Offensive linemen are the perpetual unsung heroes of the National Football League.
Without a solid group of big men up front, no team can make a deep run into the playoffs.
But can they make it there with a below-average group? The Seattle Seahawks have.
The Denver Broncos have a much better until up fron than the Seahawks, but let’s dig into whether it gives them a decisive advantage over Seattle on Sunday.
Denver’s Line
It would have been impossible for Peyton Manning to have broken all the records he did this season were it not for Denver’s strong offensive line.
Anchored by seventh-year center Manny Ramirez and newcomer Louis Vasquez at right guard, who spent last season with the San Diego Chargers, the Broncos obviously helped Manning achieve the success he had this season.
The Broncos allowed the fewest number of sacks in the NFL (20), and Manning has already been at risk for taking big hits all season, which is obviously a concern given Manning’s previous neck injury and his current age.
The line has also contributed to the rebirth of running back Knowshon Moreno, who rushed for a career-high 1,038 yards in the regular season on 4.3 yards per carry.
When including Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman (only at the beginning of the season), Denver backs averaged 4.38 yards per carry, which is tied for seventh best in the league.
Denver really puts an emphasis on running behind Ramirez, Vasquez and Zane Beadles, running the ball between the guards 57 percent of the time, compared to 27 percent of runs going off-tackle.
Despite an early slew of injuries, including veteran Ryan Clady and center Dan Koppen, allowing backups like Ramirez to shine.
This is an athletic line that was strong all season, but they’ll be facing a tough defensive line in Seattle—a task that they’ll be more than willing to take on.
Seattle’s Line
Russell Wilson’s mobility has really saved this unit from getting the blame that its really deserved.
The Seahawks allowed 44 sacks this season, a number that could have been higher if Wilson wasn’t able to escape trouble at times and get out of the pocket.
Marshawn Lynch’s ability to break tackles has also saved this line from its weaknesses truly showing, but 19 percent of Seattle’s rushing attempts were still stuffed at the line of scrimmage.
Thankfully, Seattle got Max Unger back after losing him shortly due to injury, but left guard has been an issue for the Seahawks, with Paul McQuistan playing for a good chunk of the season and being essentially below-average the entire time.
More rushing attempts for the Seahawks have lost yards when going to the left than when running up the gut or to the right, with 23 negative rushing attempts on the left side, according to NFL Stats.
Even in the playoffs, Seattle’s offensive line has still struggled, giving up seven sacks and allowing Wilson to take 14 hits in just two games.
Conclusion
It’s pretty clear that the Broncos have a decisive advantage when comparing offensive lines.
They block better than the Seahawks for the pass and the run, and they have just performed as one of the best units all season.
Seattle’s front seven pose a serious challenge, but the Broncos O-Line will be ready.
- All stats were from Football Outsiders unless otherwise noted