Though no major changes were made to the Rams’ offensive line this past offseason, the group is playing significantly better than it did a year ago. It was especially good in the beginning of the season, but their play has tailed off a bit in recent weeks.
Against the 49ers on Sunday, the offensive line struggled to protect Jared Goff, pick up blitzes and clear running lanes for the Rams’ backs. Goff was hit seven times and except for Cam Akers’ 61-yard run, there weren’t many quality runs on the ground by the Rams.
Sean McVay has been pleased with the offensive line thus far, but he doesn’t think they played very well against San Francisco.
“I think they’ve been pretty steady for the most part,” McVay said Wednesday. “I thought last week was not one of their best performances for the expectations that we have. I think you have to give San Francisco credit, but I think, for the most part, we’ve done a better job of handling movement, covering people up in the run game and creating movement. We weren’t really able to really do that, with the exception of a couple of runs. I’ve been pleased with them and I think Coach (Aaron) Kromer does an outstanding job, but I do think last week wasn’t reflective of the standards and the expectations. I know those guys are itching to be able to get a chance to compete against a tough front this week.”
Not exactly a glowing review of the front five coming out of Week 12, especially considering they went up against a defensive line that didn’t have Nick Bosa or Solomon Thomas. Sure, Arik Armstead and Kerry Hyder are still a handful for blockers, but the offensive line should’ve played better than it did this past week.
On Sunday against the Cardinals, the Rams won’t have to worry about Chandler Jones, who’s out for the year. Arizona’s defense isn’t nearly as good as San Francisco’s either, particularly up front. This is a good chance for the offensive line to bounce back.