If the Rams are going to bounce back from a disastrous 2022 season, they’ll need the offensive line to take a big step forward this year. It’s only the preseason but so far, the pass protection has been excellent.
Through two weeks, three Rams players have ranked among the best pass blockers in the league. Grant Miller and Tremayne Anchrum Jr. each have pass-blocking grades of 87.9 this summer, according to PFF, which is tied for the fifth-best among all linemen who have played at least 20% of the snaps.
Not far behind is second-round rookie Steve Avila, who has a pass-blocking grade of 85.3. That ranks 19th among all linemen this preseason, which is a great sign for the Rams’ projected starter at left guard.
Miller, Anchrum and Avila have allowed zero pressures combined this preseason, helping keep Stetson Bennett and Brett Rypien upright in the pocket. The Rams allowed just one sack against the Raiders on Saturday night and four in the opener against the Chargers.
Even if you look further down PFF’s pass-blocking grades, you’ll find another Rams player: Zach Thomas. He ranks 48th with a pass-blocking mark of 80.0, allowing only one pressure this preseason.
As well as those four players have performed this preseason, the Rams somehow have the second-worst pass-blocking grade as a team. Warren McClendon Jr. and Logan Bruss each have pass-blocking grades below 23.0, so that’s weighing things down, but it’s still surprising to see the Rams with a 44.6 pass-blocking grade as a team.