Rams Offensive Success Depends on Key Replacement

"I thought last year he took some strides, obviously got out there on the grass on Sundays and then as he played this year, he got better and better whether it be on the practice field and again, the experience that he's gained on Sundays. I have zero alarms in terms of him being out there because he's played good football and I know the other 10 guys on the field feel the same way.”

While McClendon could be utilized as a swing tackle and did work out on the left during training camp as Alaric Jackson dealt with health issues, McClendon's focus on the right is something LaFleur believes has contributed to his strides as a player.

“I believe so," stated LaFleur. "It's what those guys do upfront when you have to go from right to left or from outside to inside, that's not easy. So for him to be able to stick on that right side with [Offensive Lineman] Alaric [Jackson] being healthy has been big for him.”

Havenstein's By His Side

While McClendon has continued to be ready to answer the call, the man he's replacing, Rob Havenstein has remained dedicated to helping the team, assisting McClendon and the rest of the offensive line in their weekly preparations.

“Rob’s a stud," continued LaFleur. "He's a dude. He's a dude out there on Sundays. He's as tough as they come. I've always had respect from afar. [Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur] My brother, when he was here, Rob was obviously here. I've always known about Rob and then just behind the scenes how he helps those guys."

"It’s hard to explain in terms of what exactly goes on in those meetings. He's a quiet guy by nature, but he has a lot of information and he's willing to share that information. I know in his own way, he's helped. He's helped Warren sometimes just by his actions. Seen is better than said and if you watch Rob, that's exactly what a right tackle should look like and I know those guys take note.”