With Beaux Limmer back, LA Rams offensive line marks another impressive feat

LA Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was tossed around in Week 10 like a sack of rice at the loading dock. After that battering, he needed a week of a safe and secure pocket. Thankfully, he got it in Week 11. And the reason? Well, let's push a pin in that thought for just a minute.

I want to focus on veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford for just a moment. What was it about the game plan and the blocking scheme that were fundamentally different between Weeks 10 and 11? Week 10 was at home and Week 11 was on the road. I get that. But in terms of the way the team prepared and competed against the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots?

I don't think that there was much difference at all.

The Rams likely had a much greater familiarity advantage in Week 10, with the team playing at home on Monday Night Football. In Week 11, on a short week, the Rams had to travel across the country and compete at 1:00 pm ET, or 10:00 am PT. That's not exactly a great time to suit up and play football for a Pacific Coast team.

And yet, the Rams offense scored 28 points, its best scoring outburst since Week 8 on Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. So how did he do it?

It was simple. The veteran hurler had a center whose snap of the football resulted in a predictable and consistent snap of the football. He was able to anticipate the timing of the snap, his receivers, and the offensive line. And most of all, he was well protected in the pocket. Who was responsible for keeping defenders away from Stafford?

• LT - Alaric Jackson
• LG - Steve Avila
• C - Beaux Limmer
• RG - Kevin Dotson
• RT - Warren McClendon

That's pretty impressive. And it's even more impressive when you consider that this iteration of the offensive line did so on their first occasion to start together as a group. 70 offensive snaps. 0 quarterback sacks allowed.

When the team needs a big win, rookie center Beaux Limmer steps up with a big game.

And if I had to place a bet on why the Rams offense rolled so well in Week 11 versus not well at all in Week 10, that is where I would place my bet.

Forget PFF grades. Forget advanced data analytics. The Rams offense played very well for only a handful of games this season, and the team now has two solid performances with rookie Beaux Limmer at center. And the Rams did not allow a sack with him starting, either.

Ultimately, that is where the bar stands for offensive linemen. Right now, rookie Beaux Limmer is leading the group to that impressive feat, just as we suspected. Perhaps if the team sticks with Limmer at center, they can lengthen Stafford's career in the process.

Thanks for reading.

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