Rams' 'Competition' Identity Spreading To Offensive Line

The Los Angeles Rams' mantra centers around competition, and that has permeated to the offensive line which is one of the best pass-blocking units in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams allowed the third-most sacks last season, but through two games in 2023, they are tied for the second-fewest surrendered.

The Rams' offensive line has gotten healthy after having a banged-up preseason to become a pass-blocking unit that looks comparable to the 2021 Super Bowl season in the early going. Left tackle Rob Havenstein said the identity of the offensive line mirrors that of the entire team.

"It's just competition," Havenstein said. "Obviously, everyone expects to go out there and play well, but like our expectations to go out there and compete to the best of your ability every single play."

Right guard Joe Noteboom was limited and center Brian Allen did not practice Wednesday. In the event of their absence, Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., and Coleman Shelton would take their respective spots on the line.

The unit as a whole has allowed 31 pressures, but quarterback Matthew Stafford has only been sacked once in 102 pass-blocking snaps.

Los Angeles is facing a Bengals defense that is tied for 25th with only three sacks on the year, compiling 22 hurries on opposing quarterbacks, led by defensive end Trey Hendrickson's three hurries and one hit.

The last time the Rams played Cincinnati was in Super Bowl LVI where Stafford threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns — but was only sacked twice on 40 attempts.