and I don't have an equally valid response, other than what the Bills and other teams have opted to do. The Bills played their starters for 1 quarter in each of their first 2 preseason games, and then shut it down. declaring them ready for the 2022 season. And they still had issues, but not as bad as our Rams.
I found an interesting article on the Colts, who were targeting the 1st Qtr for the first 2 preseason games and the 1st half of the third for their new QB Matt Ryan to get acclimated. This article also talks more about preseason injuries, comparing them with regular season injuries to boot.
But I recall that, anecdotally, offensive lines need time to gel, and that playing together helps the 5 play as a team. Yes Shelton & Noteboom played last year but that was only a game or two. And the sum of the OL is stronger than the individual player by himself. And that the reps in OTAs and TC are not the same as playing a game. Even Thud practices did not provide the same as game experience. And prior to McVay, that seemed to hold true for other Rams teams. Hope this helps - wish that I could find supporting evidence for you, especially since you have found such compelling stats before.
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RFS69
