Why the quality of O-line play in the NFL is getting worse

[Wiirdo]

There's nothing more depressing than watching your team with a bad o-line. Ravens 2013

Last season though the line was GOAT. Maybe second behind Dallas. Yanda was the best o-lineman in the league last season

 

[LurkMoar]

Well what do you know. .. Swagboys been making our O - line and D- line elite thru the draft and free agency

 

[Lootpack]

#swagboyz don't got them problems

That O-line made y'all look like Super Bowl contenders

 

[KOohbt]

That O-line made y'all look like Super Bowl contenders

Especially when we destroyed the colts in a blood bath where romo scored 4 on 'em

 

[Lootpack]

Especially when we destroyed the colts in a blood bath where romo scored 4 on 'em

 

[BlackAchilles]

Is it tho? Cause to counter I think todays lineman especially the tackles are way more athletic

 

[Stone]

I thought that the d-line just outpaced the o-line in terms of athletes

 

[dora_da_destroyer]

dudes tired of protecting these golden boy qb's without getting any credit!

 

[Originalman]

There are a list of reasons.

There is an emphasis on speed now on the DL so you have your best athletes playing DL and they are normally faster/more athletic than the OL.

• The emphasis on the pass in which the run has almost been abandoned out side a few teams in the pros. There is no balance in offense. Most OL will tell you they get into better rhythm when they are able to run block and pass block to keep the DL honest.
• Teams aren't leaving folks in the assist on blocking. There was a time when teams would keep a RB, TE, HB or FB in to block. Now with the spread, death of the blocking TE and death of the FB. Teams are using 3 and 4 WR sets and sending RBs out on every pass play.
• Increase use of shotgun...these is an explanation of my other bullet. How can you pass block when the defense knows what you are going to do. In shotgun the defense does not have to play the run honest outside of a draw play.
• Teams arent spending the time to develop OL players and really look at centers and guards (except tackles) as guys you can get from anywhere and just coach them up. The center and guard positions are going the way of the RB in which teams don't invest in them and think they can plug and play guys.

 

[director_of_bands]

so it's not just the panthers having o-line issues

 

[Originalman]

dudes tired of protecting these golden boy qb's without getting any credit!

I which that was true.

 

[Anbesa]

This is true and I think its necessary to offset the boost passing offenses get from recent rule changes. Defensive players already can't breathe on QBs without getting a penalty, and WRs are running around free everywhere. Something had to give otherwise we would be seeing a lot more 400+ yard passing games and bums Cousins, Foles, Cassel, etc would look like stars.

 

[Originalman]

so it's not just the panthers having o-line issues

Sadly every team does not have the same WR issues as the Panthers....

 

[Pesci]

It's hard playing oline, they should make holding and chop blocks legal at least
300lbs dudes coming at you full speed and your supposed to stop them by putting your hands on there chest

- blackierobinson

 

[Originalman]

This is true and I think its necessary to offset the boost passing offenses get from recent rule changes. Defensive players already can't breathe on QBs without getting a penalty, and WRs are running around free everywhere. Something had to give otherwise we would be seeing a lot more 400+ yard passing games and bums Cousins, Foles, Cassel, etc would look like stars.

True I have also noticed as the passing has increased the league has gotten softer on calling holding calls on the OL. Similar to how the NBA has relaxed on calling traveling calls over the years.

The NFL has taken notice that like the NBA it is best to reduce the slow down of plays. Super star calls in the NFL have become more noticeable as well. Where as year ago super star calls in the NFL were unheard of. Superstar calls were for the NBA and MLB (with strike zones).