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Metrics show the Rams are dominating the trenches on both sides of the ball
Skyler Carlin
November 10, 2021 9:16 am PT
There’s no debating that the Los Angeles Rams got outclassed by the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, especially in the trenches. Matthew Stafford was sacked a season-high five times, but not all of them should be pitted on the offensive line.
Even after Week 9’s collapse versus the Titans, The Athletic’s Ben Baldwin created charts that show just how well the Rams have performed in the trenches on both sides of the ball this season.
Data-driven measures of trench play through week 9
Again WAS/LA/CLE stand out pic.twitter.com/SqpQUEaFUs
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) November 9, 2021
Aside from this past week, the interior of Brian Allen, David Edwards, and Austin Corbett was keeping pace with Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein. It should come as no surprise that Whitworth (89.4) and Havenstein (76.5) have the Rams’ highest pass-blocking grades, according to PFF.
While Stafford has had plenty of time to set up shop in the pocket, the offensive line has also created plenty of running lanes for Darrell Henderson. All five of the starters on the offensive line have run-blocking grades on PFF of 62-plus, with Havenstein boasting the highest grade at 72.5.
Rushing the passer hasn’t been an issue for the Rams, as having Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd makes life easier for everyone else. It’s still surreal to think that we’ll see Von Miller join this defense soon. And it has been a positive sight to see Greg Gaines incite pressure from the interior, as he’ll see more time with Sebastian Joseph-Day potentially out for the year.
Over the years, we’ve seen the run defense of the Rams waver as an average or below-average group. However, while allowing the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game and the 10th fewest yards per carry, Los Angeles is consistently imposing their will on the defensive front in the running game this season.
A’Shawn Robinson, Donald, Gaines, Floyd, and even Jalen Ramsey all have run-defense grades of 71-plus over at PFF. While there are. plenty of games to be played still, it will be interesting to see if the Rams can remain near the top in all of these metrics when the season is over.
