The Los Angeles Rams experienced some major turnover to their roster this offseason after parting ways with multiple key starters on both sides of the ball.
The Rams offseason has been highlighted by the departure of linebackers Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr. along with the release of running back Todd Gurley and trade of wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Fortunately, they did put an emphasis of securing some continuity along the offensive line heading into the 2020 NFL season.
Not only did they re-sign left tackle Andrew Whitworth, they also made sure to keep interior lineman Austin Blythe around. It seems the moves did not go unnoticed by quarterback Jared Goff.
According to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, Goff is admittedly happy that the Rams managed to sign two integral pieces of his offensive line:
“I was really excited to get those guys back, and I think I feel so comfortable with both of them,” quarterback Jared Goff said Wednesday during a video conference with reporters. “Getting those two guys back for my confidence, and just feeling good in the pocket is good.”
Goff’s comments are certainly understandable considering how much this group struggled throughout the course of the 2019 NFL season. Of course, their shortcomings could be attributed to the fact that Los Angeles opted to part ways with two key starters in their offensive line last offseason and it clearly came back to haunt them.
Things did not get any easier during the year after losing two starters to season-ending knee injuries in left guard Joe Noteboom and center Brian Allen. Meanwhile, right tackle Rob Havenstein was also forced to sit out down the final stretch of the year due to injuries.
Whitworth now returns as the anchor of this group looking to bounce back for at least another three years after signing through the 2022 NFL season. Blythe’s ability to line up at any of the interior spots also gives the team much more flexibility when it comes to assembling the depth chart.
Any hope that the Rams have of sparking a potential resurgence in the 2020 campaign will need to begin up front. Only then will Goff feel comfortable enough to help kick off a new era at SoFi Stadium in style.
Although Los Angeles had the utmost confidence that this group could make it work last year, it will be interesting to see if they look to bring in more talent through the 2020 NFL Draft. After all, they are now all too familiar with the importance of securing quality depth up front.
