Everyone has a theory as to how the revamped Los Angeles Rams are going to fare in 2016. Some are praising the Jared Goff gamble, while others are more concerned with the loss of several key receiving threats. The fact is in the NFL no one knows how good a team will be until they hit the field. However, when looking to predict the success or failure of the 2016 Los Angeles Rams season, it would be much wiser to focus not on who sets up under center, but on who lines up beside him.
The 2016 Los Angeles Rams Offensive Line
The Rams’ offensive line was a major factor in running back Todd Gurley rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in a Rookie of the Year performance this past season and they also held a league low 18 allowed sacks – a fact overshadowed by the team’s lackluster passing game. The starting squad of Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Tim Barnes, Jamon Brown, and Rob Havenstein, as well as guards Cody Wichmann and the veteran Garrett Reynolds will have their hands full this year with nearly half of their season against top ten sack lines in Miami, Detroit, Seattle, and San Francisco. Thus, their ability to protect their new starting quarterback and open up lanes for Gurley will be key in determining the fate of the Rams re-inaugural Los Angeles season.
General Manager Les Snead has taken initiative in building a solid offensive line since his hiring in 2012. The immediate results, like most of the Rams’ efforts as of late, have been disappointing. However, unlike many of their past tactics, the offensive line is very much primed to explode this coming season.
This year will see the same starters in the trenches and with a team so heavily reliant on rookies like Jared Goff, wide receivers Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway, this will be a necessity. A breakout season can very easily become a reality if the following seven, along with the other talents they bring in to camp, can improve on last season. They need to find their rhythm early on, and above all, remain healthy.
STARTERS AND KEY PERSONNEL PROFILES
Greg Robinson – LT
The second overall pick of 2014 enters his third year protecting the blind side. This is something he has struggled with despite his teammates’ knack for pass blocking. Additionally, he ended 2015 tied for the third-most penalties in the NFL. However, Robinson has been spending his off season wisely, training at the distinguished LeCharles Bentley Offensive Lineman Camp, working to add some power, speed, and explosion to his game, all of which he will need for the tough 2016 schedule. With a few years under his belt now and a strong desire to shed the penalty-heavy moniker, the offense could see Robinson as the team’s most improved player.
Rodger Saffold – LG
Veteran Rodger Saffold has struggled to stay healthy in his career. He ended last season with a shoulder injury after only five games. His inability to complete a full 16-game season could spell trouble for Los Angeles. If he is able to stay on the field, he can add experience and depth to the previously unreliable left side. This will be a major factor if rookie Goff gets the call. On top of this, in April LA Times writer Gary Klein reported that Saffold was the first Ram to visit the weight-room at the temporary off-season facility in Oxnard.
Tim Barnes – C
Center Tim Barnes has been as average as head coach Jeff Fisher’s record, but he had a solid 2015 and rightfully earned the starting spot. His undrafted background shows that he has the drive and dedication to play beyond his normal skill set. Barnes can get the job done in both pass blocking and run blocking. Also, he managed to start all 16 games last year. This will go a long way with consistency and rhythm as the season progresses. Whether it’s Keenum or Goff under Barnes, he will be sure to give either a solid performance after every snap.
Jamon Brown – RG
The Rams have another second-year lineman in Jamon Brown. He missed the last seven games last year due to a broken leg. Though he has struggled and been moved around, the young guard is looking to fulfill his early predictions as a dominant run blocker. There are two other hungry guards fighting for playing time behind him. He will have to make a name for himself early on to cement his starting spot in 2016.
Rob Havenstein – RT
Yet another second-year rookie gets the call at right tackle in Rob Havenstein. Havenstein had a very strong outing in his rookie season, providing some of the widest lanes for Gurley’s biggest runs. He earned a place on the All-Rookie squad. He missed a few games with a calf injury, but looks primed to rebound. Havenstein should be even stronger this year and possibly take on a leadership role. This is the lineman to watch and one to build around.
Garret Reynolds – G
A guard who has worked with offensive line coach Paul Boudreau since their time in Atlanta will again add valuable experience to the very young line. He also provides some much needed depth if injuries start to show up. Reynolds saw time in all 16 games last year. He has the size and technique to do some real damage again. As one of the longest-tenured professionals on the line, he will also continue to serve as a leader both on and off the field for the abundance of new talent.
Cody Wichmann – G
The second-year pro out of Fresno State delivered a solid rookie outing with a few starts. He looks to be a great addition to the depth of the line again in 2016. He also has great size and durability to pound out a full season. Not many would be surprised if the former number four ranked college guard takes the field first more often. Even as a backup, Wichmann will be a key factor later in the season when injuries and fatigue set in.
2016 will see a new starter at quarterback and it will most likely be either Case Keenum or Jared Goff, and to whittle away even more of the fans’ confidence, there could very well be some experimenting at the position over the course of the season. Though this sounds like a recipe for disaster, Angelenos can rest easy knowing that they have a great group of supporting stars to cradle the transition(s).
With a proven run game, playmakers like Tavon Austin, new talent like Pharoh Cooper and Tyler Higbee, and resolute pass blocking, a strong and consistent quarterback can be the knockout punch the Rams have for so long needed. In one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, a few passing touchdowns can go a long way. With a rookie quarterback, the trust that comes from a stingy offensive line can be the difference between a breakout year or another disappointing flop.
Main Photo:
