LA Rams: Sean McVay presser places Brian Allen back in OC mix

Preseason games

When the Rams enter preseason games, there is no chance that either Andrew Whitworth or Rob Havenstein will play. They are veterans, they have their familiar starting assignments, and they know what they need to do to prepare for the season opener. But the interior of the offensive line could be a different matter. After all, until the LA Rams make a decision as to how is starting between the tackles, it’s an open competition.

While preseason games may not clarify who is the starting interior offensive linemen for the LA Rams, it could indicate who is not starting. The coaching staff will likely use performances in preseason games to gauge who can start, but once a starter is determined, they will pull that player from further competition in the preseason.

It will be important to note how the LA Rams handle both David Edwards and or Austin Corbett, as they are presumed to be starters this year, but neither is assured of where on the offensive line that will be. And then, it comes down to the fifth and final player. Will it be Bobby Evans at right guard? Or will that be Corbett once more, and the team will need to sort out who ends up starting at the offensive center.

Based on McVay’s comments today, that role is up for grabs between Corbett/Evans, Allen/Corbett, and perhaps even Shelton/Corbett. The key is who plays with the most agility and speed when the pads go on, and that will truly tell the tale. If either Bobby Evans or Brian Allen wins out in the competition from this training camp, then good for them! Congratulations will certainly be in order.

Now doubt misunderstand me. I believe that it is nothing short of heroics for Brian Allen to endure what has been nearly two years of rehabilitation and training after an injury destroyed his knee. That journey was not applauded, was not cheered, was most certainly was not in the spotlight. Allen did it practically on his own, by sheer willpower.

I remain skeptical, not because I am rooting against either player, but because I cannot unsee or forget their level of play in the past. Until I see a far more physical and dominating game out of either Evans or Allen, I’m concerned. I understand that the Rams are starting from ground zero now. Let’s hope everything is starting from scratch and that no player starts ahead of the rest because they had started on the offensive line in the past.