2012 NFL Season Predictions – Top 5 Offensive Lines in the NFL: With more and more teams moving to pass-first offenses, protecting quarterbacks has never been more important. Defensive ends and outside linebackers are getting bigger and faster, and most of them now specialize in getting to and hammering opposing QBs. Not surprisingly, teams have made keeping their QBs upright and in one piece a top priority. Left tackles have always been well paid, but lately, interior linemen having been getting record contracts, as well. A strong offensive line not only keeps the most important player on the offense healthy, but it can also cover up a lot of other flaws. Mediocre running backs and receivers can look pretty good when given big holes to run through and a few extra seconds to get open. With that in mind, here is a look at the top offensive lines in the NFL for the upcoming 2012 season.
2012 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Offensive Lines
1. New Orleans Saints
As Drew Brees was busy breaking the single-season record for passing yards and leading the NFL in touchdowns, he was only sacked 24 times. Only two full-time QBs were sacked fewer times, and Brees had nearly 100 more pass attempts. Throw in the fact that the Saints also ranked sixth in the league in rushing last year and averaged 4.9 yards per carry, and there is no doubt that this offensive line is one of the best in the business. The guard tandem of Ben Grubbs and Jahri Evans anchor the unit and form arguably the best interior tandem in the game.
2. Atlanta Falcons
While the Falcons transitioned form a power running team to more of a passing team, the offensive line continued to provide plenty of muscle. Quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked just 26 times last year, which was the fourth-smallest total of any full-time starter. Not to mention that running back Michael Turner was able to finish third in the NFL in rushing, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Atlanta’s offensive line was the backbone of a balanced offensive attack, and with stud left tackle Sam Baker finally 100 percent, this year’s unit could be even better.
3. Carolina Panthers
Don’t read too much into Cam Newton being sacked 35 times last year. The total is actually remarkably low for an offensive line blocking for a rookie quarterback, especially a QB that likes to run. Not to mention that Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Tony Romo are just a few of the QBs that were sacked more than Newton, and pass blocking isn’t even the strength of this unit. Last year, Carolina had the third-best rushing attack, leading the NFL with 26 rushing touchdowns and averaging an NFL-best 5.4 yards per carry. Left tackle Jordan Gross is one of the steadiest players at the position, and Ryan Kalil is a beast at center.
4. New England Patriots
Without a proven running back on their roster, the Patriots were forced to throw early and often last year. Quarterback Tom Brady was one of just three players to attempt more than 600 passes, but he was one of the 10 hardest full-time QBs to sack, going down just 32 times. This group certainly passes the eye test, and anyone that has seen a Patriots’ game has seen Brady dissecting defenses from a comfortable pocket. Not to mention that the New England offensive line could muscle up in the red zone when needed. The Patriots actually finished tied for third in the NFL last season with 18 rushing touchdowns. The group is rock solid across the board, and Nate Solder and Logano Mankins anchor a stout left side of the line designed to protect Brady’s blindside.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
What do Drew Brees and Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton have in common? They were both sacked just 24 times last year, tying for the third-lowest total in the NFL. The fact that the Bengals’ offensive line was able to protect a rookie that had almost no training camp because of the lockout was impressive. The fact that this group was also able to help an aging and unmotivated Cedric Benson top 1,000 rushing yards wasn’t too shabby either. Tackles Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith have quietly developed into a powerful duo, and rookie guard Kevin Zeitler should help the interior of the line. This year’s unit would have been even better had offseason acquisition Travelle Wharton not been lost for the year with a knee injury.
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