Rams gifted perfect chance to fix biggest weakness against Colts

The Los Angeles Rams are working through multiple challenges in the early going of the 2025 season. But with evidence supplied by a recent ESPN analytics article, the Blue and Gold may be in a perfect position to fix one of their biggest weaknesses.

And it aligns with the Week 4 opponent, the Indianapolis Colts.

LA's offensive line is terrible at pass blocking. In some subjective rankings, this unit is among the worst offensive lines ranked in the NFL this season.

Well, let's clarify. Los Angeles is struggling with pass protection. You see, LA's two starting offensive guards, Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson, have been fighting injuries early this season. And the backup guards, Beaux Limmer and Justin Dedich, have been bad at the task.

The Colts enter Week 4 with the fourth-worst pass-rush win rate (25 percent), according to ESPN; meanwhile, the Rams offensive line owns PFF's worst passing grade (37.4 percent). In the case of poor pass rushing up against poor pass blocking, something has to give.

If you are optimistic and expect LA's pass blocking to improve in Week 4, you may be onto something.

Rams pass blocking could bounce back in Week 4

From ESPN analytics, Los Angeles has had to thwart the pass rush of the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles. Their pass-rush win rates are 49 percent (third best), 34 percent (25th best), and 40 percent (13th best), respectively. So, coming up against Indy's 25 percent pass-rush win rate (29th best) gives the front five a chance to bolster their protection.

Despite leaving the game with lower leg cramps, Dotson is on track to suit up and play in Week 4. And per the latest injury report, Avila is getting some work in as LA prepares for the Colts. Beat reporter Nate Atkins confirmed the third-year guard's participation in practice.

While the offense has hit some rough patches in pass blocking, the Horns have only allowed five quarterback sacks in three games, which is good enough for ninth place in the NFL. Los Angeles has sped up the release time for quarterback Matthew Stafford, which has contributed to his lack of targets for wide receiver Tutu Atwell and the substantial workload of wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

With less time to throw, Atwell's deep routes simply do not have time to develop. And reading progressions take time as well. So, the offense has adapted by shortening the time needed to get the ball out of the 37-year-old quarterback's hands.

If the O-line can give the former Georgia Bulldog veteran QB time, the offense could finally exploit the deep routes that Atwell runs so well.

And if that kicks in, this offense could pile up points quickly.

As always, thanks for reading.

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