Week 2 O-line Grades

[TexasRam]

Week 2 -Eagles
I reviewed the game tape play by play reviewing the O-line. Below are my grades. There were some really excellent plays out there. I hope multiple people rewatch the game and focus on the blocking we are getting. I was critical of the coaching staff in the offseason not bringing in fresh blood, but so far their decision is paying off. Havenstein has been excellent, Corbett has turned the corner and turned into a nasty effective player. Blythe hasn't been perfect but overall he has been really good. Edwards was excellent today when he came in, to my credit I have been a huge fan of his after watching his tape all last year. Whitworth has been Pro Bowl form.

Havenstein Grade A - Totally dominant in the run game and responsible for several big runs. Pretty solid in this game in pass pro as well.

Corbett Grade B+ - Plays with a nasty streak and really moves bodies. Sometimes has perfect second level blocks after first level blocks. Playing at Saffold level in my book right now. Still a little work to do in pass pro. No major breakdowns.

Blythe - B Blythe has been showing more push in the run game and really solid overall. Gave up a sack in this game by failing to pick up the inside stunt by Graham. But that was a difficult block. Graham was lighting quick and Blythe was just a tad slow.

Edwards A - Edwards improvement over Noteboom is so noticeable. He got excellent push and actually showed surprising burst to get out to the second level today. His biggest improvement over Noteboom is his ability to lock onto his block. This guy is so underated and might have a pro bowl or two down the road from what I can tell.

Whitworth A - Still doing his thing. Not much to say. Even in pass pro he is showing perfect form.

Everett was a little inconsistent. Him and Higbee tend to be inconsistent.
Woods was real good again. Kupp improved over last week.

The TE/WR blocking can often make or break a play, often time the scheme has them blocking bigger players in assignments that seem such a disadvantage, but the tradeoff is they are great decoys for those delay screens that Mcvay runs to them when the defense is thinking they are blocking.

 

[oldnotdead]

So Blythe gets a pass for getting pancaked on his ass on the QB sneak? Does he get a pass on whiffing on a block when he had to pull to execute it? He gets a pass on forgetting his gap responsibilities and almost gets Goff decapitated causing an INT and a subsequent score? Hmm ok All that in two games.

I guess you didn't really look at Noteboom's play. He showed excellent mobility and made some very nice blocks. And again he's being played out of position as is Edwards. IMO Corbett is the best interior lineman playing on this o-line. He pulls well, he's stout at the POA, and he can move the d-line off the LOS. On the aforementioned QB sneak, Goff angled to his right off of Corbett's block. If you look closely at the replay you can see Blythe being pancaked on his ass which is why Goff angled to his right. On that early screen to Woods in the Cowboy game, Corbett pulled from the right guard to make the lead block for Woods down the left sideline. Not a lot of RGs can pull that off. Normally that block is done by the center on those plays. But oops the center is slow Blythe so yeah best have him take the close block normally left to the LG and leave the tougher down field block to Corbett. That factored into your evaluation right?

Havenstein is still struggling with speed but now he's got TE help as needed. Goff's quick passes have a lot to do with the warts being covered up.

But okay if you say so. But I will agree that overall the o-line is playing as well as I thought they would. Which is not elite, but good enough. They will get better as they play the season so that with the exception of Blythe who in his 5th year is all he's ever going to be right now, the other young guys will improve with experience. Their improvement in the run game has to do with the installation of interior zone, and gap blocking as well as using a vertical concept in their outside zone scheme. Had those schemes been installed last year it would have made a huge difference. Notice how everything was installed without OTAs, scrimmages against other teams, preseason, and limited TC reps which makes Kromer's failure to do so when all those things were available even more damning.

What all this shows is that coaching is extremely important in o-line play. When you see players with poor technique it tells you a lot about the coaching they are getting. Even physically limited players should at least have good technique within the parameters of their capabilities.

 

[TexasRam]

So Blythe gets a pass for getting pancaked on his ass on the QB sneak? Does he get a pass on whiffing on a block when he had to pull to execute it? He gets a pass on forgetting his gap responsibilities and almost gets Goff decapitated causing an INT and a subsequent score? Hmm ok All that in two games.

I guess you didn't really look at Noteboom's play. He showed excellent mobility and made some very nice blocks. And again he's being played out of position as is Edwards. IMO Corbett is the best interior lineman playing on this o-line. He pulls well, he's stout at the POA, and he can move the d-line off the LOS. On the aforementioned QB sneak, Goff angled to his right off of Corbett's block. If you look closely at the replay you can see Blythe being pancaked on his ass which is why Goff angled to his right. On that early screen to Woods in the Cowboy game, Corbett pulled from the right guard to make the lead block for Woods down the left sideline. Not a lot of RGs can pull that off. Normally that block is done by the center on those plays. But oops the center is slow Blythe so yeah best have him take the close block normally left to the LG and leave the tougher down field block to Corbett. That factored into your evaluation right?

Havenstein is still struggling with speed but now he's got TE help as needed. Goff's quick passes have a lot to do with the warts being covered up.

But okay if you say so. But I will agree that overall the o-line is playing as well as I thought they would. Which is not elite, but good enough. They will get better as they play the season so that with the exception of Blythe who in his 5th year is all he's ever going to be right now, the other young guys will improve with experience. Their improvement in the run game has to do with the installation of interior zone, and gap blocking as well as using a vertical concept in their outside zone scheme. Had those schemes been installed last year it would have made a huge difference. Notice how everything was installed without OTAs, scrimmages against other teams, preseason, and limited TC reps which makes Kromer's failure to do so when all those things were available even more damning.

What all this shows is that coaching is extremely important in o-line play. When you see players with poor technique it tells you a lot about the coaching they are getting. Even physically limited players should at least have good technique within the parameters of their capabilities.

Cherry picking a few plays doesn't prove anything.

Trust me I am as big a critic of our Olineman as anyone. But rather than using bias I review the game and give a score based on every single play and the overall performance, not just a few. Did you happen to look at how many rushing yards this team has had in two straight games? Blythe faced two All-Pro's today in Cox and Graham and overall was a B grade. No one called him elite. But it was solid.

I watched every single block of every single lineman multiples times as I do with every game. Blythe had several awesome blocks in both the run and pass game.

Noteboom has alot of work to do. He cannot keep a block and often whiffs. If you carefully reviewed the film this is very apparent. I am rooting for Noteboom and hope he can improve, he has the talent to, but even PFF gave him a 50 grade last week and that was the same thing I saw on film.

Havenstein is destroying defenders in the run game and largely due for the big runs today.

The scheme is an excellent one, I dpn't judge Kroemer in a down year when he has the majority of his starters injured. His record speaks for itself and this year with a healthy line his group is excelling again, so I have no critique at the moment.

 

[Ram_Rally]

Okay but we still should've drafted 3 young, inexperienced lineman to replace last year's young, inexperienced lineman

But no it's great seeing the line play with confidence. We go as they go.

 

[London_Ram]

So Blythe gets a pass for getting pancaked on his ass on the QB sneak? Does he get a pass on whiffing on a block when he had to pull to execute it? He gets a pass on forgetting his gap responsibilities and almost gets Goff decapitated causing an INT and a subsequent score? Hmm ok All that in two games.

I guess you didn't really look at Noteboom's play. He showed excellent mobility and made some very nice blocks. And again he's being played out of position as is Edwards. IMO Corbett is the best interior lineman playing on this o-line. He pulls well, he's stout at the POA, and he can move the d-line off the LOS. On the aforementioned QB sneak, Goff angled to his right off of Corbett's block. If you look closely at the replay you can see Blythe being pancaked on his ass which is why Goff angled to his right. On that early screen to Woods in the Cowboy game, Corbett pulled from the right guard to make the lead block for Woods down the left sideline. Not a lot of RGs can pull that off. Normally that block is done by the center on those plays. But oops the center is slow Blythe so yeah best have him take the close block normally left to the LG and leave the tougher down field block to Corbett. That factored into your evaluation right?

Havenstein is still struggling with speed but now he's got TE help as needed. Goff's quick passes have a lot to do with the warts being covered up.

But okay if you say so. But I will agree that overall the o-line is playing as well as I thought they would. Which is not elite, but good enough. They will get better as they play the season so that with the exception of Blythe who in his 5th year is all he's ever going to be right now, the other young guys will improve with experience. Their improvement in the run game has to do with the installation of interior zone, and gap blocking as well as using a vertical concept in their outside zone scheme. Had those schemes been installed last year it would have made a huge difference. Notice how everything was installed without OTAs, scrimmages against other teams, preseason, and limited TC reps which makes Kromer's failure to do so when all those things were available even more damning.

What all this shows is that coaching is extremely important in o-line play. When you see players with poor technique it tells you a lot about the coaching they are getting. Even physically limited players should at least have good technique within the parameters of their capabilities.

Can't wait to read your posts when we lose

 

[TexasRam]

Okay but we still should've drafted 3 young, inexperienced lineman to replace last year's young, inexperienced lineman

But no it's great seeing the line play with confidence. We go as they go.

In all seriousness I wanted an early round guard or center. I didn't expect Corbett to take such a big leap this year and Blythe is more of a stop gap. I view him as solid backup to low end starter due to his limited physical traits but solid technique and understanding of the C and G assignments. Plus it was hard to project how Havenstein would play after injury but so far he has been excellent.

 

[Ram_Rally]

In all seriousness I wanted an early round guard or center. I didn't expect Corbett to take such a big leap this year and Blythe is more of a stop gap. I view him as solid backup to low end starter due to his limited physical traits but solid technique and understanding of the C and G assignments. Plus it was hard to project how Havenstein would play after injury but so far he has been excellent.

The tea leaves were there for hope. Lineman usually take a few years to develop. This is year 3 for Corbett. Havenstein's been good 4/5 years in the league. He was definitely hurt last year. There was some evidence that they could drastically improve. It was a gamble lol but they weren't the scrap heap that a lot of us made them out to be. More like unmolded clay.

 

[fearsomefour]

Noteboom cannot maintain his feet.
He went to the ground for no reason than losing his balance multiple times.
I will keep saying it....he doesn’t/can’t play with balance.
At best he is a solid back up, he is not a starting player, regardless of position.
I hope his injury is not serious, but, Edwards needs to remain the starter at LG.
This group is the best OL option.

The D has some issues for sure.....but if they continue to keep teams at or under 20 points this team is going to win a lot of games. The approach seems to be to compensate for some of the weaknesses with playing hard and being disciplined.
Williams with a great pic. Closing speed for a CB is so huge.
I have totally forgotten Ebukam is on the field most snaps.
Young getting more snaps and has some nice plays.
Kiser still a mixed bag but made some nice plays.

The Rams are getting good contributions from young players all over the roster.

I think Cam fell on the ball. Hopefully not serious. His progression from week one to week two was fantastic.
Henderson having a nice game and the Rams being able to have a true RB rotation with guys with different skills is a nice bonus.

At Buffalo present another tough challenge with a QB who can beat you multiple ways and a tough defense.

Rams will need to run the ball again vs Buffalo.

 

[Angry Ram]

So Blythe gets a pass for getting pancaked on his ass on the QB sneak? Does he get a pass on whiffing on a block when he had to pull to execute it? He gets a pass on forgetting his gap responsibilities and almost gets Goff decapitated causing an INT and a subsequent score? Hmm ok All that in two games.

I guess you didn't really look at Noteboom's play. He showed excellent mobility and made some very nice blocks. And again he's being played out of position as is Edwards. IMO Corbett is the best interior lineman playing on this o-line. He pulls well, he's stout at the POA, and he can move the d-line off the LOS. On the aforementioned QB sneak, Goff angled to his right off of Corbett's block. If you look closely at the replay you can see Blythe being pancaked on his ass which is why Goff angled to his right. On that early screen to Woods in the Cowboy game, Corbett pulled from the right guard to make the lead block for Woods down the left sideline. Not a lot of RGs can pull that off. Normally that block is done by the center on those plays. But oops the center is slow Blythe so yeah best have him take the close block normally left to the LG and leave the tougher down field block to Corbett. That factored into your evaluation right?

Havenstein is still struggling with speed but now he's got TE help as needed. Goff's quick passes have a lot to do with the warts being covered up.

But okay if you say so. But I will agree that overall the o-line is playing as well as I thought they would. Which is not elite, but good enough. They will get better as they play the season so that with the exception of Blythe who in his 5th year is all he's ever going to be right now, the other young guys will improve with experience. Their improvement in the run game has to do with the installation of interior zone, and gap blocking as well as using a vertical concept in their outside zone scheme. Had those schemes been installed last year it would have made a huge difference. Notice how everything was installed without OTAs, scrimmages against other teams, preseason, and limited TC reps which makes Kromer's failure to do so when all those things were available even more damning.

What all this shows is that coaching is extremely important in o-line play. When you see players with poor technique it tells you a lot about the coaching they are getting. Even physically limited players should at least have good technique within the parameters of their capabilities.

The stuff you described happens to every team every week every game. OL play is ugly and is no exact science.

They ran for 191 yards. One sack. Third in the league in rushing. 9th in passing. Two sacks allowed.

That's all that matters. What more do you want?

 

[fearsomefour]

Cherry picking a few plays doesn't prove anything.

Trust me I am as big a critic of our Olineman as anyone. But rather than using bias I review the game and give a score based on every single play and the overall performance, not just a few. Did you happen to look at how many rushing yards this team has had in two straight games? Blythe faced two All-Pro's today in Cox and Graham and overall was a B grade. No one called him elite. But it was solid.

I watched every single block of every single lineman multiples times as I do with every game. Blythe had several awesome blocks in both the run and pass game.

Noteboom has alot of work to do. He cannot keep a block and often whiffs. If you carefully reviewed the film this is very apparent. I am rooting for Noteboom and hope he can improve, he has the talent to, but even PFF gave him a 50 grade last week and that was the same thing I saw on film.

Havenstein is destroying defenders in the run game and largely due for the big runs today.

The scheme is an excellent one, I dpn't judge Kroemer in a down year when he has the majority of his starters injured. His record speaks for itself and this year with a healthy line his group is excelling again, so I have no critique at the moment.

Yeah, Aaron Donald gave up his gap twice in this game and that led to runs of 7 or so yards, he also failed to run down Wentz and let him throw the ball away.....what a hack.
Blue font obviously.
Like you said cherry picking plays is short sighted.
Both Blythe and Corbett made some good blocks one on one versus a couple of very good DL. They didn’t win all the battles but no one does, particularly against a guy like Cox.
Sometimes double teams are being used usually with the G sliding out to the second level.
I would imagine this is why Noteboom won the LG job. He is athletic enough to pull or to get to the second level.
But he can’t play.
At least at this point.
I’ve said it 50 times but he can’t play with balance.
This is why he whiffs so much and why he ends up on the ground so much when engaging a block and why he can’t sustain blocks.
Maybe he will develop, but, sort of doubtful with this issue.
He’s not a starting player.
Edwards should maintain his starting spot unless he craps the bed.
Overall been very pleasantly surprised by the OL.
Seeing Havenstein thinner is a good thing and Corbett is playing up to his draft spot and is proving a good trade.
He is a good run blocker in a scheme that needs them.
The Rams are doing different things on the line. Some stretch play stuff, some double teams (which have been very successful), some pulling and trapping. Stuff that requires OL to get to the second level. I expect this to improve with Edwards in.
The versatility of many of the OL......Edwards, Blythe, Corbett, Noteboom....are all guys who have played multiple positions and are versatile players.
Overall grade for the line va the Eagles......B.
Keep Edwards starting at LG Kromer!!

 

[fearsomefour]

The stuff you described happens to every team every week every game. OL play is ugly and is no exact science.

They ran for 191 yards. One sack. Third in the league in rushing. 9th in passing. Two sacks allowed.

That's all that matters. What more do you want?

The one sack was a bad one Goff as well.
His first read wasn’t there and he held the ball, took a sack taking them out of FG range.
It’s on the OL but he needs to be more aware there too.

 

[Psycho_X]

From my quickly aging eyes I feel like this about our o-line...

Whitworth apparently needs to get covid-19 every offseason because he looks like a renewed man out there. Hoping this lasts for the whole season. Those old legs will start to feel it by week 17 but I know McVay will give him plenty of rest. He's looking like the best LT in the game through two games.

Noteboom I just don't see the physical aspect to play guard at the highest level. But he is ok at it. Edwards sure did come in and lay down some impressive blocks though. Noteboom is not even a year removed from blowing out his knee so there is that.

Blythe is a huge improvement over Allen at center at least. Not perfect by any means but at least average. He gets bullied at times by stronger lineman.

Corbett is turning out to be one of the best trades we've done in the Snead era. His career here is young still but loving him in our scheme. One spot removed from being a first round pick by the Browns and we stole him away for a fifth rounder and looking to be a solid piece of the middle.

Havenstein is who he is at this point. He's a great right tackle except against speed rushers. Some times he can get his feet moving fast enough but usually needs help on the island. That won't change but as far as right tackles go he's above average.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

So Blythe gets a pass for getting pancaked on his ass on the QB sneak? Does he get a pass on whiffing on a block when he had to pull to execute it? He gets a pass on forgetting his gap responsibilities and almost gets Goff decapitated causing an INT and a subsequent score? Hmm ok All that in two games.

I guess you didn't really look at Noteboom's play. He showed excellent mobility and made some very nice blocks. And again he's being played out of position as is Edwards. IMO Corbett is the best interior lineman playing on this o-line. He pulls well, he's stout at the POA, and he can move the d-line off the LOS. On the aforementioned QB sneak, Goff angled to his right off of Corbett's block. If you look closely at the replay you can see Blythe being pancaked on his ass which is why Goff angled to his right. On that early screen to Woods in the Cowboy game, Corbett pulled from the right guard to make the lead block for Woods down the left sideline. Not a lot of RGs can pull that off. Normally that block is done by the center on those plays. But oops the center is slow Blythe so yeah best have him take the close block normally left to the LG and leave the tougher down field block to Corbett. That factored into your evaluation right?

Havenstein is still struggling with speed but now he's got TE help as needed. Goff's quick passes have a lot to do with the warts being covered up.

But okay if you say so. But I will agree that overall the o-line is playing as well as I thought they would. Which is not elite, but good enough. They will get better as they play the season so that with the exception of Blythe who in his 5th year is all he's ever going to be right now, the other young guys will improve with experience. Their improvement in the run game has to do with the installation of interior zone, and gap blocking as well as using a vertical concept in their outside zone scheme. Had those schemes been installed last year it would have made a huge difference. Notice how everything was installed without OTAs, scrimmages against other teams, preseason, and limited TC reps which makes Kromer's failure to do so when all those things were available even more damning.

What all this shows is that coaching is extremely important in o-line play. When you see players with poor technique it tells you a lot about the coaching they are getting. Even physically limited players should at least have good technique within the parameters of their capabilities.

I agree that Center needs an upgrade. But Noteboom’s play was terrible. He misses blocks. Sometimes it looks like he’s not paying attention. He is always going backwards in pass pro and ends up on the ground too frequently. So he can pull. He can’t block. Did you notice that the run plays mostly went to the right all game but when Edwards was in they started going to the left? The difference between Edwards and Noteboom was obvious. Maybe Edwards is not the prototypical guard for this blocking scheme but he locks on and makes his blocks. Movement skills don’t matter if they are not associated with blocking

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

F

 

[OldSchool]

The stuff you described happens to every team every week every game. OL play is ugly and is no exact science.

They ran for 191 yards. One sack. Third in the league in rushing. 9th in passing. Two sacks allowed.

That's all that matters. What more do you want?

But but but he had one bad play clearly the other 68 plays on offense don't matter he must get an F!!!! LOL

 

[Dodgersrf]

Okay but we still should've drafted 3 young, inexperienced lineman to replace last year's young, inexperienced lineman

But no it's great seeing the line play with confidence. We go as they go.

Not 3. Just a solid Center prospect.

Blythe is doing ok at the moment, but we have nobody behind him. Nobody I would want to see start, anyway.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Okay but we still should've drafted 3 young, inexperienced lineman to replace last year's young, inexperienced lineman

But no it's great seeing the line play with confidence. We go as they go.

I love these takes.

last years Oline had two huge problems. Noteboom and Allen. It’s been proven to be an accurate assessment. Noteboom is not playing well and Allen is second string.

Center - Blythe is an improvement. But this team needs a better quality center. Drafting one now gives him time to learn. Blythe is serviceable.

Guard - I think it’s obvious now that the coaches want a more nimble player at guard than Edwards. So Noteboom got the start. Since Noteboom has not been good and Edwards apparently isn’t what they desire then maybe a guard is a need. I don’t think it’s a huge need but supposedly the Rams loved Caesar Ruiz, whom I guess would have started at guard then likely moved to Center in 2021. So the coaches at the very least agree they need a Center, which I’ve been asking for for the last two drafts.

OLT - Whitworth is playing well. It looks like they have depth in Brewer, Evans, and Anchrum. We don’t know if any end up being good, so that part is a mystery.

 

[simonblaze]

Whitworth is A BEAST...Can't believe dude is playing at such a high level still...

I think it may have been from the 11 personnel podcast from athletic but I remember the host saying that Edwards had showed up to camp out of shape and was kinda in the Rams' dog house. I hope Edwards starts at G for the rest of the season.

 

[fearsomefour]

C -