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den-the-coach
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dzrams
If they only keep him as clean as Goff was kept in 2020, would that be sufficient?
I'd like it to be better, some games Goff was under constant duress and in fact, the last game against the Packers Bobby Evans, who is an excellent run blocker, did showcase that unless he steps up this year, was somewhat a liability in pass protection.
BTW you're right about Noteboom, he's a tackle not a guard and you're also right that Boom was not as good in the run game, but IMO, he's adding strength and that could be an area he improves in. When it comes to LT, I'd rather have someone that is better at pass protection and then he can add leg strength in order to get a better push in the run game.
Agreed on Noteboom. I'm actually comfortable with the LT position despite Whit's age because if Whit goes down, we've already seen that they're not going to collapse with Noteboom's play. It was obviously not as good as Whit but few are.
Evans in pass pro and at the guard spot is my concern but I think that Anchrum and Brewer also may be good options.
Overall, I may be a little bit more optimistic than you on the OL. If the OL only maintained what it was last year, we're going to see good results because we have a more experienced and mentally savvy QB making decisions now.
As things stand though, last year they were:
8th lowest QB sacked percentage
10th lowest QB sacks allowed.
9th fewest pressures allowed.
11th in highest running yards.
Bottom line, every metric says they were top 10 in protecting Goff last year. You add in a better QB and the 2021 OL will look a lot better. And that's without factoring in how the added speed helps the entire offense and by extension the OL.
I'll say it now, the 2021 Rams will be a top 10 offense! And they'll have a top 5 defense.
