How about that performance from LA Rams TE Kendall Blanton?

Rams activate Blanton after Mundt lost for the season

We were there when the Rams activated Blanton from the practice squad, and we even gave the transaction a thumbs up. The move could have been viewed as minorly controversial. After all, the Rams continue to carry second-year tight end, Brycen Hopkins, on the roster, but he seems destined to ride the pine for the second consecutive season.

Blanton was destined to be infrequently used as the team’s second tight-end option. Over the course of the 2021 NFL Season, he would be targeted seven times and would catch four passes for 37 yards.  Two of those completions were good enough for the first downs. He was crucial in blocking, and his receptions were enough to keep defenses somewhat honest.

The guy who doesn’t show up in the stats

But it was not the type of performance that would ensure his future with the LA Rams organization.  Now, don’t get me wrong. Blanton is a big body whose greatest contributions do not show up on the stats sheets after a game. He has the ability to block on the line of scrimmage, scuttles defensive pursuit from the edge, and open up running lanes.

All the while, he offers the offense a passing option on the play should the situation warrant it. It was enough to get him onto the football field. But the reality is that his role as the second tight end on a team that ran their 11 personnel package 84 percent of the time (Per SharpFootballStats.com) while running their 12-personnel package  (two tight ends) just 12 percent of the time

Something had to change. Well, it did. The LA Rams made it to the NFL Playoffs. Now, would the Rams turn to Blanton as the pressure was turned up?