Here’s PARAM…
They all looked bad vs Buffalo. Then by the time Stafford took the third snap from Shelton in week 2 we were on our third RG. To start week 4, Evans was the starter at LG because Allen, Anchrum and Edwards were out and Shelton left that game after 22 plays. The OL did look like @#$%& but I'd use the words "in shambles" as a more accurate term. The lack of "continuity" was obvious and though that doesn't suggest simply running out the same 5 guys every week is going to give you a good OL, it means even with talent, the lack of continuity will produce a much lesser product.
I keep going back to Noteboom, who's injuries in 2019 and 2022 cost us dearly. After rewatching the first 5 games of 2022, I didn't see the guy OL critics in Ramsnation describe. He has a quick kick step, seems to always be in balance and clearly protected Stafford's blind side extremely well. Stoned the DE/OLB most of the time in pass pro. He's also quick and efficient in the run game. I've been told (elsewhere) "WTF??? He was leading the NFL in sacks allowed (5) and pressures (23) when he was injured!!!! He sucks!!!!". But if you rewatch those first 5 games and focus on just JN, you'd see in reality he allowed just 2 sacks in 5 games. I question the other 3 sacks PFF credited to him. Pressure? Another PFF measure, that's measured in inexact ways. I didn't see 1 DL he was blocking touch #9 or affect the throw, except when he allowed those 2 sacks.
But the "company line" line is "Noteboom sucks", which is not the case IMHO. I fully expect when he's healed (which should be in July) the OL will have him at LT and Jackson at LG.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/22/2023 06:38AM by Rams43.