Rams' success depends more than ever on offensive line doing one thing well

Matthew Stafford didn't just win MVP last season. The Los Angeles Rams quarterback had a historic year. Only 2020 Aaron Rodgers and 2007 Tom Brady posted a better touchdown-to-interception ratio while matching Stafford's 46 passing TDs (he threw eight INTS). 

Unsurprisingly, he topped the charts when his offensive line kept him clean in the pocket, earning a 95.6 Pro Football Focus grade under such conditions. Stafford also ranked first among 43 qualified QBs with a 93.5 overall grade, so it's not like he was only productive when unpressured. 

Given his age and immobility, however, executing the No. 1 priority of the Rams' front five - protecting No. 9 - is more crucial than ever for the offense to function. 

Rams offensive line can ensure Stafford is at his best

L.A.'s Stafford-led offense didn't just function in 2025. It dominated, leading the NFL in points, passing yards, and total yards. Stafford led the league in win shares. He wasn't just a PFF darling. He ranked top three in most categories at his position, including QBR, passer rating, total EPA, and success rate.

That includes average depth of target, despite the desperate refrain among detractors, 'But all those one-yard touchdowns! Fake MVP!' Stafford paced the field in passing yards and TDs.

He did so at age 37. He turned 38 in February. His bad back isn't bothering him this offseason, but it's a lingering concern. At this point in his career, Stafford is effectively immobile. That doesn't matter if his pass protection holds up. Then Stafford is the best QB in the league.

All the above are why the offensive line must concentrate more than ever on keeping him clean.

He may not take home the MVP in 2026, but it's definitely within his powers to keep his spot atop PFF leaderboards. The reality is that he won't be able to without high-level play from Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila at guard and Warren McClendon at tackle, plus whoever suits up opposite him, whether that's Alaric Jackson Jr., a summer free-agent addition, or even rookie Keagen Trost.

Fortunately, all Rams linemen named above are excellent pass protectors, grading out in the top third or better in pass blocking (technically, PFF ranked Jackson 30th out of 89 tackles, so not quite top third). Trost ranked 11th among 632 graded tackles in the college realm. 

Whether the group can run back an outstanding performance to keep Stafford at his best may be the single-most important determinant for the 2026 Rams offense.

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