Oldnotdead with some strong opinions on ‘21 Rams OL…

Here’s oldnotdead…

Again some context needs to be considered.

Evans: Has always played OT. Was actually a bright spot in 2019 when he played OT after Havenstein went down. Missed a lot of 2020 with an injury now add the lack of a true camp, and a brand new position. Compound the fact he was being coached by Kromer last year who proved unable to coach young developing players. He struggled but played adequately, primarily because he wasn't asked to do much except executing a simplistic blocking scheme. Outside zone with a horizontal concept is something every lineman has played since high school. Now in 2021, he is being asked to learn entirely new blocking concepts at an unfamiliar position. Understand that the technique and muscle memory required of an OG is completely different than as an OT. An OT plays upright with strength, and quick feet. An OG plays with leverage, i.e. plays low with power (hand, arm, and lower body drive). This in reality is his first full offseason at a new position. That's why I give him a pass and understand that at this point he can provide decent backup level play.

OT: Whitworth and Havenstein are the same as in 2018. My reservations with Havenstein haven't changed, i.e. his play is mediocre and his slow feet make him vulnerable to speed. That shows even now. If there is one player that needs to be replaced it's him.

Corbett: Despite McVay's words to the contrary Austin had his own struggles at center. For a first-time player at the position he did in fact practice well, but practice is not a game. When pitted against someone other than his own teammates these struggles were made clear. His move back to RG was made necessary by his practice against the Cowboys. People like to blame the move on Evans but in reality, Corbett is the 3rd best center.

Allen & Shelton: These two have always been the best options for McVay. Both have long experience (which matters at this position) playing center. But only Allen has NFL starting experience. In 2019 he played 563 snaps before being injured. In 2020 Kromer demoted Allen to play the markedly inferior Blythe who was a Kromer favorite. Blythe gave up 4 sacks and even more pressures. In approximately half the snaps Allen only gave up one sack and fewer pressures. Simply going back and comparing the blocking of Allen vs Blythe reveals the truth and is part of the reason Kromer lost his job. Allen is the logical choice for compelling reasons. First, he is the only player with starting experience at center which is proved by Corbett is the hardest position to play. In his 2019 starts, he played much better than he was given credit for having done as a first-year starter. It's clear from the reports Allen continued to work on his game and is much better prepared to play the position than in 2019. This shows a good work ethic and commitment. Allen has the mobility to execute any scheme Carberry wishes to install.

Shelton is a mauler in run blocking with the mobility to execute any scheme Carberry wants to run. He has collegiate experience at both center and OG making him what you want as a backup. IMO between Allen, Corbett, and Shelton, it's Coleman who has the best drive blocking potential in short yardage.

Other than Havenstein, the other potential weakness is Edwards. He continues to have lapses in his technique which is what he struggled with last year. It must be remembered he did give up 3 sacks last year but again it must be noted he played next to Blythe the turnstile.

Now blocking for Stafford he will make their jobs easier as his quick reading of the defense allows him to get the passes off on time. The only real concern with this OL will be in run blocking. In run blocking it's all about execution, and that takes practice and time to develop the field vision, awareness and thereby the execution to play any scheme Carberry calls for. The basic talent is in place it's a matter of can it all come together quickly enough. When people talk about an OL gelling as a unit that is a very real thing. The OL must play as a unit no less than the defensive secondary which must do likewise.

Remember this is the same basic OL that run blocked well last year. The difference this year is a far better center who can actually execute the second-level blocks which used to leave Blythe standing around looking confused. This OL blocked fairly well for Goff who admittedly was slow to get his passes off for a variety of reasons. That has now been rectified by Stafford, so the bottom line is that I think this OL has the potential to be one of the top OLs in the NFL. They simply need to execute their newly installed blocking schemes better and that is simply a matter or practice and experience.

Time for panic or agnst? I think not. They were decent last year and IMO they will only be improved this year as in reality they upgraded the center position and everything else is the same.