The newly retired Rob Havenstein was on Bleav in Rams with Erin Coscarelli and Brian Baldinger when Havenstein recalled an opposing player who expressed after a contest that L.A.’s line “all played well together”. Havenstein went on to reflect it was one of the best compliments he and his fellow Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman ever received.
It’s a simple compliment, but for players like Havenstein who reflect more on team success, rather than their individual success, it’s the type of compliment that
proves their offensive line was setting out what it intended to do: Take a group of five lineman, and play as one.
Every team talks about playing as one, not every team pulls it off. According to Havenstein, the Rams have had success with their offensive line (regardless of the combination) because of their ability to play together, even as new faces have come in over the years. Havenstein credits the athletes of course, and he credits the organization too for identifying the right men for the job, along with proper coaching.
Here’s Havenstein’s explanation for why the Rams have had success on their offensive line throughout the years under Sean McVay:
“I think one of the great compliments we every got it was…I wanna say it was still that 2018 season…I think we were playing the Niners or something, and he was…I won’t name him, but one of the defensive ends, defensive tackles basically said ‘I’m not sure which one of you guys is good, but you all played well together.‘ For him to actually say that to us after the game…it was one of the best compliments that we’ve ever gotten…we take pride in communicating with each other…that comes from guys caring, and that’s something the Rams have done very well.”
On the 0ne hand, the fact that the player in question couldn’t single out one “good” lineman may be a dig, but Havenstein’s point is more that the group played well together, and that’s the part he remembers to this day.
My perception is offensive lines around the league would rather play well together and have team success, as opposed to having one or two guys getting credit, while the others underperform.
I suggest checking out the video (below) as it’s a cool discussion between Baldinger and Havenstein, and a nice education for anyone wanting to hear more about what it’s like to be an offensive lineman at the NFL level, as well as some insight into what makes the Rams tick.
