[Elvis]

A ruptured Achilles is serious business but the Rams will have a better idea of what he can contribute than any of us will.

Here's some of what was being said about Noteboom going into last year:

“For Joe, it’s the ability – he has a really special anchor. I look at Joe Thomas, he was a tremendous setter at left tackle. Had a really fluid set. Joseph sets really fluid and has a really special anchor, Joe Thomas was a guy that had such a smooth set, but what really made him special was how strong the anchor he had. Not always being the biggest tackle out there, he could set back as far and as fast as he wanted and was actually able to anchor on people in a really special way. That’s one of the things for linemen, especially tackles, as far as you have to move and as athletic as these guys are, you gotta be able to anchor and not get knocked back in a split-second. Sometimes when they choose to attack, Noteboom has a really special anchor and can sit people down. To me, if you can do that, the rest of the stuff is just a matter of experience.

… He’s gonna be a great pass protector and play well from the jump, I would imagine, He’s always played well in moments he’s gotten to go in there and I don’t see him in an 18-game season playing any different. I think he’ll be very consistent and play well, so as a young player, it really stuck out to see him be completely out of position a little bit and still be able to anchor guys down, which is a trait that any left tackle would love to have.”

[snackdaddy]

What I would prefer be the starting line from left to right:

Jackson
Avila
Shelton
Bruss
Hav

What I think will be the starting line:

Noteboom(Unless he's not ready. Then Jackson)
Jackson(Avila if Noteboom isn't ready)
Allen
Shelton
Hav

My guess is unless Avila and Bruss step up and just take the starting spot, they will go with the most experience.

[snackdaddy]

As far as Noteboom I think the starting left tackle job is his when he's fully ready to go. But that is not what I would prefer. I'd rather he be the first backup at either tackle position. If he starts day one I don't expect him the finish the season. Just too injury prone. Jackson had a freak thing. So at the moment I would not call him injury prone. Time will tell on that one.

[Elvis]

[actionjack]

As far as Noteboom I think the starting left tackle job is his when he's fully ready to go. But that is not what I would prefer. I'd rather he be the first backup at either tackle position. If he starts day one I don't expect him the finish the season. Just too injury prone. Jackson had a freak thing. So at the moment I would not call him injury prone. Time will tell on that one.

I disagree, I think the injury really opens the door for the Rams to start Alaric at LT. I think Noteboom ends up competing with Avila for LG.

[ramsman34]

I disagree, I think the injury really opens the door for the Rams to start Alaric at LT. I think Noteboom ends up competing with Avila for LG.

I don’t think Boom has a shot in hell vs Avila. We will see but, I think he and A Jax will be competing hard for the LOT spot.

Also, I have loved Anchrum since he got here. Don’t be surprised if he beats out Bruss for the RG spot. All good problems to have, I think.

[CRamsFly]

Noteboom started a few games at LG a couple of seasons back - he was horrible. He should start at LT or be a backup LT.

[PARAM]

Honestly, I think the Noteboom "hate" is a condition, in some cases caused by erroneous numbers (PFF) and in others, butthurt. The O line could give up 4 sacks....2 by Havenstein, 1 by Edwards and 1 by Noteboom and the complaint on Monday morning would be, "you know what the problem with our O line is? Noteboom!"

He was mis-cast at LG replacing fan favorite Rodger Saffold, another guy who spent years in fans doghouse due to recurring injuries. Fact is Noteboom is a much better tackle than guard. Hell, he's a much better tackle than Saffold ever was.

I don't know if Noteboom will fully recover from his achilles injury but for our sake, I hope he does. Even with Alaric as the "new fan favorite" for LT after 3 games there in 2 years. Apparently these OL aficionados really know their stuff, eh??!! 3 games?? In 2 years?? What a convincing sample size!!

Of course, reports are "some" assistant coaches like him at LT. There's been no solid reporting that they "like him" in place of Noteboom; or they "like him" if Noteboom isn't ready; or they "like him" as the #1 backup LT.

We'll see. But if I know 1 thing, who's "hot" in OTAs doesn't always translate to the regular season lineup. I hope whomever ends up as our LT is SOLID. For our sake.

[actionjack]

I don’t think Boom has a shot in hell vs Avila. We will see but, I think he and A Jax will be competing hard for the LOT spot.

Also, I have loved Anchrum since he got here. Don’t be surprised if he beats out Bruss for the RG spot. All good problems to have, I think.

Sounds like that could happen, Anchrum getting love in OTA's. I agree it would be disappointing if Avila isnt starting LG, just think Boom could back up a few positions.

[safer]

Noteboom has proven to be brittle, BUT, when healthy, he is a solid LT. He is not a good interior player because he plays too high for the mostly shorter and powerful interior DT's.
When he's healthy and playing LT he holds up well except when facing elite pass rushers---which happens to the majority of LT's, right?
IF Anchrum proves himself to be a stout, starting OG, should we consider trading Coleman or Bruss for a young talent to challenge Allen at center?