The Los Angeles Rams were dealt a sizable blow this week. Guard Jamon Brown was suspended by the league for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Losing Jamon Brown is a tough pill for the Rams as they don’t have a ton of depth on the offensive line. Brown is entering his third year and started all 17 games last season (including playoffs).
Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer needs to figure out which of his young guards can best fill this two-game void. Right now the next in line is rookie Jake Eldrenkamp. Should Eldrenkamp not be the answer they have fellow rookies Jeremiah Kolone and Jamil Demby at their disposal. In order to make life easier for these two games, Sean McVay might consider running a lot of multiple tight end sets.
The first two games of the season present a tough test for whoever fills Jamon Brown’s shoes. Week one features an Oakland Raiders team with Khalil Mack. Week two is against the rebuilding Cardinals who have a formidable pass rush of their own. Last season Jared Goff struggled against teams that crashed the interior of the line. Brown not being there also makes life a lot harder for Todd Gurley. The margin for error in the NFC is slim to none as the conference is an absolute gauntlet this season.
Despite the gaping hole on the left side of their line, the Rams should be able to weather the storm. Thankfully Jamon Brown will be back in time to protect Goff in week three’s battle for Los Angeles with the Chargers and their thunderous pass rush. Training camp opens in a few weeks and the clock is ticking on Aaron Kromer to find the right person to step up. It’s all up to the rookies as the Rams don’t have any cap space to bring in a veteran.