The Los Angeles Rams still have one of the strongest rosters in the NFL heading into the 2022 season, but three losses will impact their chances to repeat.
The Los Angeles Rams put together an incredible season in 2021, emerging victorious at the end of it all and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in franchise history and for the first time in over 20 years.
Repeating in the NFL is nearly impossible these days, but it can be done. The question is — how will the Los Angeles Rams go about doing it?
They’ve reloaded for the 2022 season but some key losses for this team could prevent them from going back-to-back.
Let’s take a look at three of them.
Los Angeles Rams biggest loss no. 3: OT Andrew Whitworth (retired)
The Los Angeles Rams will be “breaking in” a new starting left tackle this season.
Joe Noteboom signed a rather hefty contract (three years, $40 million) given he’s been just a spot starter for the Rams since he was drafted out of TCU a handful of years ago.
The former third-round pick has big shoes to fill as the ageless wonder Andrew Whitworth has officially retired and passed on the mantle of blindside protector.
Whitworth was such a key player for the Rams both on the field, in the locker room, and in the community.
It’s not going to be easy to replace him.
Despite the fact that he was getting older, Whitworth’s ability in pass protection never really waned.
As the Rams have progressed through OTAs, Whitworth has made appearances on the sidelines as a guest but his playing days are behind him.
We’ll see in time whether Noteboom is able to capably fill his shoes on the field, but the Rams are banking $25 million guaranteed on it.