Turf Show Times
This weekend’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans in Week 2 features two of the worst pass blocking teams in the NFL.
According to this graphic shared by Ben Baldwin on social media platform X, the Rams earned the lowest pass protection grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and ranked the worst in terms of ESPN’s win rate. Tennessee ranked slightly higher in win rate than PFF grading, though they were in a tier of only the Rams (below 40) in the PFF metric.
It’s worth mentioning that both of these advanced measures do not take into account strength of competition. Both the Rams and Titans drew tough defensive matchups in the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, respectively, for their regular season openers.
Still—with opponent in mind—both teams managed injuries along their offensive lines that helped them reach the bottom of the NFL. The Titans lost RT JC Latham and his status for Week 2 is uncertain. LG Steve Avila left for around 30 snaps for Los Angeles and upon his return RG Kevin Doston went down. Second-year interior offensive lineman Beaux Limmer filled in for both, and each player is considered “week-to-week” according to Sean McVay.
On a positive note, the Rams will play two of the worst pass blocking offensive lines in their first games, as Houston also was towards the bottom of this graphic. Their talented defensive line featuring Jared Verse, Byron Young, and Braden Fiske should have plenty of opportunities to rattle rookie QB Cam Ward in Week 2. Tennessee’s interior defensive line is stout, though they have questions on the outside.
Despite playing under pressure on roughly 40% of his dropbacks in Week 1, Matthew Stafford performed on an “elite” level. His five big-time throws, according to PFF, were more than he posted in any game from the 2024 season.
At this stage of his career—and with the context of his back injury—Stafford is heavily reliant on pass protection. He can pick defenses apart from a clean pocket, but can struggle with decision making and overall effectiveness when the picture gets muddied.
In order for Los Angeles to maintain this level of play from their franchise quarterback and to keep him healthy for 17 games, they must protect him. Stafford himself has struggled to perform consistently across his career. He can be elite one week and then make head scratching throws the next.
He won’t have a chance long-term if his team cannot keep him upright.
