Baldy's Breakdowns confirms this Rams rookie is no longer under the radar

There is always a feeling of euphoria whenever an unexpected LA Rams rookie surges into the mainstream conversation of NFL analysts. But there is no sweeter feeling then realizing that the NFL analyst is none other than Brian Baldinger, one of the best in the business. 'Baldy' does not earn his paycheck from analyzing NFL draft prospects, so he is not incentivized to promote unworthy players. He does not get kickbacks to sell his view. What NFL fans get is straight talk from a straight shooter.

It's the tough truth from Baldy's Breakdowns that makes him so respected and valued.

Case in point, there is a growing accumulation of evidence building the case that Beaux Limmer could be the team's starting center for years to come. While the salary distribution for the team's offensive line does not reflect that status quite yet, Limmer has solidified this offensive line to the point where veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has enjoyed three games without a quarterback sack this season. And yes, rookie center Beaux Limmer appears to be one of the main reasons for his quarterback's safety.

Why is that so important? In those three games, Stafford tossed 10 touchdowns. in the remaining seven games, he has thrown just three touchdowns. So yes, it makes a huge difference.

What does Beaux know?

With any rookie, there is a laundry list of skills that need to be learned, demonstrated, and checked off quickly. Perhaps no offensive line position is more demanding as a rookie than that of the center position. The role of the starting center impacts every offensive play, merely from the snap of the football. While fans consider that an automatic, it was anything but when veteran Jonah Jackson played center in Week 10.

Then there is the need to direct everyone on the offensive line by calling the protections. The center does this pre-snap, and his word is gospel. That's a very tough task to lay on the shoulders of a guy who is seeing NFL defenses for the first time.

And then there is the need to snap into protection immediately after snapping the football. Oftentimes, facing the biggest defensive lineman of the opposing team. And if the defense stunts or calls an A-gap blitz, the center can sometimes find himself facing two defenders.

But from the moment that the Rams selected Arkansas center Beaux Limmer in the 2024 NFL Draft, we knew that he was special enough to offer more than bench depth.

Baldy throws well-deserved praise Beaux's way

Brian Baldinger knows NFL offensive line schemes. He played all five positions over an 11-season NFL career. And he uses that earned knowledge and expertise to narrate not only what an offensive lineman does, but why it matters to the team. And that is on full display when he breaks down Limmer's performance in Week 11 against the New England Patriots.

The Patriots pass rush, after no sacks against the LA Rams, remains tied as the 15th-ranked pass rush in the NFL. So how did the offensive line do such an admirable job? Baldy breaks it down for you. Solid pass protection starts with the center. As long as Beaux Limmer does his job, the pocket allows Stafford to step up and make his throws.

The Rams offensive line showed up in a huge way in Week 11. Their task in Week 12 will be an even tougher task. But the Rams offensive line is finally starting to resemble the unit many fans hoped it would become this season. But nobody saw Beaux Limmer, an under the radar rookie center, as having a vital role this year.

Well, besides Ramblin Fan, that is.

Thanks for reading.

More Rams News and Analysis