Rams' Offensive Line A Work In Progress Ahead Of Season Opener
Throughout the Los Angeles Rams' miserable 2022 season, a consistent theme was the offensive line's struggles.
The Rams had lost future Hall of Fame offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth to retirement during the offseason, which proved to be a devastating loss once the season rolled around. L.A. struggled mightily up front last season, allowing 59 sacks, the third-most in the NFL, and averaged four yards per carry, tied for fourth-fewest in the league.
This season, one of the Rams' top goals has to be getting the offensive line back to form. They've made some moves over the offseason to try and fix the issue, such as drafting Steve Avila and more recently acquiring Kevin Dotson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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With those new pieces, though, the offensive line is still finding its groove even days before the season kicks off. On Monday, coach Sean McVay shed light on the current state of the offensive line ahead of the opener.
"I think we're still working through that," McVay told reporters. "What I do feel good about is you bring in a (OL) Kevin Dotson who's got starting experience. You get a lot of different guys that have played at different spots, some of which have started in different spots. They've gotten really valuable and beneficial reps against two quality opponents and real practice settings and so we're going to continue to use today and then Wednesday through Friday to really be able to kind of tailor in on our best five."
What makes the situation even more difficult is that the Rams have dealt with injuries up front. Left tackle Joe Noteboom left practice with an undisclosed injury on Aug. 16, while right tackle Rob Havenstein left the very next day with a neck stinger. Both players are expected to be OK, but the time lost will no doubt weigh on them as they return.
No matter who's out there, though, McVay has full confidence in his offensive line.
"And whoever we decide on that final five is, you'll feel good about those guys, but you also feel good about the three other guys that'll be available with our eight offensive linemen that'll be up and active," McVay said.
