Rams seem just 2 OL players away from returning to SB worthy status...

[Rams43]

I think that the D is now gonna be fine. Well, actually more than fine as Ramsey settles in and Wade tinkers more and more with his blitz packages. This now has the earmarks of a really good scoring D.

I also think that the O is close.

Same QB, RB, 3 WR’s, and 2 TE’s from last year’s 13-3 team. No problems with those players, especially with the addition of the exciting Henderson. Gurley seems more than adequate if given some decent holes and if not required to stay in for pass pro.

But that OL? Still not fixed, and I’m not sure that it can be for this season.

Big Whit is still good enough. He’s slipping and this will surely be his last year, but he’s still good enough. I like Boom as our LOT next year, btw.

Edwards looked okay at LG yesterday and he’s only gonna get better and better.

I believe that Hav should be okay at RT if all he had to do was play RT and not help out Blythe. Maybe give him a TE chip block help now and then if he’s facing an elite edge player.

So, I think we’re okay at LOT, LG, and RT for this season and beyond. Playoff worthy.

But C and RG? I just dunno if Allen is the guy and 6 games is such a small sample group, but I’m not terribly optimistic.

My biggest concern is Blythe. I think I’m done with him and please don’t suggest Demby. Blythe has gotta go, IMO. Just not good enough.

What’s the solution(s)? Well, either Kromer must work his magic on the fly with our bench players, some of which are new to the team, OR Snead has to somehow acquire a journeyman type to play RG. Don’t need a star player there, a journeyman would be a big upgrade.

One solution or the other needs to be implemented. Only then can our running game and passing game return to playoff status. Our current one dimensional status is not gonna get the job done.

C’mon, Les. The future is now. We are a RG and maybe a C away from the playoffs and a legit SB run.

 

[HitStick]

I’m betting in a few weeks (maybe by the return from bye week) Corbett takes over. He was the 33rd pick for a reason, and let’s be honest, the Browns don’t exactly have a track record of getting the most out of their talent. Whit, Edwards, Allen, Corbett, Hav. This offseason is definitely going to need some upgrades.

 

[Memento]

Like @HitStick said, I think Corbett gets the start instead of Blythe. (Yes, you all were right about Blythe, and I was wrong). I also wouldn't be surprised to see Evans as the swing tackle.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

@Rams43 I don't know how you can be okay with Noteboom as the LOT. We have not seen him play the position in the NFL yet. That is a premiere position which weighs heavily on the strength of any team. From what I have seen of Noteboom at guard, I am not okay with him as LOT. He's not talented, nor strong enough. I hope I'm wrong but I think Left offensive tackle will be a future need.

 

[PressureD41]

I think we will target 2 starting OL this off season. OL continues to be a position we don't draft well enough.

 

[Riverumbbq]

@Rams43 I don't know how you can be okay with Noteboom as the LOT. We have not seen him play the position in the NFL yet. That is a premiere position which weighs heavily on the strength of any team. From what I have seen of Noteboom at guard, I am not okay with him as LOT. He's not talented, nor strong enough. I hope I'm wrong but I think Left offensive tackle will be a future need.

Actually, Noteboom had 78 snaps at LT in 2018, ... and he looked pretty good in relief of Whitworth, no apparent red flags at that time.

 

[Rainram]

There's something to be said for scheming some plays to account for this weakness.

I personally don't think we're getting more personnel to help the OLine. This means Blythe and Allen will be a liability all year. It means Havs and Whit will probably still struggle against premier talent. This unit is very average.

Maybe some TE/RB screens, which we are not terribly great at. But it was great seeing the RBs being targeted a bit more in the passing game last week.

Maybe some quicker developing plays like slants.

Maybe add a lead blocker to the mix. We need to figure the run game out in a bad way. I'm really liking Henderson, btw.

 

[XXXIVwin]

I have never ever seen anything, ever, ever, from Demby. I’d be fine if he was cut.

Agreed, Blythe needs to be upgraded.

Yeah, I hope Corbett pans out. But FWIW, I saw some articles stating “Corbett was worst Browns draft bust ever,” that sort of thing. Fans on the Browns boards seemed happy to ship him out of town. Hope he surprises, but I’m not counting on it.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I think we will target 2 starting OL this off season. OL continues to be a position we don't draft well enough.

While former McVay RG Brandon Scherff is high on my radar as a soon to become free agent, i'm coming around to the belief that all our 2020 OL starters may already be on our team. If so, Kromer will really be earning his keep next year.

Noteboom was being groomed as our starting LT, and although his injury may delay his return, I doubt he misses more than a couple regular season games, if any at all. If he is delayed, Edwards is his temporary replacement imo. I've got to believe that Edwards will receive the majority of the 2020 pre-season LT snaps while Noteboom is still recovering, although he'll likely be kept out of any pre-season games just as the starters were this year. Depending on where Noteboom is with his rehab, Edwards may not see much pre-season work at LG, so the competition for both starting OG positions is likely to be fierce between Evans, Brewer, Corbett, Shelton, Demby, Kolone and what may be another mid-round draft pick-up. Evans, like Edwards, may be somewhat handicapped as he will also be expected to prepare himself as the primary back-up to Havenstein.

An expensive free agent OG would settle the matter fairly quickly, but lets face it, if the Rams are planning on re-signing Littleton, Zuerlein and a few of our less expensive soon to become free agents like Morgan Fox, Mike Thomas & JoJo Natson, there won't be many available CAP dollars left on the table. At this point, i'm preparing myself for what comes in the draft and perhaps a single lower level free agent which fits a scheme need. Demoff may be able to shave a few $mil$ off Ramsey's 2020 CAP hit with a long extension, but i'm not seeing many additional areas to save unless Troy Hill and Roby-Coleman become CAP casualties. jmo.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Everyone keeps wondering why the Rams have no running game. It's Gurley's knee, hes not into it, he's lost a step.

The OL is the problem, not Gurley. This current OL has been pushed around all season. Weak with no push. They haven't won at the LOS in any game they've played. No push, thus no running game. They can't open holes for RB's. This OL is just plain weak. Rams need to add some beef and attitude before the running game and Gurley look like '17 and '18.

The Demby experiment is finally over. Inactive last game. Edwards did fine. Might be time to sit Blythe and start someone else bigger at RG. There no continuity and no push anyway.

This OL needs to get to run game going or they won't make the p;ayoffs.

 

[tomas]

@Rams43 I don't know how you can be okay with Noteboom as the LOT. We have not seen him play the position in the NFL yet. That is a premiere position which weighs heavily on the strength of any team. From what I have seen of Noteboom at guard, I am not okay with him as LOT. He's not talented, nor strong enough. I hope I'm wrong but I think Left offensive tackle will be a future need.

Rams powerlifting coach can put Noteboom on an intensive bulk-strength building regimen. Replicate Cooper Kupp 2018-19 offseason program.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Rams powerlifting coach can put Noteboom on an intensive bulk-strength building regimen. Replicate Cooper Kupp 2018-19 offseason program.

Some guys just can’t add strength. People have limitations. If he hasn’t done it by now his chances aren’t good.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Actually, Noteboom had 78 snaps at LT in 2018, ... and he looked pretty good in relief of Whitworth, no apparent red flags at that time.

Allen looked good in mop up duty last year too. It all depends on the level of competition they face. If backups are in late in games then it’s likely a blowout against a weaker team.

 

[BonifayRam]

Los Angeles Rams: Why winning the NFC West is still possible

Los Angeles Rams: Why winning the NFC West is still possible

The Los Angeles Rams snapped their three-game losing streak on Sunday with a dominant win over the Atlanta Falcons and still have a path to win the West.

lasportshub.com

 

[Soul Surfer]

Every offensive lineman has a position that they excel the most at.

Noteboom's position could very well be left tackle.
Evans spelled Whitworth at left tackle Sunday.

Corbett could potentially turn out to be a upgrade at Center or RG.
We have a lot of unknowns that the coaches will be able to figure out as the season progresses even.

But we have 4 really good prospects now to work with and potentially turn into superior starters.

For this year, Edwards looked good at left guard.
Allen improving could improve Blythe.

Another beat down on Cincinnati could really bring this team, especially the oline together.

 

[BonifayRam]

How the Los Angeles Rams Can Make the Playoffs

How the Los Angeles Rams Can Make the Playoffs: Through Week 17 (Published 2019)

The Rams have been eliminated from playoff contention.

www.nytimes.com

 

[BonifayRam]

Every offensive lineman has a position that they excel the most at.

Noteboom's position could very well be left tackle.
Evans spelled Whitworth at left tackle Sunday.

Corbett could potentially turn out to be a upgrade at Center or RG.
We have a lot of unknowns that the coaches will be able to figure out as the season progresses even.

But we have 4 really good prospects now to work with and potentially turn into superior starters.

For this year, Edwards looked good at left guard.
Allen improving could improve Blythe.

Another beat down on Cincinnati could really bring this team, especially the oline together.

At this point in the season the biggest issue for this Ram team has to overcome is the non effective OL. If this OL can muster itself from the mishaps & rough missing sputtering overall operation this team could skyrocket back to the top of the NFL powerhouse playoff bound teams.

Seems to me that Snead has done the best he can to salvage this team & place it in the best opportunity to have a shot @ the playoffs.

Defensively Snead has refurbished the injured & damaged secondary to the point where it can be effective the rest of the season. Wade is now able to utilize his pass rushing expertise & specialized pass rushers in playing a very aggressive type defense that will keep the Rams in the game far into the 4th quarter.

The offensive skilled players are still good enough to get ignited from time to time when the Ol permits. .....when the OL permitsalm:.

It would seem that Snead is left with hoping that his young OL'ers can gain enough NFL "know how" to begin to win the battles in the trenches. Noteboom & Demby are out of the game currently & first year players Edwards, Shelton & Evans all seeing some action this past Sunday with the offense, particularly rookie David Edwards who seemed to "gell well" with older than dirt Whitworth.

Newby OG/OC Austin Corbett is likely to fill Demby's position as the season move forward. Its my belief that Corbett's best playing position is @ LG. There may be a better opportunity for Kromer to work in youngins Evans @ LT, Shelton @ OC & Corbett @ RG later in the game in London...lets hope!

 

[Ramlock]

I'm of the opinion that the O-line has not yet gelled and may, in fact, get better if left to further develop as a unit, including bringing along the young players.

I'm not sure that they don't leave them alone and they get better organically.

Corbett looks like a value add that another team gave up on, IMO. But it will take some time to see where he fits.

 

[Merlin]

C’mon, Les. The future is now. We are a RG and maybe a C away from the playoffs and a legit SB run.

One thing I am very happy with right now is that Les & Kevin went big on what the market offered in Jalen Ramsey rather than going with their need on the OL by panicking and overpaying for someone who isn't worth what he cost. Sort of like the draft, btw, where you go with the strengths of it vice reaching and trying to fill needs.

Is there a Center and RG on the market? And is it realistic to expect the Rams to make two acquisitions on the OL when one of them (Allen) might be close to putting things together? McVay mentioned the other day (paraphrasing here) that if something is correctable it's different than if it's a deal where the player just can't do it. Allen has not been routinely trucked and/or looked lost like Demby did, so I don't understand the "let's trade for his replacement" thing.

Now Blythe? Sure. But again is the market there. Is there a player you like that you're willing to overpay for. Or is there a practice squad lineman out there that you're willing to give a roster spot. And since we're hurting on picks now who is the vet you're willing to dangle to replace him, as it's gonna cost more than some guy who is barely on your roster.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see them find a RG in trade and cut Blythe. But I think it's important that they keep an eye on the future too.

 

[Rams43]

One thing I am very happy with right now is that Les & Kevin went big on what the market offered in Jalen Ramsey rather than going with their need on the OL by panicking and overpaying for someone who isn't worth what he cost. Sort of like the draft, btw, where you go with the strengths of it vice reaching and trying to fill needs.

Is there a Center and RG on the market? And is it realistic to expect the Rams to make two acquisitions on the OL when one of them (Allen) might be close to putting things together? McVay mentioned the other day (paraphrasing here) that if something is correctable it's different than if it's a deal where the player just can't do it. Allen has not been routinely trucked and/or looked lost like Demby did, so I don't understand the "let's trade for his replacement" thing.

Now Blythe? Sure. But again is the market there. Is there a player you like that you're willing to overpay for. Or is there a practice squad lineman out there that you're willing to give a roster spot. And since we're hurting on picks now who is the vet you're willing to dangle to replace him, as it's gonna cost more than some guy who is barely on your roster.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see them find a RG in trade and cut Blythe. But I think it's important that they keep an eye on the future too.

Allen may or may not make it as a starting C. Of course I hope he does. But he may not blossom until next season.

Blythe? I just don’t think he’s a long term solution at RG. So, to me, I’d prefer a journeyman that Kromer likes and would consider it an upgrade.

As to the future? I think the future is now. We still have a legit shot at playoffs via wildcard if nothing else.

I keep coming back to the conclusion that we are a C and a RG away from being a potential SB candidate THIS year. So close and yet so far...