Rams Offensive Line Working Through 'Continuity' Issues
The Los Angeles Rams gave up the third-most sacks last season, and there's been some sifting and sorting on the offensive line in the preseason.
Joe Noteboom has been talked about playing left tackle or right guard but, like Logan Bruss and Rob Havenstein, has dealt with injuries this preseason. This has opened different opportunities for Tremayne Anchrum at right guard and Alaric Jackson at left tackle, both of whom could start on the offensive line in week 1 if Noteboom is unable to go.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said part of the key to their growth is "not making the same mistake twice."
"You're going to be shuffling these guys around," LaFleur said. "They're going from left tackle to right guard in some instances, and then, obviously, just shuffling around within right guard to left guard, what have you. You know mistakes are going to be made, but how can you correct those mistakes, making sure that moving forward they don't happen."
Steve Avila, who the Rams used their 2023 second-round pick on, is slated to start at left guard, grading out as the 19th-best pass-blocking guard on 22 pass plays, according to Pro Football Focus.
Avila is the only offensive lineman Los Angeles can confidently say will start on the line by week 1, as center Brian Allen is still competing with Coleman Shelton for the starting job.
The other part to their growth, LaFleur added, is that the Rams "don't have great continuity right now" between the injuries and trying players out at different positions.
"When there is a time where we have the same five guys out there for a string of plays, how well are they working off of each other?" LaFleur said. "How well are their combinations? How well are they passing off games? Every day is an evaluation, not just to see where the best five are going to be, but to see how those guys are working together."
The Rams' offensive line will likely be a project heading into the season as multiple options try and return to health. Once they clear that hurdle, then they can start gelling as one unit to try and keep Matthew Stafford in one piece.
You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419
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