LA Rams TE Kendall Blanton proving heroics are not statistics

When the LA Rams lost the service of blocking tight end Johnny Mundt, the fanbase did not bat an eye. Mundt was not involved in the passing game, did not carry the ball, and did not play defense. His injury, while disappointing to some, did not warrant fans the time or trouble to wonder about the impact on the team, nor about how the organization might address trying to compensate for his absence.

There was a completely different reaction among the team’s coach staff. Mundt was a plug-and-play versatile blocker who could line up in the backfield, as an H-back, next to an offensive tackle, as a Y-back, and wide. He delivered punishing blocks, but could also be counted on to catch passes.

Now, the Rams are leaning upon Kendall Blanton. For now, he is the blocking tight end who will be the key to the team’s running game, and may occasionally be counted upon to catch a pass or two. In his debut, Blanton did not catch a pass. He didn’t run with the ball. But he did enjoy a very successful debut for the LA Rams. How can we tell?

Blanton blocks well

The Rams rushed for 165 yards in a game and did so thanks to the blocking of Kendall Blanton. While some may attempt to qualify that season-high yardage for the Rams by citing it happened against the Houston Texans, that is a flawed argument. You see, the Rams shut down their offense after just three quarters, only rushing for 11 yards in the final 15 minutes of the game.

Blocking is not something that scores points for Fantasy Football team owners, so it is not something that many fully appreciate. But without competent blocking, quarterbacks can’t pass, running backs can’t run, and even receivers can’t catch. Blocking is the fundamental basic building block for NFL offenses.

With Blanton in this offense, the Rams can run with the ball effectively. That is critical for this team’s success, as the Rams will be entering colder weather. As temperatures drop, running the ball heats up. The Rams will face a cold game at Lambeau Field on November 28, in a replay of the NFC Divisional Round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs.

Blanton is on board and is already making a difference for this team. Ultimately, LA Rams TE Kendall Blanton is proving that heroics on this team are not just statistics.