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An honest look at the LA Rams struggles so far in 2022

By Donald Wilson

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams scrambles as Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts to make the sack during an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams scrambles as Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts to make the sack during an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: C. Morgan Engel-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries and bad play plagued the offensive line

In the offseason, the LA Rams front office did what they thought they needed to do to address their offensive line. After the retirement of 40-year-old left tackle Andrew Whitworth, the Rams extended tackle Joe Noteboom to a three-year contract worth $40 million.

The Rams also extended center Brian Allen on an $18 million deal over three years. Add in the extension for backup center turned-starting offensive guard Coleman Shelton and the addition of rookie offensive lineman Logan Bruss in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Rams figured their offensive line was ready to go for the 2022 season.

However, the usually resilient Rams have been completely showered with injuries to their group up front. Against the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams rolled out their fifth different lineup among the offensive line in as many games. Starting center Allen has been out of the lineup with a knee injury after Week 1. RG/OC Coleman Shelton was recently placed on IR following an ankle injury against San Francisco in Week 4. LG David Edwards has been placed BACK into concussion protocol after Week 5, after being placed on and cleared of the NFL concussion protocol after Week 4.

Nightmare in Inglewood

Throw in backup OG Tremayne Anchrum’s injury in Week 2, and you have what you would call a nightmare taking place right now on the Rams roster. With all the IOL injuries, the Rams’ two tackles haven’t been exactly stellar. LT Joe Noteboom currently holds a 65.8 Pro Football Focus grade and has given up a league-leading five sacks. RT Rob Havenstein has graded out at 63.8 according to Pro Football Focus, with three sacks given up so far this year. Not exactly great play from guys who the Rams were confident enough to give contract extensions before the season.

The Rams came into the season hoping to be able to spread teams out and go five wide, but the play of their OL simply hasn’t allowed them to do so. Perhaps once they get back healthy, we’re having a different conversation in November. As it stands now, the OL is the biggest catalyst in holding back the Rams’ offense.

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