Five weeks into the NFL season and things are starting to take shape. And one area where increased time leads to evaluations less prone to weekly fluctuations is on the offensive line. So right now seems like a good time to unload some offensive line rankings, right?
As ever, weve looked at the combined scores for the offensive lines, while also given you an idea where they rank as pass blockers, run blockers and in terms of penalties (of the discipline variety). And, as ever, we look forward to your comments via our @PFF twitter handle.
*Last years rankings in parenthesis
32. Buffalo Bills (22nd)
PB: 31st, RB: 31st, PEN: 6th
27. New England Patriots (14th)
PB: 32nd, RB: 13th, PEN: 20th
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (31st)
PB: 13th, RB: 28th, PEN: 20th
22. Tennessee Titans (17th)
PB: 18th, RB: 17th, PEN: 31st
20. Houston Texans (16th)
PB: 25th, RB: 12th, PEN: 24th
Stud: Last year I wrote that one of the first things Bill OBrien should do is find a new right tackle. He didnt and now I am eating my words because Derek Newton has really turned it around. It remains to be seen whether he can keep it up but his run blocking is eye-catching.
Dud: It feels odd saying it given his development into a top tackle in this league, but Duane Brown has been underwhelming this year. No sacks but too much pressure (14 quarterback disruptions) and five penalties highlight him not hitting his top form.
Summary: Theyve done a decent job with their run blocking but are allowing too much pressure from spots you really wouldnt expect it. Stars Chris Myers and Brown are notch below what we saw from them last year, and if this ranking is to improve, they must.
9. Indianapolis Colts (25th)
PB: 3rd, RB: 16th, PEN: 27th
6. Dallas Cowboys (4th)
PB: 9th, RB: 10th, PEN: 12th
1. Cleveland Browns (12th)
PB: 1st, RB: 3rd, PEN: 4th
Stud: How about going for a rookie? Joel Bitonio has been everything advertised and a little bit more. Its not just that he doesnt look lost on the field, hes added some punch to the teams running game. A great start to life in the NFL.
Dud: All of the starters are grading in the green. There is no dud. Not yet.
Summary: Its rare the stars align like this. Youve got five players who have played every snap and look like a line in sync. Theyre opening up holes for their backs and giving their quarterback time to make plays. A real testament that the guys you associate with making up the numbers are playing just as well as the guys on the big money.
