Can Rams OL Coach Ryan Wendell succeed where former OL coach did not?

When the LA Rams struggled through the 2022 NFL season, the first action by the team was to part ways with then Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry. Were the injuries his fault? Perhaps not, but almost from the moment that the team turned to depth players to step up into a myriad of starting roles, it was quite clear that they were not ready.

So obvious was the team's depth challenges, that the front office immediately grabbed the shopping cart and shopped the local NFL Walmart store for bargain priced veterans. Over time, the veteran offensive linemen did stabilize the offense well enough to end the season at 5-12. But the ordeal not only hurt the team in that season, but veterans like QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp suffered injuries that were unnecessary.

The following year, the front office released or traded a number of high-cost players, hired new coaches, and started over from scratch. Kevin Carberry did not survive the refurbishing of the team for the 2023 NFL season.

The team hired a new Offensive Line Coach, Ryan Wendell, to oversee the restocking and reengineering of the offensive line. In 2023, he seemed to have everything going his way. But in 2024? Well, the Rams open up a very visible and important Week 1 rematch on the road against the Detroit Lions, without either starting offensive tackles. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is not only fighting off an ankle injury, but he is always serving his first of a two-game suspension.

Right tackle Rob Havenstein has been fighting through an ankle injury as well. There was some home that he might be able to suit up after elevating his status to questionable, but hopes were dashed when the Rams decided to place Havenstein on the inactives list.

The Rams may enter Week 1 hobbled, but they are not out by a long shot. The team paid meticulous care to address depth at the offensive line. And the two backups in Joe Noteboom and Warren McClendon have the makings of potential starters. Plus, the team has a trio of talented tight ends, and are carrying three running backs in this game.

The Rams offense has some challenges, but is this a perfect opportunity to lean into a 12-personnel run-heavy offense? The offseason roster moves point to a changed offensive playbook this season. With OL injuries impacting both starting offensive tackles, you have to believe that the team will not leave both backups on an island in this one.

The Rams are underestimated in this game. Stay tuned.