For most NFL coaches and players, organized team activities (OTAs) are crucial in building chemistry and familiarity. But OTAs are in question for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Los Angeles Rams veteran offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth thinks that is a “blessing in disguise,” at least personally.
Whitworth said the opportunity to work out and take care of his body on his own time might actually be more beneficial (at his age) than having to share facilities with teammates and go through the motions, so to speak (via Cameron DaSilva of USA TODAY):
“It couldn’t be a bigger blessing in disguise for me. The opportunity to really just – because you know, you really look at it at my age, it’s specific training, things I know I need to do to get ready,” Whitworth said on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. “A team workout is great but there’s probably things that you have to do to take care of all 50, 60, 70 guys in the weight room that maybe are not the best thing for me at my age that I need taken care of. It gives me the opportunity during this time to honestly just focus on the things I need to be doing and to take care of myself and get ready. And yeah, a little break from OTAs, I’m never complaining anytime I get to take my feet off the practice field a little bit.”
While OTAs are not mandatory, Whitworth–as a captain–almost certainly would be in attendance if it turns out OTAs resume. But if OTAs are canceled, he will not face such a decision of whether or not to show up.
Whitworth will be 39 in December, so it only seems right he values the additional time to get his body right before the season.
The Rams inked the two-time First-Team All-Pro to a three-year deal this offseason, and they will place their faith in Whitworth maintaining good health and form at left tackle.
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