Just as quickly as the Los Angeles Rams went from arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL to one of the best in 2017 and ‘18, they’ve reversed course and regressed in that department. Pro Football Focus had the Rams offensive line graded out as the worst in the league entering Week 5, weighed down by the poor play of just about everyone not named Andrew Whitworth.
It’s one of the main reasons Los Angeles’ offense has struggled with consistency, and why Jared Goff’s play has been underwhelming. It hasn’t helped that the Rams faced defensive lines such as Cleveland’s, Seattle’s and the Bucs’, but things won’t get easier in Week 6.
Actually, it’s only going to get tougher with the 49ers coming to town.
San Francisco has one of the best defensive lines in football, boasting above-average starters at every position up front. Nick Bosa has been a standout rookie, DeForest Buckner is a handful for any offensive lineman, Arik Armstead is playing his best ball yet and Dee Ford is an explosive edge rusher.
No one on the Rams’ offensive line has a favorable matchup, which was made clear by Pro Football Focus’ grades.
As Rob Lowder points out, Goff could be in for a long game. He’s a different quarterback when kept clean in the pocket and pressured by defenses, which is why teams are so willing to send extra rushers at him.
Whitworth and Havenstein are absolutely better than their PFF grades indicate this season, but there are major concerns on the interior with Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen and Austin Blythe.
None of those three have played well this season and inside pressure is particularly effective against Goff.
If Noteboom, Allen and Blythe can’t step up in this crucial matchup, San Francisco could leave the Coliseum with a 2.5-game lead over the Rams.
