Explaining how Seahawks Germain Ifedi is still starting
By Geoff Shull
Ifedi year 2
During his sophomore campaign under Tom Cable it appeared the wheels not only fell off, but rolled into a ditch, where they were lit on fire and then swallowed by a sinkhole. Ifedi accumulated 16 penalties ranging from false start to unsportsman-like conduct, while allowing an additional 6.5 sacks.
Ifedi was the most penalized offensive lineman in the league that year, and by a wide margin. He had an average of 1 penalty a game, the second highest, C Leno Jr (Chicago) averaged just .81 penalties a game. This was absolutely not the step forward the Seahawks were looking for, however, the glimpses of greatness from his rookie campaign were still in the back of the coaches minds.
Seth notes here that Jack Conklin and Germain Ifedi had identical Pass Block Wins Rates in 2018 (both above average).
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) May 1, 2019
For what it's worth, Ifedi also had a higher PFF pass block grade than Conklin (70.2 to 69.2) https://t.co/4GaMqUK0T2
During the 2017-18 off-season the Seahawks parted ways with the much-maligned offensive line coach Tom Cable. The team then brought on Mike Solari hoping to bring out the most in their young lineman and hopefully get the protection Russell Wilson needed.
Solari brought with him years of experience and a vastly different offensive line style. Instead of focusing on athleticism, he wanted his lineman to be massive immoveable objects. Ifedi again, fits the mold standing at 6’6” 325 pounds.