The Los Angeles Rams have made countless smart moves in the past three offseasons, but you could make the case that none have been more important than the addition of Andrew Whitworth. He was signed in 2017 despite being at the end of his career and after the Bengals surprisingly didn’t bring him back.
He hasn’t missed a step with his new team, making the Pro Bowl and being named a first-team All-Pro in 2017. Whitworth has locked down the left side of the offensive line, which was a complete mess before he arrived.
Still one of the best left tackles in the game, Whitworth has been great signing by the Rams no matter how you cut it. Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recognizes how good he’s been and ranked him sixth among the best offensive tackles in football.
Whitworth was involved in 1,246 snaps last season, allowing just five sacks, four quarterback hits and 25 quarterback hurries, adding outstanding run-blocking along the way.
From his Bengals days, when he played guard and tackle at a Pro Bowl level, Whitworth has never been the most agile blocker. There are times watching his tape where you’re sure a younger, faster edge rusher is going to get the drop on him. But just in time, the veteran will use his understanding of angles and leverage to erase the defender, allowing skill-position players to do their thing. Whitworth will return for his 14th season, and the Rams should be very happy to have him back.
Jared Goff has gotten excellent protection from his line the last two years and Whitworth is a big part of that. Even at 37 years old and entering his 14th season, he remains an elite blocker at left tackle.
The Rams are very fortunate he’s coming back for another year after flirting with retirement, and needless to say, they’ll have a hard time replacing him when he does eventually call it a career.
