Offensive line play making and breaking teams already
By Luke Drage
Offensive line play is hindering some NFL teams, whilst others are excelling because of their excellence. Which teams fit which billing?
The value of coherent, impervious offensive line play is increasingly apparent in the NFL. This unit, more than any other, has the ability to make or break an offense.
The fluidity of both the passing and running games are dependent upon strong line play. The amount of influence this position group has over the effectiveness of both individual players, and the overall team is huge.
The early successes and shortcomings of a variety of teams in 2017 can directly correlate to the level of play of their respective O-Lines. The Raiders, Titans and Ravens have begun strongly.
So it is no surprise that they possess three of the top lines in football.
Conversely, a crowd of teams that are playing poorly are the victims of shaky offensive line play. In particular the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants.
Let’s examine the circumstances owing to two of these teams’ successes and struggles thus far.