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JamesJM
What we seemed to attribute to the OL in many cases I thought for more indicative of QB/WR play. Healthy, that first and foremost, I think we're ok. We're certainly not at the same level of proficiency at the DL but I think much better than our W/L record makes it seem.
On the defense you lose some you pick up some... that's today's game, but from a 'baseline' I think the Rams are in good shape, far better than most teams. - JamesJM
I agree with both points.
BUT I still want to see them first before diving in. It's a temperament thing. Until a unit like the OL HAS done it, I need to see them do it, even if I think they can.
For me the OL issue amounts to every down run production. They got a lot out of Gurley breaking runs. In fact in many games a Gurley long run was THE difference. According to Football Outsiders (FO), the Rams were 3rd in the league in yards gained by the back 10 yards past the LOS (Tavon contributed to that too).
But, they were iffier and more inconsistent in between the long runs. For example, also according to FO, they were the 5th from the worst team in the league in giving up run stuffs (meaning they were ranked 28th).
Can they become a more consistently productive run blocking team? Sure, they have the players for it. Am I confident they will? Well, yeah, fairly much. But...I want to see it.
I;m like my dog with an unfamiliar toy. Do I want it? Sure. Just...hold on a sec. No harm in me hanging back a bit. Maybe...maybe...I mean I'm not running...butttttt...these decisions take time...
