The Rams acquisition of Andrew Whitworth is one of those rare NFL transactions where it might be working out even better than people predicted, even considering that the off-season signing of the former Bengal was universally lauded.

The 35-year-old is still playing at the highest level, and according to Pro Football Focus, has been the NFL’s most efficient tackle in terms of blocking for the pass. His insane performance in Weeks 1, 3 and 4, during which he allowed zero quarterback pressures, helped to earn him a pass block efficiency rating of 99.2 on the season thus far, per PFF’s analytics.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had two of the only six offensive tackles to not allow a sack, hit or hurry in Week 4https://t.co/yR1D5WOF7X pic.twitter.com/OC7qbg6juK — Pro Football Focus (@PFF) October 5, 2017

Here’s what Brett Whitefield wrote about Whitworth’s play through the first four weeks of the season:

Via PFF.com:

PFF Grade: 83.6 PFF Pass Block Efficiency: 99.2 Whitworth was the position leader in pass blocking efficiency a year ago and continues his claim as the league’s top pass protector despite changing teams this offseason. Whitworth has been near perfect yet again this season with his lone pressure allowed being a sack in Week 2 against the Redskins.

With that kind of protection, and the arsenal of weapons that Sean McVay stockpiled for him, it’s no wonder that Jared Goff is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now. Plus the head coach believes that the impact of Whitworth’s professionalism hasn’t just been felt on the field, but in the locker room as well.

Via TheRams.com:

“I think he’s made a huge influence and impact on our team, not only on our offense, but on our team,” McVay said of the team captain. “He’s a pro’s pro. We’ve said it over and over. But he’s just got a nice way about the way that he goes about his business. He knows what it looks like to do it the right way and guys respond to that.”

It’s crazy to think that this is the same team that just a year ago, began deteriorating in part due to one of worst offensive lines in all of football. To say that Whitworth’s presence on the line has been a literal game changer for the Rams offense is no exaggeration, and he’ll continue to be one of the most important players on the team for that reason.