Ranking the best offensive lines in the Seahawks’ NFC West
By Lee Vowell
Do the Seahawks have the best offensive line in the NFC West? Duane Brown certainly thinks so. Here’s where Seattle ranks.
The Seahawks led the NFL in rushing in 2018. This is what Seattle wanted to do and they did it. Overall, though, the scheme didn’t work out as Seattle was good enough to get to the playoffs but not good enough to win a playoff game. Blame Brian Schottenheimer? No matter, though, the offensive line was better in 2018 than in previous years.
Compared to most other NFC West teams, Seattle’s line is really good. Two other teams have really bad lines and one is really good. Here is my best guess at where Seattle ranks among offensive lines in the NFC West.
Worst in the division – Arizona Cardinals
Good luck, Kyler Murray! Your offensive line is terrible. The Seahawks and Cardinals basically traded offensive guards. Seattle got former-Cardinal Mike Iuapti in free agency and Arizona did the same with J.R. Sweezy. Sweezy was decent, but not irreplaceable, in Seattle’s scheme in 2018 and now he will be asked to do something different. In 2018, Arizona dealt with injuries and gave up the second-most quarterback pressures and sacks and was last in knockdowns. Arizona won’t be much better in 2019 and now they’ll have a different rookie quarterback playing behind them
Third best in the division – San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco isn’t much better than the Cardinals really. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan might make the line look better with his play-calling, though. And San Francisco wants to run the ball a lot, just like Seattle. The players the 49ers have up front might find their strength in run-blocking so at least Mike McGlinchey and company could be solid there.
Second best in the division – Los Angeles Rams
Why am I possibly going with the Rams as having a lesser offensive line than the Seahawks? It’s easy. After starting the same five guys for last two years, Los Angeles is going to have to fit in two new starters. Plus, left tackle Andrew Whitworth is aging at 37 years old. Gone are left guard Rodger Saffold and center John Sullivan. In their stead will step two unproven 2018 draftees.
Next. Early predictions for each Seahawks game. dark
Best in the division – Seattle Seahawks
Duane Brown could be right and Seattle could be the best offensive line in the NFL. Seattle will bringing everybody back except Sweezy. And Iupati, if healthy, could be an upgrade. Brown is a Pro Bowler at left tackle. Justin Britt has been a Pro Bowl alternate at center. Iupati has been to multiple Pro Bowls; He just needs to not get injured. D.J. Fluker is a good fit for Seattle’s scheme. And right tackle Germain Ifedi was better in 2018 under offensive line coach Mike Solari. Seattle might need to improve at pass-protection, but they are guaranteed to run your favorite team over when it comes to run-blocking.