{"id":46233,"date":"2017-10-07T05:35:40","date_gmt":"2017-10-07T05:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/?p=46233"},"modified":"2017-10-07T05:35:40","modified_gmt":"2017-10-07T05:35:40","slug":"andrew-whitworths-leadership-sparks-turnaround-rams-offensive-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/sports\/andrew-whitworths-leadership-sparks-turnaround-rams-offensive-line.html","title":{"rendered":"Andrew Whitworth’s leadership sparks turnaround for Rams’ offensive line"},"content":{"rendered":"

Andrew Whitworth’s leadership sparks turnaround for Rams’ offensive line<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Andrew Whitworth’s leadership sparks turnaround for Rams’ offensive line:-Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth stood at his locker as reporters approached him, one after another.<\/span><\/p>\n

When there were no reporters left, a public relations official handed Whitworth a phone. On the other end of the line, another reporter.<\/span><\/p>\n

And finally, after practice, workouts and meetings, Whitworth connected with a final reporter as he drove his SUV away from the Rams facility in Thousand Oaks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whitworth laughed through a slight crackle in a bluetooth connection when asked if he\u2019s ever been so popular with the media.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had it happen before,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen we don\u2019t play well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s not the case these days.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rams are 3-1, and in first place in the NFC West as they prepare to face the 2-2 Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at the Coliseum.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rams offense ranks first in points scored, averaging 35.5 per game, and fifth in yards, averaging 383.3. Quarterback Jared Goff has completed 67% of his passes, seven for touchdowns, with only one interception. And running back Todd Gurley has scored seven touchdowns, rushed for more than 100 yards in consecutive games, and ranks second in the league in total yards from scrimmage with 596.<\/span><\/p>\n

The offensive line is getting credit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t stress enough how important they\u2019ve been to our success so far,\u201d said Goff, who has only been sacked four times this season. \u201cAnd how important they will be to any future success we\u2019ll have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Said Gurley: \u201cThose guys have been doing an incredible job \u2026 Just blocking, pass protecting, just opening up lanes for me \u2026 they\u2019ve been working hard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Last season, the offensive line carried the burden as the team stumbled to a 4-12 finish. Goff was sacked 26 times in seven starts and Gurley was unable to gain 100 yards in a single game.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve definitely grown from last year,\u201d right guard Jamon Brown said.<\/span><\/p>\n

New coaches have sparked improvement, along with addition of new players and a new scheme.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe room and the whole team in general has been more accountable,\u201d left guard Rodger Saffold said. \u201cGuys have really been working the technique diligently and I think, after last year, you just see guys working harder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer has provided a positive impact in meetings, particularly in film breakdown after games. Kromer critiques performances, then emphasizes how players can improve.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s really good about getting us into a greater understanding of defensive schemes, defensive fronts, where guys are going and why,\u201d right tackle Rob Havenstein said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rams signed center John Sullivan, a ninth-year pro, to a free-agent contract with the hope that he would aid in the development of Goff. Quarterbacks and their centers have special relationships, and Sullivan can answer any question he has.<\/span><\/p>\n

And Whitworth, a 35-year-old, 12th-year pro, was brought in to protect Goff\u2019s blindside and provide leadership for a position group \u2014 and a locker room \u2014 that spent last season looking for direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to coaches and teammates, Whitworth has delivered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe plays well himself,\u201d Kromer said, \u201cbut he also helps the other guys just understanding the game plan and understand what they need to get done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Said rookie tight end Gerald Everett: \u201cHe comes in day in and day out and does his job to his fullest capability. I\u2019m just trying to become that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Between plays, Whitworth approaches teammates to provide direction, tips and encouragement. Between series, he works the sideline to keep the offense loose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s given us different things to think about coming out of a series,\u201d Brown said. \u201cGoing into the next one, he\u2019s always got some points as a group.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For Whitworth, it\u2019s not about earning extra credit or praise. He wants to provide young teammates with wisdom he\u2019s gathered through a long career, with hope it will elevate the team.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou see guys that have been in the league for a long time and have taken that opportunity to not only make their game better but to make the people around them better,\u201d Whitworth said. \u201cAnd to help them know things that maybe you wish you had known.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Kromer said the goal of his group was to go unnoticed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf they don\u2019t know we\u2019re out there, then we\u2019re doing well,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

And Whitworth was cautiously optimistic about the 3-1 start.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s cool when the O-line gets the chance to get some notoriety. But the real thing is that NFL football is quick to humble you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Source:-http:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/la-sp-rams-line-whitworth-20171006-story.html<\/span><\/p>\n

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