Jacksonville Jaguars: Offensive line performing better than expected

The Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line was a concern for most fans following an inconsistent preseason performance. Currently, they are performing better than expected.

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered this season wanting to establish a power run offense. In order to do so, the offensive line needed a tweak. Jacksonville traded for Branden Albert, and Cam Robinson was drafted to be Albert’s backup. Some people thought Robinson might be moved to play guard.

Albert decided to retire during training camp. As such, Robinson secured the left tackle position. Brandon Linder signed a new contract to stay a Jaguar. Through the preseason, the offensive line did not inspire the Jaguars fan base, however. Many expressed doubt and had low expectations on how well the line would play in Week 1 at Houston.

Jacksonville manhandled the Houston defensive front very easily, though. In fact, they have gotten better each week since. There have been some injuries and illness but they are playing better than most had expected.

The Jaguars have had trouble finding a left tackle. Protecting the quarterback’s blindside is his main job. He must be able to control the edge rusher. Pass blocking requires a longer period of time of engaging the opponent than run blocking. He must allow his quarterback time to throw the ball which might take up to five seconds. Robinson has played extremely well at left tackle.

Jacksonville has only allowed 14 sacks through nine games. The Los Angeles Rams sacked Blake Bortles five times. The Los Angeles Charges had three sacks last week. Really, eight of the 14 sacks came in just two games.

With that said, injuries and illness have caused Jacksonville to play several backups. Brandon Linder missed some games due to an undisclosed illness. Currently, there are two linemen on the injury report and have not practiced leading up to their Week 11 game in Cleveland. Tyler Shatley filled in for Linder and could play center in Cleveland. Linder might play left guard for Patrick Omameh. William Poehls might slide into the right tackle slot for Jermey Parnell.

Through nine games,Football Outsiders (FO) ranks the Jaguars offensive line at No. 9 in run blocking. In pass blocking, FO ranks the Jaguars at No. 4. This makes the Jacksonville O-line very special. Jacksonville leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,467. They are leading the NFL in rushing yards per game by averaging 163 yards per game. How’s that for a power rushing team?

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Since the line is playing better than expected, the team is winning. Bortles is having more time to throw. There are many reasons to be ecstatic about Jacksonville’s playoff chances, but there is none more exciting than how well the offensive line is playing.