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By Kristen Lago
September 26, 2017
Even without its starting center, the Rams offense was able to keep its rhythm going in the second half, running and passing the ball effectively, thanks in large part to backup center Austin Blythe. Blythe —who took Sullivan’s place on Thursday — was able to almost seamlessly fill the void left on the line and is ready to take the field again on Sunday if needed.
“I’m feeling good,” Blythe said about this week. “Everybody in here is a professional, and everybody has to be ready to go. I think I was on Thursday and throughout this week, if that’s the case where I’m having to start a game, I’ll be equally as ready and I look forward to it.”
Blythe played 36 snaps and did an effective job of keeping the pocket clean. He earned the game ball for his efforts and was met with high praise from both McVay and quarterback Jared Goff.
“Austin Blythe did excellent. He did a great job,” McVay said. “I think there were a couple things that we can always clean up, but, in terms of taking command, controlling some of the calls that are required up front because we do put a lot on our center, I’m very pleased with Austin.”
This week, with Sullivan’s status still unknown, the backup center said he is ready to improve his performance in practice and will be prepared should his number be called.
“Anytime you play football there are always going to be things you can correct and there certainly were on Thursday. But overall I feel good about the job that I did going in and helping the team get a W,” he said. “And at the end of the day, that’s what it was, it was a win.”
“We’re all professionals in this locker room,” he added. “It was my job to be ready when I went in there and it just comes down to being a professional and doing your job.”
