Now’s the time of the season where offensive lines really start to grind out victories for teams. The cream of crop will start to rise up, and we saw that happen multiple times this past weekend.
Trench Talk: Here’s why the Lions keep getting better
Retired NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz takes a closer look at this week’s best offensive lines and the most disrespectful blocks.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The top six offensive lines aren’t going to change much, and I purposely haven’t ranked them from one to six. However, I’m dropping the Eagles down to the bottom of the group. They can still be an elite offensive line and play like one at times. However, their rushing game, without Jay Ajayi (injured), is starting to suffer. They are 15th in adjusted rushing yards according to Football Outsiders.
Last week they blew a 17-point lead to the Panthers in part because they refused to run the ball in the fourth quarter because the Panthers’ run defense was allowing only 2.4 yards a carry. While I love the Eagles personnel, at times, they haven’t played like they did in 2017. Now they’re headed to London to face the Jaguars’ defensive line. We will see if they bounce back.
The New Orleans Saints were down 17-7 against the stout Ravens defense and managed to score 17 fourth-quarter points on the road! Their offense did a marvelous job and it was led by the offensive line. Their offensive line ground out 3.7 yards a carry for their backs while only allowing a single sack on Brees. Remember, the Ravens had 11 sacks the previous week against the Titans. More than anything, when the Saints needed a yard, they got it. They were successful on four of their five fourth down runs, with the one stuff being on an option play which is kind of out of our hands upfront. The Saints offensive line can’t rest after they beat the Ravens, as they head into Minnesota looking for revenge after last season’s tough loss against the Vikings in the divisional round.
One offensive line that’s starting to creep up in the rankings is the Lions. Lions running back Kerryon Johnson is averaging 6.4 yards a carry and needs to be getting more of the work load. The addition of Arkansas rookie Frank Ragnow has been a major positive for this unit. He’s starting to improve weekly. The Lions are ninth in adjusted sack rate and most of all, they keep improving.
Lastly, the Chiefs need a shout out. They have one of the most high powered offenses in the NFL, and that’s due in large part because they are keeping Patrick Mahomes upright. The Chiefs are third in adjusted sack rate. They have the best right tackle in the NFL, Mitchell Schwartz, anchoring that unit. Don’t @ me about that. LOL.
Here’s my video for this week’s most disrespectful blocks. You can also find it on my Facebook page.
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