The Los Angeles Rams have had a disastrous start to the 2024 NFL season, suffering from two disappointing losses and starting 0-2. The Rams lost 20-26 to the Lions in Week 1 thanks to an opening drive touchdown in overtime and getting blown out by the Cardinals in Week 2 in a shocking 10-41 upset. Injuries to their receiving corps, secondary, and offensive line have played a role in their 0-2 record. We will focus on the injuries to their offensive line.
The Los Angeles Rams O-line has battled injuries
- Swing tackle Joe Noteboom: Placed on injured because of a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 1.
- Left guard Steve Avila: Placed on injured reserve because of an MCL sprain sustained in Week 1.
- Left guard/center Jonah Jackson: Will miss time and is a possible injured reserve candidate because he aggravated his shoulder injury (fractured scapula) sustained in Week 2.
- Right guard Kevin Dotson: Dealing with a lateral ankle sprain sustained in Week 1 but managed to play in Week 2.
- Right tackle Rob Havenstein: Missed Week 1 with an ankle injury but managed to play in Week 2.
On top of that, Rams starting left tackle Alaric Jackson missed the first two weeks because of a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Not having Jackson in the starting rotation for those two games hindered the offensive line and Matthew Stafford. Here’s how their left tackles and the O-line performed in Week 1 and 2.
Joe Noteboom and A.J. Arcuri couldn’t get the job done in Week 1
Swing tackle Joe Noteboom got the start in Week 1. Noteboom played the first 27 snaps of the game before suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter and getting carted off the field. He did not perform well on the field, surrendering three pressures, two hurries, one sack, a 7.2 pass block grade, an 80.0 run block grade, and a 40.8 PFF grade.
A.J. Arcuri, who the Rams elevated from the practice squad, filled in for Noteboom for the final 51 snaps of the game. Arcuri did not play any better, surrendering seven pressures, five hurries, two hits, a 1.9 pass block grade, a 55.8 run block grade, and a 25.9 PFF grade.
The unit surrendered 23 pressures, 13 hurries, eight hits, and two sacks (PFF).
Warren McClendon Jr. wasn’t prepared for the position change in Week 2
Warren McClendon Jr., who played 76 total snaps at left tackle with the Georgia Bulldogs in college, moved from right tackle to left tackle in Week 2 since Rob Havenstein recovered from his ankle and started on the right side. McClendon did not find his footing all game and looked overmatched, especially in pass protection. He surrendered four pressures, one hit, three sacks, a 41.0 pass block grade, a 64.6 run block grade, and a 56.0 PFF grade.
The unit surrendered ten pressures, three hurries, three hits, and four sacks (PFF). Note: The Rams had 21 fewer pass-blocking snaps in Week 2.
Here are the Los Angeles Rams’ projected starting five for the time being
- LT: Alaric Jackson
- LG: Logan Bruss
- C: Beaux Limmer
- RG: Kevin Dotson
- RT: Rob Havenstein
The impact of having their left tackle back in the starting rotation
Having Alaric Jackson back in the starting rotation as the blindside blocker should give Matthew Stafford more stability in pass protection and more time to throw since left tackle is the most important position in the O-line, and most of the pressures, hurries, and sacks have come from that position. Finally, Jackson is a much better blocker than a practice squad player and someone who has predominately played on the right side in their career.
Experience matters.
