When the Los Angeles Rams signed Jonah Jackson to a three-year, $51 million contract in free agency this offseason, he was projected to be their starting left guard. By Week 1, though, Jackson had moved to center and by Week 2, he was on injured reserve.
He finally returned from his shoulder injury in Week 10 but after struggling in his first game back, the Rams benched their high-priced lineman in favor of sixth-round rookie Beaux Limmer.
It wasn’t terribly surprising after seeing Jackson’s play in the Week 10 loss to the Dolphins, and with Limmer playing as well as he has, it’s going to be hard for the Rams to turn back to Jackson.
According to The 33rd Team, Limmer allowed a pressure rate of only 3.7% on Sunday against the Patriots, the seventh-best of any rookie lineman.
Lowest pressure rates allowed by rookie offensive linemen in Week 11 (min. 10 pass block snaps, pre-MNF):
1. Zach Frazier, PIT: 0% (41 pass snaps, 0 pressures)
2. Taliese Fuaga, NO: 0% (30/0)
3. Joe Alt, LAC: 2.3% (43/1)
4. Roger Rosengarten, BAL: 2.8% (36/1)
4. Dominick Puni,… https://t.co/Miw5GIchNG pic.twitter.com/sBELQPAIf1— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 18, 2024
This isn’t the first time Limmer has played really well at center, either. Pro Football Focus has only pegged him with 11 pressures allowed all season, including just three in his last five games.
Jackson, meanwhile, has allowed seven pressures in only two and a half games and a third of the snaps that Limmer has played.
Despite Jackson’s bloated contract and all the excitement surrounding that signing in March, the Rams may not have a choice but to stick with Limmer as their starting center. Sean McVay has always preached that the Rams are looking for their five best starters on the offensive line and if it’s a true meritocracy, it’ll be Limmer playing until further notice.
He’s clearly outplayed Jackson and is earning the trust of his coaches and players each week.
