[CanuckRightWinger]

I may have spoken mostly only Hungarian before Kindergarten, but I've developed a pretty decent handle on the English language since that time....
and I know full well what Andrew Whitworth said on the Cowherd Show. The expectation was too high for the two yutes who were replacing the 2 departed OL vets.
Whitworth knew it, and he said it.

You can spin it anyway you want....Gurley, Zuelein's missed FG in Seattle, Rapp's 3rd & 18 brainfarts in our second game versus the Niners.....go nuts!

But it was poor Rams OL play that led the way for missing the 2019 Playoffs.
Let us remember, that for McVay's Offense to really hum on all cylinders and score copious TDs, Los Ramos running game needs to be robust and a legit threat.....or McVay's PlayAction goes for a shit!

2019 Rams Rushing YPG...93.7 (26th) ....................per ESPN stats
2019 Rams Yds/Carry Rushing...3.7 YPC (27th TIE)
And with PlayAction not legit, Jared Goff's 2019 QB Rating of 85.6 had him ranked 22nd
....and the 2019 Rams were suddenly no longer a Top Ten NFL scoring team anymore.

In short..
The Ram OLine woes were the main problem in us missing the 2019 Playoffs....
sorta like this year.
Except you've gotta give the 2019 Ram OL guys this....they never got their Franchise QB mangled and IR'd.

Question: Who was Andrew Whitworth's LT backup in SBLVI??
Answer: A UDFA Rookie with zero NFL starts, Alaric Jackson.
Noteboom was IR'd for SBLVI.

Let me end by saying this:
If by some freak-of-nature WrongWay Corrigan move, Les Snead actually commits to counting on Joe Noteboom as Los Ramos starting LT for 2023, then my three words of advice to Enos Stanley Kroenke would be "Cause for Termination."

Lotsa revisionist Ram history being flogged here lately.
Reminds one of the Mark Twain witticism: "Denial ain't just a river in Egypt!"

Cheers from soggy Vancouver, BC.

[PARAM]

I may have spoken mostly only Hungarian before Kindergarten, but I've developed a pretty decent handle on the English language since that time....
and I know full well what Andrew Whitworth said on the Cowherd Show. The expectation was too high for the two yutes who were replacing the 2 departed OL vets.
Whitworth knew it, and he said it.

You can spin it anyway you want....Gurley, Zuelein's missed FG in Seattle, Rapp's 3rd & 18 brainfarts in our second game versus the Niners.....go nuts!

"Denial ain't just a river in Egypt!"

Spin? I'm not trying to "spin" anything. I'm just clarifying Whitworth didn't throw McSnead under the bus by saying "the expectation was too high for the two yutes, who were replacing the two departed lineman"......as if they expected a Saffold performance. If you take his statement, cut it up, copy and paste, it could be viewed that's what he was saying. But that's not what he said.

I'm also disagreeing with the long held theory, "it was the Rams OL 'poor play' that made the Rams miss the playoffs". It was the Rams OL INJURIES to 3 starters, causing the use of 3 backups for much of the season that contributed to them missing the playoffs. Noteboom, Allen and Havenstein. Poor play? Of Noteboom and Allen? Prior to Noteboom going down (on the 2nd play of the 2nd drive vs SF in week 6), the Rams were averaging 28.2 PPG, 330 yards passing, 96.2 yards rushing per game (4.2), 1.6 sacks allowed per game while scoring 15 TD (7 passing; 8 rushing) and 12 of 15 on FGs with a 28:49 TOP.

AND.....On the first drive vs SF (prior to JN's injury on the 2nd drive), the Rams ran the ball down their throat....with Malcolm Brown! .....MB for 9 yds, 10 yds, 7 yds, 9 yds, Woods for 8, Brown for 5, Woods for 8 >>TD! 7 plays, 7 carries, 56 yards (8.0 ypc). I'd say, they were looking good!!

We can also say, "had Zuerlein made that 44 yard FG at the end of the Seattle game with 15 seconds left, we would have been 10-6 and in the postseason" and that is fact. Some could say, "the expectation for Zuerlein to make that kick was unfounded" but his career percentage from 40-49 yards is 80%.

We can also say, "had our defense not allowed 6 TDs and 48 points to the Bucs in week 4, we would have made the postseason". That may not be a fact like the Zuerlein miss but it's a damn good possibility.

And we can also say, "if our defense doesn't give up two hard to make 3rd and 16's to SF, one from their 19 yard line, the other from their 31, allowing them to matriculate the ball downfield to kick the GWFG, we would have been in the playoffs". But that isn't a fact just an observation.

So between our OL injuries, a makeable missed FG, a few defensive brain farts, we missed the postseason.

Whitworth on Cowherd? Here's what was said, verbatim....

Cowherd:
"BTW, what was interesting, Tennessee's success this year was illuminating because as you watched their OL take a former team mate of you, Stafford (Saffold), he was great. So you're watching Tennessee bulldoze people an you're like 'oh that's why the Rams offensive line on the interior this year wasn't quite as good'. Is it reasonable for me to just say, your struggles this year really came down to you lost two excellent interior lineman and it was never really the same?"

Whitworth:
"I mean, I think it really is because there's an expectation with a young player, yeah, they can come in and do their jobs. And they can come in and try and be effective in the game but they're never going to be as effective as a Rodger Saffold, who is an elite interior player in the league. There's still a massive difference in that. And so....and John Sullivan who played in this league a long time, been a part of Minnesota and Adrian Peterson when they were leading the league in rushing. He's been a part of great rushing football teams. And he comes and Rodger's there and we're all together and they're really good football players. And it's not fair for these young guys to even have the expectation that their gonna play like that.....yet. I mean in their careers? Sure. But those guys were as good as they get inside"

Nowhere did Whitworth say, "the Rams expected them to play like Saffold/Sullivan" nor did he say, "it was wrong to expect them to play like Saffold and Sullivan". He did said, "there's an expectation with a young player, yeah they can come in and do their job but they're never going to be as effective as a Rodger Saffold." Further on, the part that I believe was intended for talking heads and fans was, "it's not fair for these young guys to even have the expectation that their gonna play like that" and added, "....yet. In their careers, sure." Which is nothing more than good common sense.

So fans can say "McSnead expected them to be Saffold and Sullivan....and they were wrong, so they fooked up!!!" and Whitworth confirmed it.....but that's not true. Whitworth and those guys have been in the NFL a few years and they know the difference between an established, talented vet and a second year guy, first time starter. As Whit put it, "massive".

What I found amusing is Cowherd called Saffold "Stafford". Who'd a thunk he'd be winning playoff games and a Superbowl for us just 2 years later?

For anybody who doubts the accuracy of that transcription, the interview can be heard on YouTube here. You gotta get through a lot of Superbowl stuff, what happens the week prior? how do you stay focused? Etc. But Whit is a great interview.

[CanuckRightWinger]

What a croc!

Cowherd says "your struggles came down to losing 2 excellent interior lineman..."
Whitworth says "I think it really is...." and he goes on to talk about two young guys trying to come in to do their jobs....but "they're never going to be as effective as a Rodger Saffold"....then Whit goes on to sing the praises of Sullivan blocking for Adrian Peterson.

Whit is saying that Saffold and Sullivan were superior to the two yutes. Period. Full Stop.
Duh!

BTW, to help you understand better...
by "your struggles"
Cowherd meant "you Rams missing the 2019 Playoffs".

[PARAM]

What a croc!

Cowherd says "your struggles came down to losing 2 excellent interior lineman..."
Whitworth says "I think it really is...." and he goes on to talk about two young guys trying to come in to do their jobs....but "they're never going to be as effective as a Rodger Saffold"....then Whit goes on to sing the praises of Sullivan blocking for Adrian Peterson.

Whit is saying that Saffold and Sullivan were superior to the two yutes. Period. Full Stop.
Duh!

BTW, to help you understand better...
by "your struggles"
Cowherd meant "you Rams missing the 2019 Playoffs".

Whit is saying, "yeah we lost an elite interior lineman in Saffold.....the replacements aren't going to be Saffold....and nobody should think they should be".

Things he didn't say.....
"we missed the playoffs because they SUCKED"
"they should have never let Saffold go and start these two yutes".
"they were wrong to expect Noteboom and Allen to play like Saffold and Sullivan"

He said they weren't Saffold and Sullivan. And he knew full well the injuries were part of the struggles but players (and coaches with the exception of Nick Saban) don't ever use that angle. Just like he knew the NFL is a business and guys leave teams while new guys come in. He didn't elaborate on that either but everybody knows it's fact.

Hey, you have your take. We all know, after 2019 in your eyes, Noteboom was a bum, Allen was bum because they cost us the playoffs!! But somehow, they both contributed to SB56 Lombardi being in the Rams trophy case. And you know who wasn't part of that group? Wade Phillips and Greg Zeurlein.

BTW, how about a little civility?
"What a CROC!!!"
"Spin it anyway you like!!!"
And a little less with the condescending attitude.
"BTW to help you understand better...."

How about a real discussion? Ah, never mind. I disagree with your take so that is out of the question for you.

[Elvis]

Last year Matt Stafford threw for over 6000 yards with 50 TDs (regular season plus playoffs), won a SB. The Rams were one of the top offenses in the league and all with Brian Allen at center.

But apparently he had to blackmail his way into the probowl? Maybe he also has compromising photos of Stafford, Rams coaches, brass and ownership and that's why they signed him for another 3 years, brought him back as starting center?

I mean what else could it possibly be?

[PARAM]

Last year Matt Stafford threw for over 6000 yards with 50 TDs (regular season plus playoffs), won a SB. The Rams were one of the top offenses in the league and all with Brian Allen at center.

But apparently he had to blackmail his way into the probowl? Maybe he also has compromising photos of Stafford, Rams coaches, brass and ownership and that's why they signed him for another 3 years, brought him back as starting center?

I mean what else could it possibly be?

But there's those PFF stats to deal with also.

Noteboom was leading the league in sacks and pressures when he was injured. I took the time to watch the "all-22" of each of the first 5 games. Noteboom allowed 2 sacks and I don't know what their definition of 'pressures' is but there weren't more than 12 plays his guy got near the QB. Oh there were a number of times he let the DE right on by untouched because it was his job to get out in front of the RB who Stafford was throwing to so I guess they count as 'pressures'.

The alleged 3 sacks vs Buffalo? Von Miller bull rushed him and got one. Legit. But Miller has done that to a number of OTs. Even really good ones. The second sack was Stafford leaving the pocket and being forced out of bounds by JN's guy, two yards behind the LOS (which counts as a sack). The third was a stunt with his guy and Edwards guy. Noteboom picked up Edwards guy but Edwards whiffed on JN's guy. Sack. Credited to JN, I suppose.

The dude stoned Bosa all day vs SF. Something like 37 snaps vs Bosa and he got pressure twice. Bosa was pissed in the 4th quarter and started getting chippy. Vs Dallas Parsons lined up opposite Noteboom 4 times in the first half and didn't see the backfield. The rest of the time when he was rushing, he was lined up opposite Havenstein. One of these days, I'm going to watch all 17 'all-22's' just to see how many sacks and pressure big Rob allowed.

But when there's a perception out there and it's repeated. And PPF stats are used as a lamp post. A guy can get a bad name. Dude has a helluva kick step, he's quick, gets downfield in the run game AND hits people. Plus he's pretty good at pass pro.....even against the big boys like Bosa. If he can manage to stay healthy, he's worth the jack. Impossible? Saffold eventually did it.

He's something from 2015:

St. Louis Rams guard Rodger Saffold left the team's Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers and did not return after suffering a shoulder injury that will end his season.

He was injured on a Nick Foles pick-six but walked off the field under his own power after lying on the ground for an extended period.

Thursday, Oct. 15
Head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters that Saffold will have season-ending surgery and has been placed on injured reserve. Adam Caplan of ESPN noted on Wednesday that the injury is not to the same shoulder on which Saffold previously required surgery.

Saffold's Injury History, Impact on Rams O-Line

Injury issues are nothing new for Saffold, who has played 16 games in his NFL career twice (2010 and 2014). A variety of ailments have kept him off the field for 17 games in his five-plus seasons, though he had been able to put together an extended start streak over the last couple of years. He's nevertheless had shoulder problems in the past, needing an operation on his left shoulder last offseason and hurting his right shoulder in the preseason.

Unfortunately for the Rams, being on the field hasn't necessarily translated to production. Pro Football Focus ranked Saffold 67th among 74 eligible guards coming into this week, as he was one of a number of Rams offensive linemen to get off to a rough start. Garrett Reynolds replaced Saffold at right guard in Week 5.

Reynolds, 28, has spent most of his career as a backup and injury replacement. While he's never had an NFL breakout, it's hard to imagine him being much worse than Saffold's been over the first four weeks.

Total for his first 6 years with the Rams? 68 GP, 65 GS. Missed 28 games and didn't start in 3 other during the 2013 season. And there are those PFF focus numbers . He may have been injured a lot but #67 out of 74 eligible OGs? I find that hard to believe.

[Elvis]

And then there's the mental part:

[PARAM]

I know they always seem to befuddle fans with their approach to the OL. But you can't argue with success. They had 2 good years to start with Whit-Saffold-Sullivan-Brown/Blythe-Havenstein....I think the only game any of those guys missed was the last game (SF) in 2017. And Jamon Brown actually started that game. Then they had injury issues. Noteboom, Allen and Havenstein in 2019. Whit in 2020. A ding here and there in 2021. Everybody and their brother last year....except Havenstein. If they get the guys already on the roster healthy and the new OL coach is good, they will have success. Of course I don't doubt they'll draft another OL this year, maybe even sign a free agent if one good enough is available and affordable. But if not, they're good to go if the guys are healthy. JMHO. You're not gonna win the SB every year and sometimes you're not gonna make the playoffs every year. Some fans can't take that and look for somebody to blame.

[ramsman34]

Last season the OL was good enough for staff and Kupp to put up monster stats. Was good enough to win 4 playoff games including the SB. The Rams had almost NO run game from about week 7 on and playaction was virtually abandoned for a drop back and empty sets passing game.

This season was just an anomaly. Injuries to key players from the jump.

And the OL bottom line is this: we are going to see how “smart” the MCSnead system is as they are unlikely to trade picks/players for blue chip O Lmen. They probably aren’t drafting one in the second or third round this draft. And they most certainly are going to keep and play a number of the OL that were/are on the roster now. Sure, there will be some additions and subtractions. But no wholesale revamping of the unit.

So we will see how good they are, the offense is and the team is in about 8 months.

[PARAM]

Last season the OL was good enough for staff and Kupp to put up monster stats. Was good enough to win 4 playoff games including the SB. The Rams had almost NO run game from about week 7 on and playaction was virtually abandoned for a drop back and empty sets passing game.

This season was just an anomaly. Injuries to key players from the jump.

And the OL bottom line is this: we are going to see how “smart” the MCSnead system is as they are unlikely to trade picks/players for blue chip O Lmen. They probably aren’t drafting one in the second or third round this draft. And they most certainly are going to keep and play a number of the OL that were/are on the roster now. Sure, there will be some additions and subtractions. But no wholesale revamping of the unit.

So we will see how good they are, the offense, is and the team is in about 8 months.

The last 5 games they had some continuity

LV.......Nsekhe-Skura-Allen-Shelton-Hav
GB......Nsekhe-Skura-Allen-Shelton-Hav
Den....Nsekhe-Skura-Shelton-Aboushi-Hav
LAC....Nsekhe-Skura-Shelton-Brewer-Hav
Sea....Nsekhe-Skura-Shelton-Brewer-Hav

I say "some continuity"...still used 7 guys over 5 games. But the run game was there...129 for 613 (4.8) 6 TDs. But that wasn't really "continuity". It appeared that way only because of the first dozen games with a dozen different combos.

These guys (McVay/Snead & Co.) are smart guys and given the health factor, they could beat you with their guys, then take your guys and beat their guys with you!