The Los Angeles Rams are probably expected to be the class of the NFC West in 2025. The division rival of the Seattle Seahawks has done an excellent job of transitioning from a talented veteran squad to a talented younger team over the last few seasons. The Rams are probably an annual playoff team for the foreseeable future.
But one issue LA is having could greatly affect how the NFC West plays out this year. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who has been the Rams' starting left tackle the last two years, is dealing with blood clot issues again. He did so in 2022 as well, and he missed eight games.
The move the Rams made to replace Jackson, should he have to miss a lot of time in 2025, is underwhelming. Perhaps enough to get the Seahawks to win the division.
Seattle Seahawks rival Los Angeles Rams might be in a bad way at left tackle
Before we go too much further here, we should point out that what Jackson is dealing with can be life-altering. It would be great to see the Seahawks dominate the Rams, but there is no want for something to happen to Jackson as a person. Hopefully, he recovers fully.
But if Jackson missed half the season in 2022, he could miss at least that much in 2025 if the issue does not get resolved. If he doesn't play, the Rams are set to start veteran D.J. Humphries at left tackle, and Humphries seems well past his prime.
Though he played in only two games for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 after spending eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, he allowed 11 quarterback pressures in only 69 snaps. Prior to last year, the left tackle was decent in pass protection, but bad as a run-blocker. He is a huge downgrade from Jackson.
Left tackle is clearly the most important position along an offensive line, tasked with protecting a quarterback's blind side. If Humphries is forced to play, the Rams are going to have issues offensively. The NFC West is expected to be tight as it is, with all four teams having an argument to be the favorite to win the division.
If Jackson can't play, the Seahawks are going to take advantage with their plethora of edge rushers. The Rams have a good defense, but if they struggle offensively, that might be all Seattle needs to take a couple of games from LA and get them one step closer to winning the NFC West.
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