Deep dive analysis LA Rams offensive line and offensive struggles

The LA Rams began the 2022 NFL season with two new starters among their five-man offensive line. Since that time, the Rams have had to rework their offensive line each week of their four-game season, and thanks to another horrendously timed injury, the Rams will be forced to start their fifth new offensive line group in five games.

Some settle for the quick answer, but it’s not that easy right now. The LA Rams are struggling on offense, yes. But the belief that everything would be all right if the Rams starting offensive line was still healthy and intact may be far from the truth. What leads me to make that statement? Well, we’ve been tracking the performance of individual offensive linemen, and the data we’re seeing does not support what we’re finding.

Truth be told, Coleman Shelton may be a starter at the right guard position, but he makes a pretty good starting offensive center. There was a lot of hope for backup right guard Tremayne Anchrum before he fell to injury.

Backups are playing their hearts out

What about the guys who are stepping up?  The Rams have some promising players right now. For example, the LA Rams have found all kinds of success running behind backup right guard Alaric Jackson. Jackson has not allowed a quarterback sack in 182 offensive snaps. Starting left tackle, on the other hand, has allowed six (three in Week 1, three in Week 4) quarterback sacks in 251 offensive snaps.

While I’m not eliminating the offensive line injuries as contributing to the LA Rams’ offensive struggles, it’s not the only reason. The play of an offensive line is about cohesion, communication, and continuity.  The LA Rams will play at least their first five games with a new starting five on the offensive line.

In four games, the Rams have already been forced to play nine offensive linemen. Keep in mind that the LA Rams started this season with just eight offensive linemen on their 53-man roster.

The Rams have already blown through that, and then some.