Rams offensive line mixes it up

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CGI_Ram

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http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_3bfb5064-7e69-5e9e-881d-7eaaa3ec1e7f.html

In the modern-day NFL, it’s common for defensive linemen to rotate during a game. They come in and out in waves. Some are pass-rushing specialists; some are wide-bodies who excel at stuffing the run. The rotation system keeps players fresh and can wear down opposing offensive linemen.

Not so on the other side of the ball. If you’re an offensive lineman in the NFL, you’re either playing every down, or you’re hurt.

But that hasn’t always been the case for the Rams this season. For the last four games, or beginning with the Jacksonville game, the Rams have been rotating starter Chris Williams and backup Shelley Smith at left guard. In the first four games of the season, or through the Thursday night contest against San Francisco, Williams played every snap.

But against Jacksonville, Smith got 36 percent of the Rams’ offensive snaps (26 plays) to Williams’ 64 percent (47 plays). The following week in Houston, it was Smith at 33 percent to Williams’ 67 percent. And in Carolina, Smith was in 38 percent of the time to Williams’ 62 percent.

So basically Williams was getting about two plays for every one play for Smith.

“If you remember last year, the last (two) games we rotated Chris and Shelley,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said.

The timeshare came as a result of a season-ending biceps tendon injury for right guard Harvey Dahl.

This season, following a 35-11 drubbing by the 49ers on Sept. 26, the Rams decided to go with the Williams-Smith rotation system once again.

“It’s a credit to them that they’ve been able to do it so well,” Schottenheimer said.

Rotating offensive linemen at one position is unusual enough. But starting with the Carolina game, the Rams started doing it at two of the five O-line positions. That was when the team’s usual starting right tackle, Rodger Saffold, returned after missing four games with a knee injury.

Joe Barksdale, who started in Saffold’s place, has played well enough that he has continued starting with Saffold rotating in. Against the Panthers, it was basically an even split, with Barksdale in for 51 percent of the snaps (31 plays) to Saffold’s 49 percent (30 plays). The split was much more pronounced against Seattle: Barksdale 76 percent (58 plays) to Saffold’s 24 percent (18 plays).

Fisher said one of the main reasons for the rotation is simply that the players in question are pretty close in talent.

“Yeah, they are,” Fisher said. “Rodger was a starter. Joe steps in and Joe plays well, and we just felt like to get Rodger back in the flow it made sense to get him in the ballgame and let them alternate. So, we’ll probably continue with that.”

Cohesiveness is so important on the offensive line, particularly when it comes to co-op blocking on defensive line stunts and loops, conventional wisdom says rotating blockers can disrupt chemistry. But there are some advantages to doing so, according to Schottenheimer.

“Sometimes it’s good because you give the defensive ends and the defensive tackles different looks because they’re going against a different player,” he said. “They study certain guys just like we study certain defensive linemen’s techniques. That kind of helps keep them off guard: ‘Hey, I’ve got to prepare for two guys rather than one.’

In the past, Saffold has always been reinserted into the starting lineup when returning from an injury. So this is something new for him. Scheduled for unrestricted free agency, and originally upset during the offseason when switched to right tackle following the addition of left tackle Jake Long in free agency, Saffold isn’t making waves about his current situation.

“I’m just going to continue to be patient and just see what happens,” Saffold said last week. “The reps that I do get in practice, I really try to take advantage of those.

“That way, when I do go into a game, I’m ready to go. Now as for what the coaches are looking for, I’m not really sure. But I’m sure they have their reasons (for the rotation system). But at the same time, there’s no reason for me to start a skirmish, you know, because life could be worse. I could not be playing at all.

“And I think Reggie’s really trying to be cautious on this one.” (Reggie Scott is the Rams’ head athletic trainer.)

“I got back a little faster than I thought I was going to (from the knee injury),” Saffold continued. “I’ve been working, and I thought I could’ve played in the Texas game. They’re just really trying to make sure that I’m there for the end of the (season) stretch.

“I just take it how it is. Joe’s doing the best he can, and he’s really working. And I’m constantly working with him. And then if anything happens on the other side (at left tackle), I’m able to play on that side, too.”

This Sunday against Tennessee, the rotation system figures to be limited to right tackle. Because of a knee injury to Dahl, which could sideline him for several weeks, Smith goes from rotating with Williams at left guard to starting for Dahl at right guard.

Dahl’s injury led to more playing time for Smith against Seattle. Smith was in for only eight plays at left guard but played the final 31 snaps of the game at right guard once Dahl went out in the third quarter.
 

CGI_Ram

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A couple of things caught my eye:

Fisher said one of the main reasons for the rotation is simply that the players in question are pretty close in talent.

“Yeah, they are,” Fisher said. “Rodger was a starter. Joe steps in and Joe plays well, and we just felt like to get Rodger back in the flow it made sense to get him in the ballgame and let them alternate. So, we’ll probably continue with that.”

If true, that says to me the Rams will likely let Saffold walk in the offseason. Joe is signed through 2014: [Signed a four-year, $2.579 million contract. The deal included a $539,800 signing bonus. 2013: $555,000, 2014: $645,000, 2015: Free Agent]

And this:

This Sunday against Tennessee, the rotation system figures to be limited to right tackle. Because of a knee injury to Dahl, which could sideline him for several weeks, Smith goes from rotating with Williams at left guard to starting for Dahl at right guard.

Personally; I'd rather Smith stay at LG and Saffold move inside to RG.
 

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Remember that time we had a healthy O-line for an entire season?




Yeah, me either.
 

den-the-coach

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First off I do like Saffold over Barksdale for pass protection. Barksdale still struggles on the edge, however, IMO Barksdale is a better run blocker because he's more stout at the point of attack although Saffold did have some good blocks against the Hawks. IMO Barksdale is a third tackle and I can only hope the Rams can draft Jake Matthews in 2014 after they do let Saffold walk because I'm just not sold on Barksdale in pass protection.

Shelly Smith did a good job at RG when he came in for Dahl and should be ready to stake his claim to the position. Great opportunity for Smith and hopefully the Rams can stay healthy along the front the rest of the way.
 

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I kind of like the rotations and think it just might be a new trend in the NFL with the OL. I know traditionally that coaches have always sought that "chemistry" that seems to be so important with OLs in particular but with the DLs doing so many rotations, it seems to reason that OLs should try it too to stay fresh and make it more difficult for DCs to game-plan one on one match-ups. I like it especially for our Rams because we seem to not be able to go a complete season without having to do without some of our OL.
 

BonifayRam

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I observed some great blocks (run & pass) from the limited Saffold last week. I am not sure but I did not see Saffold miss one block! As far as the comments about Barksdale being equal to Saffold......IMO not even close..Saffold is the better player. There is only one reason that Barksdale remains the starter... no secret to any of us here... Saffold is a walking injury waiting to occur again & again. Keeping Saffold healthy as the Rams swing OT is very important even with Sam gone.

The closest thing to a reserve swing OT is Mike Persons who at best could maybe fill in @ RIGHT OT but @ OLT don't even think about it. Plus Barksdale is under contract for the 2014 season for a cost of only $645,000K. Saffold on the other-hand in 2014 will get a brand new high cost contract close to 4 to 5 million a yr...... to play LEFT OT somewhere else. If the Rams continue to pay 33 olds Dahl 4 mil. & Wells 5.5 mil. then certainly the often injured Saffold who IMO is way better than both Dahl & Wells can get that or better Rams will not do that ...thus to the reason why Joe Barksdale remains the starter....

Here's some of my opinion nuggets for what it worth on the Ram OL.....Shelley Smith will be a Ram Restricted Free Agent in 2014. He can be retained @ a good low end cap cost in 2014. Smith started 6 games @ OLG/ORG in 2012 & has been on the field a bunch in the month of October in Boudreau's OLG rotation. So now he is the announced starter @ Right OG post. Smith has been healthy too for the last two seasons something he had issues with his first two NFL seasons since being drafted in 2010 6th rd. by the Texans. Smith plays LEFT OG overall better than Chris Williams IMO. Smith's size has greatly improved & is plays between 310-315 range & does not carry much around the waistline either..& getting stronger. I would invest in Smith and keep him playing the LEFT OG position if it were me. I want to find out this season if Smith can be a strong mobile complete young OLG for the future of this Ram team! If Smith continues to improve play by play then I would strongly suggest getting him a nice $$ RFA 2014 contract.

Rams paid Chris Williams $1.376 million to play this season. The 28 yr old 6 yr pro won his first starting post since being drafted in 2008 first rd. by the Bears. I do not see any improvement in CW as this seasons wears on...matter of fact that why Boudreau slipped in Smith on a rotational basis to try & improve CW's play. CW is the OL weak link IMO this season. I see no reason to continue to develop or provide CW more exposure any longer @ some point its time to move on. I would not offer CW a future contract in 2014. The best I have seen Williams play was last season when he rotated with Smith @ Dahl's Right OG post. If Boudreau thinks its a good thing to rotate Williams then I would slip in some Mike Persons or Barrett Jones some second half season on field experience @ ORG. This would provide the needed battle tested assessments on these two under contracted young interior OL'ers.

In conclusion in order to build a improved future 2014 offensive line .... Boudreau has been rotating two Ol posts (ORT & OLG) with positive results why not add a third? I would start Smith @ OLG & rotate rookie Barrett Jones in a little. I would suggest starting Williams @ ORG & rotate Mike Persons in heavy. I would also continue a 50%/50% Barksdale/Saffold rotation @ ORT.

2014 Offensive line under contract OLers:
OT Jake Long 8 mil. UFA 2017-Starter
OC Scott Wells 5.5 mil UFA 2016-Starter
OG Harvey Dahl 4 mil UFA 2015-Starter
OT Joe Barksdale 645K UFA 2015-Starter
OG Mike Persons 645K UFA 2015
OT Graham Pocic 495K UFA 2016
OG Barrett Jones 495K UFA 2017
OG Shelley Smith Restricted Free Agent
OC Tim Barnes Exclusive Rights Free Agent

Bottom line
In 2014 when immobile pocket passer Sam Bradford returns to play the Rams will have 20 million tied up in three veteran OL starters (Long-Wells & Dahl). They will have the great need to replace & find a swing OT Saffold & also replace starting OG Williams.

The Rams do not have a third OT under contract with the skill or talent ability to replace Saffold so one or two must be highly targeted in the draft. Not so sure the Rams will want to tie up 20 mil in those three OL'ers either????. If a 27 yr old low cap$ hit Smith proves to be as effective as a 33 yr old expensive Dahl then your business side comes into play here. Dahl release does result in a easy 4 mil savings . They could attempt to restructure @ a lower cost say under 2 mil a season for my favorite OL'ers too. That would be the right thing IMO.However it would be clever to find out this season what latent interior OL talent is present under wraps in Jones, Persons & Barnes.
 
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V3

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Didn't someone post a link that showed Barksdale was one of the better RT's in the NFL a week or two ago? I think it was from PFF.
 

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BonifayRam

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Didn't someone post a link that showed Barksdale was one of the better RT's in the NFL a week or two ago? I think it was from PFF.

Yes most everyone has him rated very high. But I am in a very small minority & I just see Roger Saffold as a much better well rounded OT.

According to that chart Jake Long is the best Run blocking OLT in the NFL. On the flip side it also says that Jake Long's pass blocking is way below the average. Jake Long is rated the #5 top rated LEFT OT.

Joe Barksdale is rated #7 on this list @ pass blocking & #8 in run blocking, #9 @ giving up sacks, #8 @ giving up hits & is on the top 3 for not giving up hurries for a Right OT. According to this maybe Barksdale should be our starter @ LEFT OT & Jake Long playing ORT??? It indicates JB is much better @ pass blocking than run blocking a real bonified difference in his rating between the two...I am surprised.

Overall Barksdale is the Number #10 rated Right OT.
 
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Thanks. Hmm, I didn't think Long would be that high up there even with combined stats. Interesting that Barks is low in the run blocking, too. For someone making as little as he does, having little playing time, and being as durable as he is, I don't see why people are in such a rush to get rid of him. I'd much rather spend our top picks on a skill position- not a RT. He should only get better with more experience.
 

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For someone making as little as he does, having little playing time, and being as durable as he is, I don't see why people are in such a rush to get rid of him.

Not so sure there are many Ram fans around here wanting to get rid of him V3. I may be one of the more critical yappers here in ROD'ville on Barksdale but I am solid in the tank for Joe Barksdale remaining a Ram for a long time. At the same time I also believe that with a Sam Bradford @ QB you will need to draft a OT with the talent level of Rodger Saffold to replace the departing Saffold or your OL will take a major step backwards. As we have seen now for a long while teams must have a sold good Swing OT on the roster. This is as vital as any of the starters themselves. You will not find another Rodger Saffold type player other than in the top rung of the draft.

I'd much rather spend our top picks on a skill position- not a RT.

The last two Snead & Fisher drafts have utilized 7 of their 9 first & second day draft picks on "skilled positions". I would also contend that those two non skilled positions....Brockers & Ogletree may be the best selections of the nine....I want more non skilled players drafted myself... I love the linemen selections & I leave the fancy play-toys for others. I would make me very happy for the Rams to select a Jake Matthews or Taylor Lewan with the first round pick. Or select a Cyrus Kouandjio or a Antonio Richardson will our second first round pick.

He (Joe Barksdale) should only get better with more experience.

I completely agree with you ...from the looks of that chart Barksdale has his work cut out for him at needing to improve @ run blocking because Barksdale has a big fat F grade!
 

CGI_Ram

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I'd much rather spend our top picks on a skill position- not a RT.

Not me. I want an offensive line FORTRESS!

Let's get the best offensive line we can:
1) Protects Sam
2) Gives Stacy running lanes
3) Gives Sam time to pass
4) Gives the WR time to get open

I'm drafting HEAVY oline if I'm the Rams! It's the best thing we can do to help this offense.
 

V3

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Not me. I want an offensive line FORTRESS!

Let's get the best offensive line we can:
1) Protects Sam
2) Gives Stacy running lanes
3) Gives Sam time to pass
4) Gives the WR time to get open

I'm drafting HEAVY oline if I'm the Rams! It's the best thing we can do to help this offense.

I can respect that but do you think the Rams will agree with that? Fisher's past sure doesn't suggest that he'll spend high first round picks on OLman.
 

CGI_Ram

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I can respect that but do you think the Rams will agree with that? Fisher's past sure doesn't suggest that he'll spend high first round picks on OLman.

Actually; I have no idea. You are right in that the past does not seem to suggest it. But it's a new era and he's got a QB to protect and an offense to kick start.
 

BonifayRam

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That would make Jake Long the 5th highest rated LT and Barksdale the 9th highest rated RT. Jake Matthews in the top 5 is unnecessary, imo.

It obvious that on this one area we are on the opposite side of this issue....Sam Bradford missed most of his last yr of College in 2009 with a very serious throwing arm injury that required surgery. In 2010 Sam came back healthy his rookie season. In 2011 the Ram OL was a disaster & Sam was sack an unbelievable amount plus he missed 6 total games and parts of two others that caused & helped the Rams to have the worse record in the NFL! What was the big event that happened after that???? GM & HC were fired! In 2012 Rams got Snead & Fisher. Rams continued to have OL issues but Sam survived. Now halfway of the 2013 season Sam is on the IR & hurt once again will need surgery.

So Sam since 2009 to 2013 ( FIVE seasons) ...Sam (pocket passer) has experienced two out of five seasons healthy. It's a bonified possibility that the Rams will have a top 5 draft pick in 2014. As Sam goes so does Snead & Fisher...if the OL regresses from where it is now ...& Sam in 2014 once again is pounded & harassed & has no rushing game & injury results what do you think the chances are that Snead & Fisher are here for another year? Think Fisher recalls what occurred to Sam before they got here in 2012???

Barksdale has been under development for close to 3 yrs now...& still has some learning to go... Last yr the Rams had Five OT's on the roster & used all five in games @ OT (Saffold/Hunter/Barksdale/Williams/Richardson). This season the Rams have three good OT's with Brandon Washington, Max Starks & Mike Persons coming in to help. Next season they will be down to two bonified OT's. It may be wise to remember that in 2015 Barksdale will be a UFA! This season Rams have yet to rush for a TD! Rams got lucky with Saffold in 2010 where the Rams selected him as a very high #33 second round pick. Other than Saffold the last time the Rams drafted a starting OT or a reserve swing OT that played & performed outside the first round was in 1996 with Fred Miller in the 5th rd.
 

jjab360

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It obvious that on this one area we are on the opposite side of this issue....Sam Bradford missed most of his last yr of College in 2009 with a very serious throwing arm injury that required surgery. In 2010 Sam came back healthy his rookie season. In 2011 the Ram OL was a disaster & Sam was sack an unbelievable amount plus he missed 6 total games and parts of two others that caused & helped the Rams to have the worse record in the NFL! What was the big event that happened after that???? GM & HC were fired! In 2012 Rams got Snead & Fisher. Rams continued to have OL issues but Sam survived. Now halfway of the 2013 season Sam is on the IR & hurt once again will need surgery.

So Sam since 2009 to 2013 ( FIVE seasons) ...Sam (pocket passer) has experienced two out of five seasons healthy. It's a bonified possibility that the Rams will have a top 5 draft pick in 2014. As Sam goes so does Snead & Fisher...if the OL regresses from where it is now ...& Sam in 2014 once again is pounded & harassed & has no rushing game & injury results what do you think the chances are that Snead & Fisher are here for another year? Think Fisher recalls what occurred to Sam before they got here in 2012???
Except for Bradford's injury this year had nothing to do with an O-line deficiency, but came on a scrambling play. In fact, we were actually protecting him pretty well outside of the Dallas and SF games. In 5 out of Bradford's last 9 games, he wasn't even sacked. Pretty amazing considering that the last time that had happened was only once before against the Falcons in Bradford's rookie year.

I could see us drafting a dominant OG like Cyril Richardson in the mid first because our G play has been below average this year, but as far as OT, I don't see why we don't give a young talent like Barksdale a chance. Tbh, I'm not altogether convinced that Matthews is even deserving of a top 5 pick. His technique is practically flawless, but his physical attributes leave a lot to be desired and he might have already reached his ceiling, imo.