Rams must fix glaring weakness to have chance of victory vs. Eagles

The Los Angeles Rams invested a great deal of time, energy, and money into the offensive line for 2025. This is a group that costs $50.7 million this season.

While L.A. is already 2-0, a much better start to the season than in the recent past, it's not thanks to a stone wall O-line.

In fact, when it comes to pass blocking, the O-line leaves much to be desired, which doesn't bode well in a highly anticipated matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in Week 3.

That is alarming for many reasons. Primarily, Los Angeles understood that the challenges of getting quarterback Matthew Stafford healthy enough to suit up and practice require that he stay healthy this season.

So, his protection must be better than average. Right now, it's far worse than average.

Complicating the matter even more is the absence of Stafford in training camp has thrown off the chemistry and rhythm needed to optimize his weaponry. He already connects with wide receiver Puka Nacua. But it took two games and many targets to finally start showing solid results with wide receiver Davante Adams. And he has yet to show that same level of chemistry with other receivers.

Should Rams turn to the running game to mitigate O-line woes?

Of course, the ability to protect the quarterback is not solely on the shoulders of offensive linemen. The offense has deployed its 12-personnel far more frequently than it had in previous seasons, and tight ends can be instrumental in blocking pass-rushers when necessary

Another effective method for slowing down a pass rush is placing tight ends, wide receivers, and even running backs in pre-snap motion. That often triggers telltale clues to the quarterback as to what the defense is running in terms of coverage and in terms of blitz packages.

The most effective weapon to slow down a pass rush, though, is a solid running game. Right now, Rams offensive linemen may be struggling with pass blocking. But that's not the case in run blocking. After two games, L.A. is starting to get on track here, and that was apparent in Week 2 when backup running back Blake Corum gashed the Tennessee Titans for 44 yards in just five carries.

It was that burst of offense from Corum that allowed the offense to erupt for 23 points in the second half of Week 2. If the offense can replicate that level of rushing on Sunday against Philly, L.A. can find similar success. The challenge of protecting a 37-year-old quarterback is not solely about the offensive line executing its blocks.

Instead, hopefully, it'll be a team effort in Week 3 that keeps Stafford upright and productive.

As always, thanks for reading.

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