The state of the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line

In what seems to be ever-changing, the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line continues to shift and change by the passing of every week. With two starters lost to injured reserve in LG Joseph Noteboom and C Brian Allen, the Rams have done a ton of shuffling along the offensive line.

This was the starting offensive line in Week 1 of 2019:

LT: Andrew Whitworth
LG: Joseph Noteboom
C: Brian Allen
RG: Austin Blythe
RT: Rob Havenstein

This is the starting offensive line in Week 11:

LT - Andrew Whitworth (204 starts)
LG - Austin Corbett (1 starts)
C - Austin Blythe (26 starts)
RG - David Edwards (3 starts)
RT - Bobby Evans (0 starts)

Here’s the combinations of OL play. As you can see, there’s been a ton of moving around for some guys and hardly any consistency:

LT:
Andrew Whitworth

LG:
Joe Noteboom
Jamil Demby
David Edwards
Austin Blythe
Austin Corbett

C:
Brian Allen
Austin Blythe

RG:
Austin Blythe
David Edwards
Coleman Shelton

RT:
Rob Havenstein
David Edwards
Bobby Evans (this week)

As you can see, there has been a head-scratching amount of moves being made on the OL. Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Aaron Kromer has his work cut out for him, and it’s only going to get tougher moving forward as you can see the inexperience of the current starting line.

QB Jared Goff and the remainder of the offense have had trouble producing, and the issues all start upfront. In 2017 and 2018, the Rams were the only team in the NFL that were able to start all five of the same offensive lineman the entire year.

Their luck has run out in 2019, and it’s quite evident they weren’t adequately prepared for this scenario. The main issue is the starting offensive line wasn’t even good as Noteboom, Allen, Blythe, and even Havenstein were liabilities. The latter two names regressed after putting together impressive 2018 campaigns, meanwhile the former two second-year first-time starters proved to be in over their heads.

The offense — like all — relies on the stability and performance of the offensive line. Unfortunately for the Rams, the unit which was once a source of health and elite play has turned into a major liability and one ravaged with never-ending injuries.

Good luck to Goff and his partners, they’re gonna need it with the Chicago Bears and EDGE Khalil Mack coming to town this week.