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Inexperience Aside, Rams Say the O-Line Will be Ready
Posted by: Luke Schnake
A rotating cast of characters has made the job of coordinating the Rams’ offensive line a difficult task in recent years, but that’s about to change.
Injuries and a lack of consistency has at times prevented the team’s o-line from thinking and working as a single unit.
The Rams are hoping that helping a young group grow together will be the answer.
rob havenstein
Rams OT Rob Havenstein stretches prior to training camp in Earth City.
Line coach Paul Boudreau has dealt with a revolving door of players in his time in St. Louis and says he’s happy to be helping a more youthful group grow into the line of the Rams’ future.
“Two years ago I was bringing guys in on Wednesday and starting them on Sunday.” Boudreau said. “I’d rather do this with the young guys than have to go through that. We’ve got some good depth. This is the best depth we’ve ever had here.”
That depth includes two rookies making up the right guard and tackle spots in Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein.
The Rams staff has sung the praises of the rookies throughout training camp and they’ll see their first chance in a game situation Friday night in Oakland, followed by practice scrimmages with the Cowboys Aug. 17 and 18.
“We have a bunch of young guys just learning how to play and the good thing is we drafted guys that are smart and tough,” Boudreau said. “It’s kind of gelling together. It’ll be a good example to see how we’ve taught them on Friday night and then the work against Dallas is going to be invaluable.
Rookies often point to the speed of the game as a major difference between playing collegiately and professionally. Jamon Brown said as much during rookie camp early this summer, but says he’s slowed his game down by using the muscle between his ears.
“It’s definitely slowed down between the time we’ve been out here and through OTA’s and now this far into camp.” Brown said. “And I think in my case that’s from learning the playbook and learning the system. Coach (Boudreau) always says when you know what to do the game slows down for you.”
Boudreau points to the intelligence of his two rookies on the right as a reason he isn’t worried about inexperience on that side.
The fact Havenstein came from Wisconsin and Brown from Louisville, both schools that require their linemen to play in a three-point stance, is also helping in their grooming.
“If you’re coming from a team that runs the read-option and all those things where you’re in a two-point stance it is a major adjustment,” Boudreau said. “Luckily for us, Rob (Havenstein) coming out of Wisconsin played a pro offense and Louisville plays in a pro offense. So the guys we drafted have played with their hand on the ground. With Greg (Robinson) last year it was an adjustment because Auburn played in a two-point stance all the time…(Normally) you don’t like two rookies playing next to each other, but (Brown and Havenstein) are so smart.” Boudreau added.
Brown, in particular has blossomed in training camp going head-to-head with defensive tackle Aaron Donald every day.
“Jamon is physical as hell,” Boudreau said. “He was a tackle, but he’s really suited to be a guard. He’s got great quickness. Playing against Aaron every day has helped him out as far as leverage and balance because Aaron doesn’t take a play off.”
The 2015 O-Line may not have much NFL experience playing with each other, but they insist they’re ready to play as one unit. Game exposure is the only factor that will lead to growth on the field, but the crew is making sure they’re comfortable with each other off the turf.
Posted by: Luke Schnake
A rotating cast of characters has made the job of coordinating the Rams’ offensive line a difficult task in recent years, but that’s about to change.
Injuries and a lack of consistency has at times prevented the team’s o-line from thinking and working as a single unit.
The Rams are hoping that helping a young group grow together will be the answer.
rob havenstein
Rams OT Rob Havenstein stretches prior to training camp in Earth City.
Line coach Paul Boudreau has dealt with a revolving door of players in his time in St. Louis and says he’s happy to be helping a more youthful group grow into the line of the Rams’ future.
“Two years ago I was bringing guys in on Wednesday and starting them on Sunday.” Boudreau said. “I’d rather do this with the young guys than have to go through that. We’ve got some good depth. This is the best depth we’ve ever had here.”
That depth includes two rookies making up the right guard and tackle spots in Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein.
The Rams staff has sung the praises of the rookies throughout training camp and they’ll see their first chance in a game situation Friday night in Oakland, followed by practice scrimmages with the Cowboys Aug. 17 and 18.
“We have a bunch of young guys just learning how to play and the good thing is we drafted guys that are smart and tough,” Boudreau said. “It’s kind of gelling together. It’ll be a good example to see how we’ve taught them on Friday night and then the work against Dallas is going to be invaluable.
Rookies often point to the speed of the game as a major difference between playing collegiately and professionally. Jamon Brown said as much during rookie camp early this summer, but says he’s slowed his game down by using the muscle between his ears.
“It’s definitely slowed down between the time we’ve been out here and through OTA’s and now this far into camp.” Brown said. “And I think in my case that’s from learning the playbook and learning the system. Coach (Boudreau) always says when you know what to do the game slows down for you.”
Boudreau points to the intelligence of his two rookies on the right as a reason he isn’t worried about inexperience on that side.
The fact Havenstein came from Wisconsin and Brown from Louisville, both schools that require their linemen to play in a three-point stance, is also helping in their grooming.
“If you’re coming from a team that runs the read-option and all those things where you’re in a two-point stance it is a major adjustment,” Boudreau said. “Luckily for us, Rob (Havenstein) coming out of Wisconsin played a pro offense and Louisville plays in a pro offense. So the guys we drafted have played with their hand on the ground. With Greg (Robinson) last year it was an adjustment because Auburn played in a two-point stance all the time…(Normally) you don’t like two rookies playing next to each other, but (Brown and Havenstein) are so smart.” Boudreau added.
Brown, in particular has blossomed in training camp going head-to-head with defensive tackle Aaron Donald every day.
“Jamon is physical as hell,” Boudreau said. “He was a tackle, but he’s really suited to be a guard. He’s got great quickness. Playing against Aaron every day has helped him out as far as leverage and balance because Aaron doesn’t take a play off.”
The 2015 O-Line may not have much NFL experience playing with each other, but they insist they’re ready to play as one unit. Game exposure is the only factor that will lead to growth on the field, but the crew is making sure they’re comfortable with each other off the turf.
