Last offseason, the Los Angeles Rams went with youth over experience on the offensive line. They let Rodger Saffold leave in free agency – reportedly without even making him an offer – and declined John Sullivan’s option for 2019, making him a free agent.

They replaced those two starters at left guard and center with Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen, who both struggled before landing on injured reserve. The offensive line took a significant step back after being named the best in the NFL in 2018, and a lot of that had to do with the departures of Saffold and Sullivan.

Andrew Whitworth was one of three holdovers from 2018 and admitted the Rams’ struggles boiled down to the changes made up front.

“I think it really is, because there’s also the expectation that a young player – yeah, they can come in and try to be effective in the game, but they’re never going to be as effective as somebody like a Rodger Saffold, who’s an elite interior player in the league.” Whitworth told Colin Cowherd when asked if the team’s struggles came down to Saffold and Sullivan being gone. “There’s still a massive difference in that. And a John Sullivan, who played center in this league for a long time, been a part of the Minnesota Vikings when Adrian Peterson and those guys were leading the league in rushing. He’s been a part of great rushing football teams and he comes and Rodger comes and we’re all together.

“Those were really good football players and it’s not fair for these young guys to even have the expectation that they’re going to play like that – yet. In their career, sure. But those guys were as good as they get inside. And so you watch what Rodger’s done in the playoffs. I routinely text Taylor Lewan and tell him how mad I am at him. But it’s great, I’m happy for him and he’s shown what a great football player he is.”

There was an element that was out of the Rams’ control with Saffold, since he was a free agent and able to sign wherever he wanted. He chose the Titans, who gave him $44 million for four years. The Rams were thin on cap space and decided to re-sign Dante Fowler Jr., so it’s hard to blame them for letting Saffold go – unless they really didn’t make him an offer at all.

With Sullivan, they could’ve brought him back for another year, but they thought he was past his prime and decided to move on. No team picked him up, which is an indication that the rest of the NFL didn’t see him as a quality starter, either.

But relying on two first-year starters at guard and center was a risky move for the Rams, and it backfired. It was possible that Noteboom and Allen would come in and be capable players, but there was a greater chance that they’d struggle with their transition to the starting lineup.