Tag: Rob Havenstein

Rams 2010s All-Decade Team: Offense

Breaking down the best offensive players to play for the Los Angeles (and St. Louis) Rams during the 2010s.

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The 2010s were quite an eventful decade for the Rams franchise. They played in two different cities, had the first overall pick twice, played in a Super Bowl, drafted a generational talent and a massive bust in the first round of the same draft, won two games in a season, hired a coach who produced a timeless meme, and hired another coach who changed how teams hire coaches in the NFL.

There were some incredible highs and some devastating lows. This list is no different. There are players on this list that would make anybody’s overall NFL All-Decade team, and there are players on this list that maybe shouldn’t have even been starting games in the NFL. The Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams of the 2010s were a rollercoaster ride. This list will give you a chance to relive it.

To select our All-Decade Team, we only considered what players did between the 2010 and 2019 seasons. For example, when considering Steven Jackson, we wouldn’t take into account his entire career with the Rams, just his three years playing for the team this decade.

Let’s get into it, starting with the offense.

Quarterback: Jared Goff (2016 – 2019)

(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Goff is the only real option here. In his three full seasons as the Rams starting quarterback, Goff threw for 13,130 yards while completing 63% of his passes. He tossed 82 touchdown passes against 35 interceptions and added five touchdowns on the ground. His rookie season may have been abysmal, but Goff bounced back with two very impressive seasons in 2017 and 2018. He was the first Rams quarterback to be selected to back-to-back Pro Bowls since Kurt Warner in 2000-2001.

Most importantly, he’s helped the team win football games – something the Rams’ other QBs from last decade struggled to do. The Rams have put together three straight winning seasons for the first time since the days of the Greatest Show on Turf. Goff played a significant role in leading the Rams to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance in 2018. He holds a 33-14 record as the Rams starting quarterback since 2017.

Goff left a lot to be desired in 2019, but his overall tenure with the Rams has been a success. Let’s hope he can return to form in 2020 and cement himself as the quarterback for next decade’s team.

Honorable Mention: Sam Bradford

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Despite early struggles, Rams allowed fewest sacks in NFL this season

The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line has been criticized all season long. Despite that, they gave up the fewest sacks in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line has received plenty of criticism over the course of the 2019 season. Many have pointed the finger at the line being a major reason why both Jared Goff and Todd Gurley regressed this year.

Much of the criticism was warranted. But here’s a truly surprising stat about the 2019 Rams: They finished the season giving up the fewest number of sacks in the NFL. The Rams gave up just 22 sacks on the season, narrowly beating out the Dallas Cowboys, who gave up 23.

This was the second-lowest total for the Rams in a full 16-game season, only trailing the 2015 unit that gave up just 18 sacks on the year. Goff was sacked only 10 times over the team’s final 10 games, and four of those sacks came against Pittsburgh.

Veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth was asked how it was possible that the Rams gave up the fewest sacks in the NFL. “I don’t know,” Whitworth joked. “Sure doesn’t fit the narrative though.”

The aforementioned Pittsburgh game was a disastrous performance for the Rams’ offensive line, and the team lost starters Brian Allen and Rob Havenstein in the process. They rolled out a new-look offensive line the following week, with Austin Blythe sliding from guard to center, David Edwards sliding from left guard to right guard, rookie Bobby Evans stepping in at right tackle, and mid-season acquisition Austin Corbett stepped in at left guard. Whitworth was the only constant on the offensive line this season.

The new-look group deserves plenty of praise for this number, as they gave up just six sacks in the seven games they started together. Goff was much more comfortable behind this group, completing 6% more of his passes in the final seven games than he did in the previous nine. Most importantly, Goff fumbled just one time and the Rams were able to recover it. He fumbled nine times in the previous nine games, and the Rams lost five of them.

Leading the league in fewest sacks allowed should give Rams fans a sense of optimism about the offensive line moving forward. They were far from perfect, particularly in the running game. But this unit was able to bounce back after a disastrous start to the season, and both Goff and Gurley played better in the second half of the year. The rookie duo on the right side of the line played far better than the veteran combination of Rob Havenstein and Austin Blythe, and Blythe played far better at center than he did at guard.

The Rams will have some decisions to make on the line heading into 2019. Blythe and Whitworth are free agents, with the latter mulling over retirement. Rob Havenstein, Joseph Noteboom, and Brian Allen will be returning from injury. All three of them were outplayed by their replacements, and all three are under contract in 2020.

Regardless, both Rams fans and the Rams staff have to feel better about this unit heading into the offseason than they did after the Pittsburgh game. Things are looking up in Los Angeles, at least when it comes to the front five.

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Sean McVay explains why Rob Havenstein remains inactive despite practicing

Rob Havenstein was inactive on Saturday night despite not being listed on the injury report.

Rob Havenstein’s 2019 season has been a huge disappointment for several reasons. Not only was he playing poorly in the first half of the season, but he got injured in the first game after the Rams’ bye and hasn’t played a snap since Week 10.

Havenstein wasn’t listed on the injury report last week and the week prior, he was a full participant but listed as doubtful to play against Dallas. He appears to be healthy after practicing for two weeks, yet he was inactive on Saturday night.

Everyone’s been left wondering what’s going on with the Rams’ $32.5 million right tackle, and on Sunday, Sean McVay clarified Havenstein’s absence.

“He’s been practicing. He hasn’t really been in a position where he feels like he can do the things to play at a high level. So, we wanted to be smart with this and not push him,” McVay said. “Bobby’s (Evans) done some good things, but really, it’s been more of a reflection of how he’s felt during the week of practice, where could he really push through it, maybe. But, he’s not feeling totally good enough to be able to have that anchor, that stability that you need. We’ve just been smart and patient with it and taking his feedback and the doctors. We’ll see what this week looks like.”

Havenstein has an overall grade of just 50.9 at Pro Football Focus this season and allowed an eye-popping five sacks in 10 games. Evans’ grade is just 50.7 in six starts since Havenstein went down, but he’s allowed just one sack and hasn’t been penalized once.

Havenstein has a better overall body of work than Evans, which would make him seem like the better option at right tackle in 2020, but the Rams could be in for several changes on the offensive line this offseason so anything is on the table.

We’ll see what the future holds for Havenstein in Los Angeles, but unless he’s traded in the offseason, he’ll likely be back with the Rams next season – be it at right tackle or somewhere else.

Rams Week 16 inactives: Rob Havenstein a healthy scratch vs. 49ers

Rob Havenstein is healthy, but he won’t be playing on Saturday night.

Rob Havenstein looked like one of the best right tackles in the league last season after signing a $32.5 million extension in the offseason, but this year has been nothing short of a disaster. After struggling out of the gates, Havenstein injured his knee in Week 10 and has been sidelined ever since.

Now healthy, Havenstein is still out of the lineup. He won’t be suiting up on Saturday night against the 49ers, instead being listed among the seven players who will be inactive. He’s a healthy scratch, which is alarming for a player of his caliber with a contract as pricy as his.

Here are the other six inactives, which does not include Greg Zuerlein. He’s healthy and ready to go against San Francisco after being listed as questionable.

In addition to Troy Hill being inactive, so too is Dont’e Deayon. That leaves Jalen Ramsey, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Darious Williams and David Long Jr. as the only active cornerbacks.

Kendall Blanton was called up from the practice squad a few weeks ago, but he’s inactive again. There’s no surprise with Jake Gervase, Natrez Patrick or Jamil Demby being healthy scratches, either.

Rams still unsure if Rob Havenstein will play despite being off injury report

Rob Havenstein isn’t on the injury report, but he still isn’t certain to play on Saturday night.

Rob Havenstein looked like a Pro Bowl-caliber right tackle last season after signing a lucrative extension with the Rams. He surprisingly regressed in a big way this year, struggling mightily in pass protection in the first half of the season.

He’s been absent for just about the entire second half of the year after injuring his knee in Week 10 against the Steelers, but he appears to be nearing a return. Last week, he was a full participant in practice all three days, yet he was still listed as doubtful.

To open this week on Tuesday and Wednesday, Havenstein wasn’t even listed on the injury report. Still, he’s not certain to play against the 49ers, according to Sean McVay.

“I don’t know yet. It was good to get him back out on the field,” McVay said Wednesday. “Again, I know I’m kind of answering the same questions, but until we really physically go, it’s hard for me to truly give you guys a real answer to some of these questions, and I’ll have a much better feel based on how today’s practice – where we will get some good physical work in – goes for those players.”

McVay said Havenstein is “making good progress,” but the fact that he won’t commit to him playing is shocking. It likely has more to do with his performance than his health.

Bobby Evans has slid in at right tackle and played extremely well, which has elevated the play of the offensive line and Jared Goff. Havenstein wasn’t performing at a very high level before his injury, which could make the Rams reluctant to insert him back into the lineup.

What complicates things is the fact that Havenstein is making $8.1 million per year and is only in the second year of his contract, which runs through 2022. Giving up on a player making that much money this soon wouldn’t be a great look for the Rams, but they also need to put their best players on the field.

Right now, it looks like Evans is that player and the Rams seem to be milking Havenstein’s injury to avoid any sort of controversy. If he’s off the injury report and still doesn’t play Saturday, consider him a healthy scratch.

Rams injury report: Rob Havenstein is back but maybe not as a starter

Rob Havenstein was a full participant, while Gerald Everett missed practice again.

It’s no coincidence that the Rams’ offense found a rhythm when the offensive line began playing better as a cohesive unit. After making several changes due to injuries to starters, the Rams have settled in on a starting five of Andrew Whitworth, Austin Corbett, Austin Blythe, David Edwards and Bobby Evans.

Rob Havenstein has missed the last four games with a knee injury, but he’s progressing and could be on track to return Sunday against the Cowboys. Only, he may not take back his regular starting spot at right tackle.

“These guys have done a good job and we’re going to monitor that as the week progresses,” Sean McVay said Wednesday. “It’s something that we feel good about if he is able to go, getting another really good football player back. In terms of what capacity he’s utilized, we have not made that decision.”

Havenstein was a full participant in Wednesday’s walkthrough, indicating he’s making good progress ahead of Sunday’s game against Dallas. Evans has done a great job in his place at right tackle, however, which is why the Rams are hesitant to plug Havenstein back in as the starter.

It wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if the Rams try to stick with the status quo and keep Evans as the starter over their $32.5 million man.

As for other injuries, Gerald Everett remains sidelined with a knee injury. He was a non-participant in the walkthrough and McVay said simply he’s not ready to practice yet. Nsimba Webster injured his hip on Sunday against the Seahawks and is considered day-to-day. He was limited in practice.

The Cowboys’ side of the injury report was much longer. Several starters were either limited or absent from practice on Wednesday, including La’el Collins, Byron Jones, Sean Lee, Zack Martin and Leighton Vander Esch, who is unlikely to play Sunday.

Dak Prescott was a full participant and is expected to be fine for this weekend after injuring his hand in Week 14.

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Rob Havenstein may not get starting RT job back when he returns

The Rams will evaluate the RT position when Rob Havenstein is healthy, but he isn’t certain to replace Bobby Evans.

Rob Havenstein has missed the last three games with a knee injury, which he suffered in Week 10 against the Steelers. Initially, it looked like a big blow to the offensive line, given Havenstein’s pedigree and how well he played last season.

He struggled to replicate his success of 2018 before going down with the injury, though, and regressed to just average levels. Rookie Bobby Evans has stepped in for Havenstein and played relatively well, keeping opposing pass rushers at bay for the last three games.

Havenstein is nearing a return and could be back as soon as this weekend, but he may not get the starting job back. After saying Thursday that Havenstein is still “day-to-day,” Sean McVay was asked if there will be any hesitation to put him back into the starting lineup when he does return.

His answer was telling, based on the lack of conviction in his response.

“Bobby’s done a really nice job and Rob’s put a lot of really good film on display for the last couple years, so when he’s ready to go, we’ll evaluate that deal,” McVay said. “But he’s done a great job mentoring Bobby in the meantime and I think that says a lot about just the type of guy he is and we know what a productive player he’s been for us.”

It sure doesn’t sound like the Rams are set on plugging Havenstein back in at right tackle, despite the fact that he’s one of the highest-paid players at his position in the NFL and played at a Pro Bowl level last year.

It’s understandable that the Rams won’t commit to Havenstein returning as the starter, given the way A) he played before the injury and B) how well Evans has stepped up. Evans has gotten a lot of help on the right side with tight ends and guard help – more so than Havenstein did – but he’s also held his own in one-on-one situations.

Rams injury report: Rob Havenstein, Gerald Everett ruled out vs. Cardinals

The Rams will be down their top tight end when they take on the Cardinals.

The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their week of practice and released their final injury report. Three players were ruled out, including two offensive starters.

Will not play

  • TE Gerald Everett (knee)
  • T Rob Havenstein (knee)
  • DB Darious Williams (ankle)

With no Havenstein, who is missing his third straight game, Bobby Evans will start at right tackle. He did not practice on Wednesday but was limited Thursday and Friday.  The Rams will miss Everett’s offensive production. He has 37 receptions, the third-most on the team. Tyler Higbee will get the start in his place. Neither Everett nor Williams practiced at all during the week.

Safety Marqui Christian (knee) missed practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday but was a full participant on Friday and has not game designation. He will play against the team who drafted him.

Running back Todd Gurley sat out of practice on Friday but it was just a day off.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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Rams injury report: RT Rob Havenstein upgraded

He was limited on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday with a knee injury.

The Los Angeles Rams were back at practice on Thursday and had their injury situation improve some. They released their second injury report of the week and two players were upgraded.

On Wednesday, four players sat out with injuries. Two sat out on Thursday with two getting limited work.

Did not practice

  • TE Gerald Everett (knee)
  • DB Darious Williams (ankle)

Everett missed for the second day in a row. With how tight ends have played against the Cardinals, Arizona could catch a break, although they will still have to deal with Tyler Higbee.

Limited

  • T Rob Havenstein (knee)
  • S Marqui Christian (knee)

Havenstein has struggled this season but the Rams need him in the lineup to battle Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs. Rams coach Sean McVay said he will play if he is able to.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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Sean McVay shares positive update on Rob Havenstein (knee)

Rob Havenstein could return this week against the Cardinals.

The Rams have played their last two games without right tackle Rob Havenstein after he suffered a knee injury in Week 10 against the Steelers. Rookie Bobby Evans has stepped in and done well, allowing zero sacks and very little pressure in his first two career starts.

Los Angeles could be getting Havenstein back against the Cardinals on Sunday as he continues to progress from his knee injury. Sean McVay shared a positive update on Havenstein Tuesday, but wouldn’t say for sure if he will return this week.

Making good progress with Rob Havenstein,” McVay said. “There’s a chance that he could be ready to go. We’ll have a little bit more of an update as the week progresses.”

Evans has done a good job at right tackle and has led some to believe maybe the Rams would stick with him even when Havenstein returns. That won’t be the case, though.

“If he’s ready to go, we’ll get him back in there,” McVay said of whether Havenstein would start.

The Rams gave Havenstein a four-year, $31.5 million contract in 2018, and he made them look smart for it last season. However, he’s struggled mightily this season, going from playing like one of the best right tackles in football to below-average.

Los Angeles needs him to play well the rest of this season and beyond after making him a top-paid tackle, which would also allow Evans to head back to the bench to develop further.