Undoubtedly, the OL has progressed significantly from last year. We've celebrated Coach Carberry's leadership. We've all wondered and posited ideas pertaining to the unbelievable turn-around in OC Allen. We also have been amazed at OT Whit's ability to stay healthy and strong in his later years and play at such a high level. And the other OL players are just simply doing their jobs in the trenches.
All of these things are true! We are seeing great OL play on nearly every snap of every game.
One component to this winning formula that I haven't seen discussed at length might be some aspects attributed to Stafford's hiring too. Isn't there something to be said about what he brings to the OL play? For example, some leadership, less confusion in the huddle, reading of the D, audibles, etc. When the QB has a clear vision of the play and where it needs to go, the other players know their assignments better. When the QB knows that he needs to fire a pass more quickly, the OL doesn't look as bad as when the QB holds the ball. When the OL sees a master under center operating like a general to march down the field, the OL gains confidence about the overall strategy and their part in it.
So undoubtedly the OL's abilities are peaking due to coaching, health, ability, gelling together, and hanging tough, but we need to realize too how Stafford just elevates their play. It seems like it should work the other way around (and it does), but I think McVay's vision for the offense is taking shape through Stafford. He's known all summer what he's finally been able to unwrap for the NFL and especially for us Rams fans.
I just can't figure out how this didn't happen more regularly for Stafford in Detroit. He must have really been given a poor supporting cast and direction from coaching. The differences for us (Rams) and them (Lions) are just unbelievable!
