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February 3, 2018 at 1:17 pm #80683
znModeratorEagles, Rams, Saints among O-line of the Year nominees
Shaun O’Hara
NFL.com AnalystAfter examining the offensive line performances of all 32 NFL teams from the regular season, NFL Network analyst and former Pro Bowl center Shaun O’Hara has selected his five nominees for the Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year. The winner will be revealed during NFL Honors on Feb. 3 in Minneapolis, which will air on NBC at 9 p.m. ET and PT.
The top five nominees, in alphabetical order, are …
Los Angeles Rams
Who knew one of the league’s biggest free-agent pickups would have been Andrew Whitworth? Solidifying the pocket and giving second-year quarterback Jared Goff the confidence to stand and deliver resulted in the Rams fielding a very dangerous and explosive offense that ranked first in the league in scoring (29.9 points per game), thanks to a lot of big play-action passes. This offensive line, which gave up just 19 sacks on the season (per Pro Football Focus), was much more physical, and running back Todd Gurley was more explosive as a result. The unit eliminated the negative runs from a year ago and finished with 17 rushing TDs in 2017. Equal credit should be dished to the O-line and Gurley, who led the team in rushing yards (1,305) and receptions (64) and became a legitimate candidate for MVP behind a much improved and consistent O-line.
Whitworth provided good protection and consistency at left tackle to go along with his athletic ability and blocking in space — he allowed just six sacks and four hits in nearly 1,000 snaps (including playoffs), per PFF. Whitworth also brought out the best in left guard Rodger Saffold; those two really anchored the O-line play this year. Saffold had one of his best seasons and especially stood out in the run game (not just on defensive linemen, but he was great at getting after linebackers and safeties, as well). He was the fourth-best run-blocker among all guards, per PFF, and only allowed one sack and four QB hits. Center John Sullivan had a solid season and allowed just one sack on the season (including playoffs), while right guard Jamon Brown and right tackle Rob Havenstein quietly had good campaigns. Remarkably, the Rams averaged 6.5 yards per rush between Saffold and Sullivan — and yet, the only Rams lineman named to the Pro Bowl this season was Whitworth.
New Orleans Saints
Like death and taxes, it was a certainty that Drew Brees would throw for at least 4,000 yards in 2017. But the Saints’ offense was much more balanced this year than in previous years, thanks to a physical and explosive rushing attack. The offensive line did a great job protecting Brees and took over games at the line of scrimmage. That ability was on display on the road against Buffalo in Week 10, when the unit helped the Saints’ running backs — led by rookie Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram — rush for nearly 300 yards. The Saints’ offense was nearly unstoppable for the remainder of the season after that dominating performance, which won them the Offensive Line of the Week award.
Looking at the duo, Karama and Ingram averaged 5 yards per carry when facing eight or more defenders in the box, per Pro Football Focus. That’s a huge credit to the O-line, tight ends, receivers and running backs. The Saints rushed for more than 2,000 yards this season and led the league with 23 rushing TDs. The explosiveness of this pair was second to none.
One of the most remarkable parts of the offensive line’s performance was its pass protection. Brees was under pressure on 22.6 percent of his dropbacks this season, the lowest percentage of any QB, according to PFF. The unit did this with a rookie right tackle in Ryan Ramczyk. (Linemen don’t get nominated for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but Ramczyk should be in the conversation, at the very least.) Tackle is one of the toughest positions to transition to as a rookie, because the speed and skill of the rushers is unlike anything you experience at the collegiate level, but Ramczyk only allowed three sacks all season and never hit the rookie plateau. In his final eight games, including playoffs, Ramczyk didn’t give up a sack and allowed just one QB hit. Lastly, he played every single offensive snap. Quite an impact for the first-year right tackle, who was PFF’s fourth-best tackle in the league.
Moving down the line, Andrus Peat was Mr. Versatility for the Saints, as he constantly shifted between left guard and tackle. While he allowed four sacks and six QB hits this season, he became a run-blocking force; he and center Max Unger have become very physical with their combo blocks (just ask Buffalo). Peat, unfortunately, suffered a broken fibula in the playoffs, but his performance up to that point bodes well for the Saints when he returns. Unger was steady as usual and does a great job making sure his fellow linemen know what’s going on at the line of scrimmage. Right guard Larry Warford was a good free-agent pickup and excelled in pass protection all season, giving up just two sacks and six QB hits. Left tackle Terron Armstead fought old and new injuries throughout the 2017 season, making 10 regular-season starts and allowing four sacks and four QB hits. That’s a solid season, considering he wasn’t at full health. Rounding out the group was sixth man Senio Kelemete. He played several different positions throughout the season and provided extra beef when needed, filling in for Peat in the Divisional Round loss to the Vikings. In 18 games and nine starts (including the playoffs), he only allowed one sack.
Philadelphia Eagles
What an unbelievable year for the Eagles’ offensive line. Despite losing quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 14 and tackle Jason Peters in Week 7 to season-ending knee injuries, Philadelphia finished third in scoring, third in rushing, fifth in plays of at least 20 yards and first in red-zone offense. In Year 2 of the Wentz and Doug Pederson era, the Eagles exploded on offense, thanks to a vertical passing game and the emergence of tight end Zach Ertz as a legitimate pass catcher. Camouflaged in the pass plays was the exotic and efficient run game. LeGarrette Blount got some added reinforcement when Jay Ajayi joined the team via trade in October, giving the Eagles a stellar one-two punch that has allowed them to close out games.
In another Pro Bowl-caliber season, Peters only allowed one sack and no QB hits in 423 snaps before he was injured. Peters’ replacement, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, struggled early on but has really played well since Week 16, having not allowed a single sack over his last four games (including playoffs). With Peters out, the strength of the O-line came from center Jason Kelce, right guard Brandon Brooks and right tackle Lane Johnson. Brooks became the fourth guard in the last 10 years to not allow a single sack in a season. Kelce’s had one of his best seasons and is PFF’s highest-graded run-blocker of any lineman in the league. He hardly missed a snap all season and is great in getting to the second level, as well as in screens and blocking in space. Johnson is extremely athletic and certainly one of the best pass blockers in the NFL. PFF labeled him as the fifth-best pass-blocking tackle this season after he allowed just three sacks and four QB hits in the regular season. Finally, Stefen Wisniewski really solidified the O-line after being inserted as the full-time starter at left guard in Week 3. One of their more consistent players, Wisniewski was fantastic on screens and out in space vs. linebackers; he only gave up one sack all season and committed one penalty.
This is the most versatile and athletic group, as the unit runs so many different schemes and attacks defensive lines in several ways. The Eagles are able to be exotic in the run game because of great combo blocking, athleticism and chemistry.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh started slowly but got on track, finishing with the third-ranked offense at season’s end, thanks in part to what was one of the best offensive lines in the second half of the year. This unit was so physical up front and showed a lot of depth when dealing with some adversity.
The Steelers ranked 20th in rushing offense, which was somewhat perplexing, considering they have one of the best backs in the biz (Le’Veon Bell). The offense shifted into a pass-first approach — reflected in the Steelers’ total of 12 rushing TDs — and the O-line played well alongside the trend. The line allowed just 14 sacks in the regular season, and Ben Roethlisberger was under pressure on just 27.5 percent of his dropbacks.
Right guard David DeCastro was PFF’s second highest-graded guard overall in the regular season after not allowing a sack this year; he has become one of the best pulling guards in the NFL. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert was in and out of the lineup but played well, giving up one sack and a QB hit in eight games (including playoffs). Maurkice Pouncey provided some good knowledge and is a difference-maker when healthy. The six-time Pro Bowler allowed just one sack, while left guard Ramon Foster gave up two sacks, five hits and did not commit a penalty in 2017. The Steelers gave left tackle Alejandro Villanueva a new contract in July, and after relinquishing five sacks in the first six games, he settled in and only gave up two sacks in the final 11 contests (playoffs included). Chris Hubbard played all over the place and held his own, and B.J. Finney was stellar, as he didn’t give up a single sack or QB hit in 235 snaps.
Offensive line coach Mike Munchak deserves a ton of credit for what this group did this year. The Steelers’ technique is consistent and a big factor in how the unit has become one of the better combo-blocking O-lines in the league.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have had one of the best pass-blocking O-lines in the past two seasons, but statistically this year, they were very average offensively, ranking 23rd overall, 23rd in passing yards and 15th in rushing yards. I was surprised they didn’t run the ball more this year, given that they have a two-headed monster at running back (DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry). It didn’t seem to bother the offensive line, though, as the Titans only gave up 14 sacks and a total of 126 pressures when throwing the ball. The unit was the best at passing off stunts this season, allowing some of the lowest pressure percentages against stunts and twists.
Jack Conklin struggled in the first half of the season, but he returned to his rookie form in the final eight games and allowed no sacks and one QB hit in that span before suffering a torn ACL in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. One of the most athletic tackles in the league, left tackle Taylor Lewan gave up six sacks and six QB hits. He did reduce his penalty count but allowed more sacks this year as a result. Quietly, guards Josh Kline and Quinton Spain became the strength of this unit as they gave up a combined six sacks and were great in the run game. Lastly, center Ben Jones had one of his better seasons, allowing three sacks and two hits.
February 14, 2018 at 9:04 pm #82786znModeratorRams Positional Outlook: Offensive Line
Kristen Lago
The 2017 Rams won their first NFC West title since 2003 with an 11-5 regular-season record. As Los Angeles’ focus shifts to 2018 and beyond, we’ll take a position-by-position look at how the Rams performed in 2017 and how each group currently stands at the start of the 2018 offseason.
OFFENSIVE LINE
G | Jamon Brown
— 16 games played, 16 game started.
G | Rodger Saffold
— 15 games played, 15 games started.
C | John Sullivan
— 15 games played, 15 games started.
T | Andrew Whitworth *^
— 15 games played, 15 games started.
T | Rob Havenstein
— 15 games played, 15 games started.
C | Austin Blythe
— 16 games played, one game started.
T | Darrell Williams
— 16 games played, one game started.
T | Cornelius Lucas
— One game played, one game started.
C/G | Aaron Neary
— One game played, one game started.
OL | Jake Eldrenkamp
— Eldrenkamp signed a futures contract with the Rams.
ANY FREE AGENTS?
Sullivan and Lucas will be unrestricted free agents, while Williams will be a restricted free agent at the start of the new league year in March.
LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD
The Rams underwent a major overhaul of their offensive line during the offseason — adding veteran linemen Whitworth and Sullivan. The two have a combined 23 NFL seasons between them and helped elevate the play of Saffold, Havenstein, and Brown throughout 2017.
While the Los Angeles’ offense as a whole surged under head coach Sean McVay — finishing the regular season No. 1 in scoring — the front five were key to the Rams’ success. All five lineman started the first 15 games, bringing much-needed consistency to the offense.
After giving up 49 sacks in 2016, the Rams gave up just 28 sacks on the season, according to Pro Football Focus. Quarterback Jared Goff was given much more protection up front, allowing him to throw for 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns. Last year the Cal product was sacked 26 times in seven games, but was sacked just 25 times in 15 games in 2017.
Plus, the unit was able to limit negative runs to finish the year with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Per PFF, Whitworth and Saffold allowed just seven sacks and eight quarterback hits. But Sullivan had a solid
campaign as well, allowing just one sack on the season. The right side was equally as impressive as Brown and Havenstein showcased significant year-over-year improvements.
Scheme and execution allowed the Rams to open up run lanes, as the team’s 1.89 average rushing yards before contact ranked No. 2 in the league. And according to PFF, no team was better than Los Angeles at opening holes through the middle, as the club produced 3.02 an average of 3.02 yards per contact.
The starting O-line remained healthy throughout the year so the reserves did not have many opportunities. But because of the Rams practice schedule — which allows for several veteran rest days throughout the week — Blythe and Williams received extended time practicing alongside the starters. That preparation paid off several times when they were asked to step up into game action, especially in Week 17 when Brown was the only starter to take the field.
February 14, 2018 at 11:34 pm #82788znModeratorBut because of the Rams practice schedule — which allows for several veteran rest days throughout the week — Blythe and Williams received extended time practicing alongside the starters. That preparation paid off several times when they were asked to step up into game action, especially in Week 17 when Brown was the only starter to take the field.
Hunh? That “start the bench” OL was awful in week 17.
February 16, 2018 at 11:27 am #82800znModeratorfrom Saints, Bills, Rams among NFL’s 10 best offensive line units
…
RANK: 3
RAMSPressures allowed: 166 (eighth). Average YGBC: 0.65 (third).
Score: 11.
It’s a familiar refrain league-wide, but the offensive line didn’t get quite enough credit for the Los Angeles Rams’ turnaround. Sean McVay’s influence, Todd Gurley’s revival and Jared Goff’s progression were storylines throughout the 2017 season, but we didn’t hear about how the Rams’ offensive line turned into a strength. Back in 2016, the constantly stuffed Gurley averaged -0.1 yards before a defender closed within a yard of him, well below the 0.29 league average. The 2017 version of the Rams’ run blocking afforded backs 0.65 average yards before close, ranking third in the league. Los Angeles was also a top-flight pass-blocking line, as well. The addition of veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth paid dividends across the entire front line, stabilizing not only the blindside (where he operated) but making life easier for the players already in place.
February 16, 2018 at 1:09 pm #82803
wvParticipantI’ll just keep saying it — If i were Mc-Snead, the OLine would be ‘my’ top priority in the offseason.
Sure, there’s lots of other important factors, and holes, as we all know, but i cant think of anything that would lead to a quicker Doom, than injuries on the Oline.
No way, the cruise through another year with perfect-Oline-Health.
I think its reasonable to think Goff will improve in many subtle ways in year two of McV’s system. The Receivers and TE’s should improve. The Timing, etc. The Offense has a good chance to move up a level. But it all depends on that OLine and especially Center and Left Tackle.
w
vFebruary 16, 2018 at 2:06 pm #82807
snowmanParticipantYes, the OL is very important and it seems like a team never has enough talent.
I hope we can re-sign Sullivan for at least one more year. I like Blythe but I don’t know if he is ready to be a starter. I do see him as inheriting the job at some point, but I don’t want it to be this coming season. Together they were solid.
Different with LT. Whitworth is signed for another year but I don’t see his replacement on the roster now. The Rams have been terrible at draft LOTs, I hope that changes in this next draft.
February 16, 2018 at 2:30 pm #82808znModeratorYes, the OL is very important and it seems like a team never has enough talent.
I hope we can re-sign Sullivan for at least one more year. I like Blythe but I don’t know if he is ready to be a starter. I do see him as inheriting the job at some point, but I don’t want it to be this coming season. Together they were solid.
Different with LT. Whitworth is signed for another year but I don’t see his replacement on the roster now. The Rams have been terrible at draft LOTs, I hope that changes in this next draft.
I agree with virtually all that, except about Blythe. Blythe played well as a replacement, but, I don’t think he’s a starter. Write-ups on him always stressed his physical limitations. So he’s a smart and tenacious, hard working try hard type, but probably not a starter.
February 19, 2018 at 2:16 am #82883znModeratorLos Angeles Rams offseason analysis: Offensive linemen
RICH HAMMOND
link: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/18/los-angeles-rams-offseason-analysis-offensive-linemen/
Some magic took place along the Rams’ offensive line in 2017. Sean McVay was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year, but line coach Aaron Kromer might have been the true wizard.
The Rams’ line, which struggled equally in run and pass blocking in 2016, was strong and consistent and, as a unit, perhaps was the most valuable of any on the team. Only a couple tweaks were made during the offseason, but a combination of skill and good luck helped the Rams.
Thanks to the line, running back Todd Gurley was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year and quarterback Jared Goff enjoyed a bounce-back sophomore season.
There are some issues for the Rams to address this season, mostly related to age. As part of an ongoing series, here’s an in-depth glance at the Rams’ situation on the offensive line.
GRADING 2017
At the start of the season, this looked as though it could have been a disaster. The Rams imported Whitworth, at age 35, and Sullivan, who had a recent history of injuries. McVay insisted that Kromer, a veteran coach, thought he would be able to improve the group without more substantial changes.
That turned out to be an understatement. Whitworth proved to be a rock in a Pro Bowl-selection season, and was the biggest key to Goff’s improvement. Sullivan stayed healthy and not only excelled in run blocking but brought intelligence to an important position.
What few people saw coming was the improvement of Saffold, a veteran who, because of injuries and uncertainty during the previous coaching regime, had been moved all over the offensive line. Saffold found a home at left guard, did a phenomenal job and should have been a Pro Bowler.
Things looked dicey on the right side of the line in training camp, when Brown and Havenstein flipped positions. That didn’t seem to be a great statement of confidence by McVay and Kromer, but both linemen performed well. GRADE: A
ANALYZING 2018
Things couldn’t have gone much better for the Rams in 2017, but that’s kind of the rub. The entire season was a best-case scenario, with a group of veterans that sustained zero significant injuries.
Can the Rams really count on that again in 2018? Whitworth is 36 and, by the start of the season, Saffold will have turned 30. The Rams must make a decision whether to re-sign Sullivan, who turns 33 in August.
The Rams would be wise to add to their depth and start to plan for the future. Blythe played well in a backup role in 2017 and could be a long-term option at center or guard, but the Rams need to identify and develop Whitworth’s eventual replacement. It probably won’t be Williams, who has been a capable backup but wouldn’t seem to be left-tackle material in the NFL.
It might seem counterintuitive for the Rams to draft linemen, when that position performed so well in 2017 and when there are other, more immediate areas of need, but the Rams have to keep one eye on the future and also be mindful of the injuries they avoided last season.
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