LA Rams OL coach Kevin Carberry proves adept Kromer successor

Allen out – Shelton in

The LA Rams had to adapt further in the 2021 NFL Season when starting offensive center Brian Allen was unable to suit up, and the team responded by giving Coleman Shelton the nod as the starting offensive center. This was one more time that the LA Rams had to depend on a backup to bridge the gap for the offense.

Thankfully, Coleman Shelton was also more than a match for the challenge. In fact, the offense seemed to recharge with his play. He started Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and again in Week 14 against the formidable Arizona Cardinals. While he would return to the football field in Week 16, we’ll discuss that game a bit later.

Shelton season

You might think that a new starting center would be bad news for a quarterback who was struggling to shake off a three-game losing streak, each containing two poorly thrown interceptions. But Shelton appeared to be just what LA Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford needed.

In each of Shelton’s starts, Stafford threw over 280+ yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Of course, Shelton helped lead a running game that powered running back Sony Michel to 200 yards and a touchdown in the two games. You see, Coleman Shelton is a very athletic offensive center who is comfortable in leading a running play downfield and blocking linebackers or secondary defenders. He is also very good at calling out pre-snap blocking assignments.