Whitworth is just tremendous. He is the rock, the anchor, who always shows up. That some younger, terrific Ends or rush OLBs have beat him a couple of times is just the way it goes in the NFL. His leadership, steadiness, and professional work ethic have revolutionized the Rams Oline.
But let's not forget Sullivan. He has brought intelligence, good line calls, and a real stout presence in the middle.
This has cemented for me something very important about NFL Olines: the 2 most important positions are LOT and Center. If either of those two are deficient, you got real trouble. You can make do with decent OGs and RT. But you MUST have good Center and LOT play or else.....
So it behooves the Rams to be working diligently to find a replacement for Whitworth in this offseason, probably for 2019, and probably through the draft. LOTs like him don't come via FA unless you have rare circumstances. I don't care if it's a 1st round pick that mostly sits his first year and learns behind the best; LOT is that important especially to a pocket passer like Goff. The only reason I don't mention center is that it looks like Blythe is a real find. When he's had to play he's done a terrific job.
And, I can't imagine that if he continues to stay healthy that Sullivan wouldn't play another year and the Rams are the logical choice for all involved.
