Seahawks Offensive Line Ranked #1

Gregg Rosenthal of Rotoworld.com ranks the Seattle offensive line as the best in the NFL despite the loss of Steve Hutchinson. I am not sure they are the best unit in the league, but they are certainly one of the best. He says that "Seattle had more success running to the right side behind Sean Locklear and Chris Gray last season." I do not want to make it a habit to criticize someone that praises the Seahawks, but that is not a smart thing to say. No one in their right mind should think anyone did a better job run-blocking last year than the duo of Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson.

Strictly by the numbers, on a per play basis, the Seahawks did better going to the right than they did to the left, as indicated by Football Outsider's breakdown by lineman. KC Joyner also recognized Sean Locklear as the league's best run-blocker last season (ESPN Insider required).

The numbers are obviously influenced by a number of things, such as the insistence on running to the left-side when the Seahawks needed a yard or two. Even when converting on third and short it would hurt the average yards per play. With defenses keying on the left-side, it makes sense that the Seahawks would catch them off guard and break some long runs to the right or that defenses would be overcompensating for the strong left-side and the right would be more vulnerable.

Overall, Rosenthal does make a good point that the right-side was also very good. Hutchinson will be missed, but the depth of the line will soften the impact a great deal, and Seattle will once again have one of the league's best offensive lines. A more balanced line could lead to a less predictable offense that might keep defenses guessing.