuries to happen.  Will the LA Rams be able to absorb the injuries that come? That’s what the backups are for. We learned in 2020 that the Rams offensive line could handle most injuries. Well, until a partially recovered Andrew Whitworth had to line up next to Bobby Evans debut at left guard to face the Green Bay Packers defense. That wasn’t pretty.

Somewhere on the LA Rams’ current roster lies the starting offensive center for the 2021 NFL season. It could be former starter Brian Allen, a heralded backup Coleman Shelton, second-year Tremayne Anchrum, or even right guard Austin Corbett.  If the Rams go with Corbett, the team will need to promote a backup to that role.

However you slice or dice the Rams offensive line, the backups will likely play huge roles for the 2021 season. It was not a small matter for both GM Les Snead and HC Sean McVay to name Coleman Shelton, Brian Allen, Chandler Brewer, and Tremayne Anchrum in discussing current players on the roster who could step up to a starting role in 2021. Les Snead even tossed in undrafted free agent Alaric Jackson from Iowa, a rookie who was expected to hear his name called as early as round four, as someone to keep on the radar.

The Rams offense is pivoting to a pass-focused high-points delivery. That will place a lot of pressure, intended or not, on the offensive line to ensure Matthew Stafford remains healthy and upright in the pocket. At some point this season, that could depend on the play of Chandler Brewer, Bobby Evans, Jamil Demby, Tremayne Allen, Brian Allen, or Coleman Shelton. Did they deserve promotion in the past? Well, things do change, even if your opinion about them does not.
Don’t believe me. Just ask Chris Nelson how that ‘Mathis is a career backup’ opinion worked out for him?

I like who the Rams have on the roster for 2021 But I see 2022 free agency, and I’m concerned that the ranks will be depleted quickly.