It wasn’t all bad: Presenting the ageless wonder Andrew Whitworth

Alright, fine, it was a pretty disappointing output from the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night in front of a nationally televised audience. I don’t have to tell you that.

What I do have to tell you, however, is that the same man we’ve become known to trust was just that against the San Francisco 49ers. Andrew Whitworth is that man. And Andrew Whitworth is as trustworthy as they come.

We’re now in Year 15 for Whitworth overall and Year 4 of the future Hall of Famer’s tenure with the Rams. He’s always been a stout offensive lineman, stemming from his 11 years in Cincinnati. He rocketed off to an incredible start against Dallas in Week 1 and was consistently great overall during the next four games.

Week 6, however, was a bit different. With the rest of the offense sputtering and the defense lacking as a whole, Whitworth was a lone bright spot.

He was great in blocking for the run, paving way for 49 rushing yards either around his left side or to his right-side gap. Impressively enough, according to PFF, 28 of those rushing yards came before contact for the Ram’s rushers. He paved the way to the second line of defenders easily enough and earned a top run-blocking grade by the analytics outfit.

But perhaps even more impressive, is the fact that Whitworth protected Jared Goff’s blindside to the tune of no pressures allowed.

On 41 snaps in pass protection, Whitworth didn’t allow a single sack, QB hit or hurry.

I’m also very aware that the 49ers were without Nick Bosa, but Whitworth still held his own against some very talented pass-rushers in their own right.

Kerry Hyder, Javon Kinlaw, Dion Jordan and D.J. Jones each took their turns rushing from the right side of the defensive line for the Niners, and each did not get home against Whitworth.

His fluid movements, great strength and terrific sense of balance were on display for the Rams in what is his aged-38 season.

It should be no surprise after all this to learn that Whitworth is not only the league’s highest-graded tackle, he’s the league’s third highest-graded offensive lineman overall, behind a pair of AFC guards.

Whitworth has outdueled such names as Garett Bolles, David Bakhtiari, Trent Williams, etc. for the top spot this season and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Even if this is Year 15, he looks like he’s in his prime.

See, I told you it wasn’t all bad on Sunday Night.