5 weeks in, and Rams' offensive line turmoil is only deepening

The Los Angeles Rams offensive line is nowhere near the strength of the team, as hoped for from incessant glowing reports from training camp. One year ago, LA pushed the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the limit before losing in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.

At the time, the weak link appeared to be center Beaux Limmer, who struggled in consecutive plays just to slow down Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter. In addition to signing veteran center Coleman Shelton, the front office upgraded backups at offensive tackle, picking up veterans DJ Humphries and David Quessenberry.

Yet, here we are in Week 5. The offense has been plagued once more with an ever-changing offensive line. And the wear and tear has begun to bleed over into special teams, ineffective play calling, and outcomes of games.

Let's face it: NFL teams with struggling or uncertain O-line play will struggle to find continued success.

That sums up this team's 2025 NFL season so far.

Rams offensive line struggles are... complicated

In just five games, nine players have played for Los Angeles' O-line. And when considering injuries, LA has had at least four different iterations lining up. For a group that depends heavily on continuity and communication, there is little to be found in the early going.

Curiously, the latest arrangement of linemen that included two backups promoted to starting positions was perhaps the best overall performance of the season. But this was not great by any means. The Rams' insistence on small running backs rushing behind a struggling O-line has limited success when running the football in short-yardage situations.

As per ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes, LA's ground attack is built to run against light boxes. But whenever a defense crowds the box, light running backs and a dysfunctional offensive line are far less effective.

And yet, every year, the offense has a chance to consider a big-bodied running back to change the scenario. More often than not, power backs are released. If they do make the roster, it only lasts for one season.

And then there is the new controversy.

Rams sending IOL Steve Avila a stern message already?

Interior offensive lineman Steve Avila was expected to return to start for Week 5. But the Rams elected to keep him on the bench, choosing to start backups Justin Dedich at left guard and Warren McClendon Jr. at right tackle.

The real controversy became obvious when head coach Sean McVay elaborated on the decision to keep Avila on the bench. Right tackle Rob Havenstein is nursing an ankle injury.

Avila is just one of several offensive linemen showing clear signs of regression this season. Limmer has been very ineffective in blocking this year, and even stalwart blocker Kevin Dotson has shown signs of struggle this season.

In truth, the best and most dependable lineman on the team so far is left tackle Alaric Jackson, the same guy who missed nearly all of training camp due to a medical condition.

Roster changes may be afoot. The offense is getting by so far, despite the O-line's struggles. But LA needs far more from the blockers than it has gotten so far.

Keep in mind that one of the most promising rookies, Willie Lampkin, was released and subsequently signed by the Eagles. So, it's not a matter of finding talent. It's become a matter of keeping talented players and coaching them up to their full potential.

Stay tuned.

And as always, thanks for reading.

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