A Closer Look At The Rams Offensive Line Under Pressure

You're right to be a little concerned about the St. Louis Rams offensive line. Losing two of five starters, Rodger Saffold and Scott Wells, is a blow to the unit, eating into the depth chart and putting a wrinkle into the unit's cohesion. Nevertheless, there were some positive signs from the group in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Detroit Lions.

According to Pro Football Focus, the combination of Saffold and Wayne Hunter, who replaced Saffold at left tackle, did not allow a single pressure on Sam Bradford.

The pressure on Bradford came through the middle and on the right side. Wells allowed, per PFF's charting numbers, one sack, and rookie Rokevious Watkins, who came in at left guard when Robert Turner slid over to replace Wells at center, allowed a sack and a hit on Bradford. He also drew a flag. Turner did not allow any pressure, no small accomplishment facing off against Ndamukong Suh.

It makes me think that Ojinnaka might slide back into his role at left guard with the capable Turner in the middle.

Barry Richardson, the right tackle, allowed a sack, two hits and one hurry. Richardson allowed eight sacks in Kansas City last season.

All together, it was a solid outing for the unit. And give Sam Bradford some credit too. He was blitzed on six dropbacks, but managed to complete 3-of-6 throws including his touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson. None of the three sacks on Bradford came from a blitz. When pressured on those nine plays, Bradford was sacked three times, completed three passes.

Limiting the damage from Detroit's defensive front is an encouraging sign, especially with a game against a Redskins team that features some dangerous pass rushers.