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MahomesMagic · 03-30-2021, 02:18 PM

Los Angeles Rams: Austin Blythe is the Rams’ most important free agent

Austin Blythe steady in the middle
A seventh round pick from the Colts in 2016, Indianapolis cut Blythe in the summer heading into 2017 training camp. The Rams picked him up and he has turned out to be a crucial piece up front ever since. He’s started 47 out of a potential 48 games over the last three years. In that time, he’s consistently been on of the more important pieces on the offensive line.

Last season, Blythe was the ninth rated center according to Pro Football Focus. Again, not using PFF as the end-all be-all here. It’s important to separate the grade and use context. Blythe had a 73.2 run-blocking grade and was a key cog in the Rams’ No. 10 rushing attack.

What makes him even more important is his ability to move back and forth between guard and center. If the Rams need to shuffle the offensive line, Austin Blythe is more than capable. That can’t be understated.

Where Austin Blythe needs to improve
However, Blythe is far from perfect. Where Blythe needs to improve is in pass blocking. His 52.5 pass-blocking grade ranked 22nd and his 29 pressures tied for the fourth most allowed. Taking that a step further, his pass-blocking efficiency ranked 25th among centers. That’s certainly far from ideal.

Stafford has more mobility that Goff, but the Rams need to be able to keep a clean pocket for their new star quarterback. The Rams need Austin Blythe to get stronger so that he is able to better handle larger defensive tackles. He got bull-rushed consistently which caused the pocket to collapse.

03-30-2021, 02:18 PM	#16
MahomesMagic Generational Player Join Date: May 2017 Location: Honolulu Casino cash: $300400	Los Angeles Rams: Austin Blythe is the Rams’ most important free agent Austin Blythe steady in the middle A seventh round pick from the Colts in 2016, Indianapolis cut Blythe in the summer heading into 2017 training camp. The Rams picked him up and he has turned out to be a crucial piece up front ever since. He’s started 47 out of a potential 48 games over the last three years. In that time, he’s consistently been on of the more important pieces on the offensive line. Last season, Blythe was the ninth rated center according to Pro Football Focus. Again, not using PFF as the end-all be-all here. It’s important to separate the grade and use context. Blythe had a 73.2 run-blocking grade and was a key cog in the Rams’ No. 10 rushing attack. What makes him even more important is his ability to move back and forth between guard and center. If the Rams need to shuffle the offensive line, Austin Blythe is more than capable. That can’t be understated. Where Austin Blythe needs to improve However, Blythe is far from perfect. Where Blythe needs to improve is in pass blocking. His 52.5 pass-blocking grade ranked 22nd and his 29 pressures tied for the fourth most allowed. Taking that a step further, his pass-blocking efficiency ranked 25th among centers. That’s certainly far from ideal. Stafford has more mobility that Goff, but the Rams need to be able to keep a clean pocket for their new star quarterback. The Rams need Austin Blythe to get stronger so that he is able to better handle larger defensive tackles. He got bull-rushed consistently which caused the pocket to collapse.
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