As stated many times before, the San Diego Chargers offensive line needs to step up from last season. The Bolts were 8-4 with four games left and virtually gave away their playoff spot due to a spotty and unfortunate offensive line. Opposite the defensive line, the Chargers offensive line was one of the team’s worst position areas.
In 2014, Rivers has been sacked 37 times on the season (ranked 16th in the league). That may not seem that bad of a stat when compared with other teams. However, when looking closer, one can see how bad the Chargers offensive line truly was last season.
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In the entire 2014 campaign, the Bolts allowed Philip Rivers to get knocked down an average of 4.875 times per game. In their last four games, the Bolts allowed seven QB hits or more three times. Not to mention, the Chargers allowed a horrendous six tackles for loss per game during that same period.
In 2014, the O-Line gave up seven or more tackles for loss seven times. That means out of 16 games, the Chargers offensive line allowed the opposing defense to get to the ball carrier in the backfield more than seven times in 44% of their games.
It’s no wonder why the Bolts ended up losing 44% of their games, consequently.
If the Chargers are ever going to get to the Super Bowl, they are going to need an outstanding offensive line. In order to get that Super Bowl-quality O-line, they need depth. At the moment, the Chargers O-line has that depth with D.J. Fluker, Orlando Franklin, Michael Huey (or Johnnie Troutman), King Dunlap and former third-round pick Chris Watt.
While there were many offensive line prospects on the board, Tom Telesco did not draft any offensive lineman because he believes that his guys right now can carry the team for the foreseeable future. And for the most part, I agree with Telesco.
The main four pieces of Fluker, Franklin, Dunlap and Watt are as solid as they come in the NFL. All four are in contracts right now and are all perfectly adequate, if not better-than-adequate. Dunlap is a behemoth at the left tackle position and probably anchors this offensive line. Not to mention, Watt is coming off of his rookie season backing up former long-time center Nick Hardwick and is likely going to start and produce right away.
And while the right guard position with Johnnie Troutman and Michael Huey may seem the competition at the moment, I think that there needs to be another guard in the case that opposite-side guard Orlando Franklin sustains injuries.
That guard folks is former Atlanta Falcons and Texas product Justin Blalock.
Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons guard Justin Blalock (63) is introduced before their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Georgia Dome. The Steelers won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Blalock started out his football career at Plano East Senior High School and excelled as an offensive guard in his three seasons as a starter.
According to his CBSSports.com profile, Blalock “earned first-team All-American honors from USA Today as a senior, and was also a first-team All-State Class 5A, All-Area and All-District selection. In 2001, Blalock posted 134 knockdown blocks, did not allow a sack and opened holes for an offense that averaged nearly 300 rushing yards per game. His top game of season was a 21-pancake performance vs. Plano High.
He was selected to play in the 2002 U.S Army All-American Game…was named All-District and All-Area as a junior after registering 130 knockdowns. He added second-team All-District accolades as a sophomore, recording 151 pancakes, as he helped lead Plano East to an 11-3 record and the Texas 5A Division II state quarterfinals that season.”
After a great career at Plano East, Blalock then went on to the Unviersity of Texas where he was one of the Big 12’s best offensive linemen. In fact, during his four year career where he started 51 straight games and finished off his Texas career with a string of 27 consecutive games without allowing a quarterback sack.
He earned first team All-Big 12 four straight seasons, while earning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and Consensus All-America honors in 2006 and was on the honor roll, as well.
Eventually he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft 46th overall.
Initially his Falcons career started out roughly, however, like a very fine pinot noir, Blalock has gotten better over time. In the past five seasons he’s allowed just 2.4 sacks (according to STATS, inc.). As well, Blalock has only been called for two penalties per season over the past five seasons.
With numbers like that, it’s hard to say no to the former Texas prospect. He’s currently an unrestricted free agent and could make a big impact on the Chargers offensive line that needs depth (or a potential starter) at the guard position.
He has a great 6’4,” 330-pound frame which he can definitely utilize to his advantage.
According to his draft profile, Blalock “shows good initial quickness and lower body strength to clear the rush lanes blocking in-line at guard…Plays with very good balance, agility and foot quickness…Has good knee bend and kick slide to mirror and does a nice job of adjusting and taking proper angles on pulls and traps..Has the upper body strength, hand placement and punch to lock on and control the defender.”
In this league age and speed are everything (something that Blalock doesn’t have at the moment). However, with a team that the Chargers have, Blalock’s experience and skill are more than enough to help out this O-line.
For San Diego, even getting an undrafted rookie guard should be enough because their main need at this point is depth. With Blalock, I think you can get a potential starter, but, more importantly, you get one of the league’s best depth pieces at a relatively modest price (considering he has lasted this long throughout free agency).
Blalock has been in talks with the Tennessee Titans as well as the Detroit Lions, however, no team has decided to pick him up.
I think now is the time for the Bolts to pounce.
Next: Taking a look at the Chargers UDFAs
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