hawknation2015
New member
The season opener was one of the worst performances by our offensive line we have seen. The Rams beat them into the backfield on 20 of our 55 passing snaps. Garry Gilliam, Justin Britt, J.R. Sweezy, and Russell Okung were each totally humiliated in that game. Aaron Donald was essentially unblockable, both in one-on-one situations and double teams. In addition to Donald, DEs William Hayes, Robert Quinn, and Chris Long all had huge games for the Rams.
A lot has changed since the season opener. Ironically, the only lineman who was not beaten in the game, Drew Nowak, has been replaced by Patrick Lewis, who has brought veteran stewardship and more physicality at the point of attack. Okung is questionable to play in the game, and is day-to-day, with a calf injury. Okung's backup Alvin Bailey actually looked pretty good against Cleveland. Bailey seemed more physical and more willing to sustain blocks than he did earlier in the year.
Britt was making his first start at the left guard position, having practiced there only a couple weeks earlier. At that time, his technique as an interior lineman was raw, and he seemed easily outmaneuvered by double moves. Having to face the best interior lineman in the league under those conditions was a tall order. Now, Britt -- a more seasoned veteran of the position -- will have his chance at a rematch.
Britt was moved to left guard in order to improve the pass protection by accommodating Gilliam's move into the lineup. This was another case of trial by fire for Gilliam, a former TE and reserve LT. The physicality of the Rams defensive front seemed too much for him at times. But since then, Gilliam has grown into a really solid blocker for us at the RT position. Admittedly, he still looks a little thin in the britches, but his athleticism and determination to fight through the whistle have been apparent. Gilliam's second go-around will be aided by the fact that the Rams ended Robert Quinn's season two weeks ago so that he could undergo back surgery.
Sweezy also struggled mightily against the Rams, having one of his worst games since his rookie season. Right now, I think it is fair to say that Sweezy is playing like one of the league's best right guards. He has grown into the nasty leader of this offensive line. Having an opportunity to face Donald again has to be something tough-minded Sweezy is looking forward to, even if he doesn't win every battle. It's just another opportunity to demonstrate how far this unit has come.
A lot has changed since the season opener. Ironically, the only lineman who was not beaten in the game, Drew Nowak, has been replaced by Patrick Lewis, who has brought veteran stewardship and more physicality at the point of attack. Okung is questionable to play in the game, and is day-to-day, with a calf injury. Okung's backup Alvin Bailey actually looked pretty good against Cleveland. Bailey seemed more physical and more willing to sustain blocks than he did earlier in the year.
Britt was making his first start at the left guard position, having practiced there only a couple weeks earlier. At that time, his technique as an interior lineman was raw, and he seemed easily outmaneuvered by double moves. Having to face the best interior lineman in the league under those conditions was a tall order. Now, Britt -- a more seasoned veteran of the position -- will have his chance at a rematch.
Britt was moved to left guard in order to improve the pass protection by accommodating Gilliam's move into the lineup. This was another case of trial by fire for Gilliam, a former TE and reserve LT. The physicality of the Rams defensive front seemed too much for him at times. But since then, Gilliam has grown into a really solid blocker for us at the RT position. Admittedly, he still looks a little thin in the britches, but his athleticism and determination to fight through the whistle have been apparent. Gilliam's second go-around will be aided by the fact that the Rams ended Robert Quinn's season two weeks ago so that he could undergo back surgery.
Sweezy also struggled mightily against the Rams, having one of his worst games since his rookie season. Right now, I think it is fair to say that Sweezy is playing like one of the league's best right guards. He has grown into the nasty leader of this offensive line. Having an opportunity to face Donald again has to be something tough-minded Sweezy is looking forward to, even if he doesn't win every battle. It's just another opportunity to demonstrate how far this unit has come.
