Having a strong offensive line is crucial in the game of football, especially in the way offenses are used nowadays. The AFC South is mostly lacking in the department of strong offensive lines, though there are some bright spots.
We’ve taken a look at ranking the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends in the division thus far. Now, we take a look at the big guys up front.
4. Houston Texans
Sure, the Texans have made some effort this offseason to make their offensive line better equipped to protect young quarterback Deshaun Watson but until we see the unit display more production, they will be at the bottom of the list.
The Texans are coming off of a season in which they allowed the most sacks in the NFL. This forced them to spend two early picks on offensive tackles Tytus Howard (No. 23 overall) and Max Scharping (No. 55 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft.
They also went out and signed center Matt Kalil. To recap their 2018 season, the Texans allowed the most sacks and quarterback hits while recording the 19th-best yards per carry for running back Lamar Miller.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Most will admit that the Jaguars were ridden by injuries during the 2018 season. Left tackle Cam Robinson suffered a torn ACL and missed the entire season while right tackle Josh Wells missed the majority of the year due to a groin injury.
Still, the Jaguars offensive line struggled for the most part. It got so bad that they turned to first-round bust Ereck Flowers to give them depth on the line. They were 26th in yards per carry while allowing the third-most sacks and quarterback hits during the 2018 season.
Welcome to Sacksonville, Nick Foles!
2. Tennessee Titans
For the most part, the Titans offensive line has been solid for a few years now. Some might argue they are regressing a bit, but there are certainly some strong players among the unit.
Left tackle Taylor Lewan has been a stalwart and Pro Bowler for the Titans and they just added guard Roger Saffold to the mix after losing Josh Kline. While they struggled in run blocking—allowing the fourth-most negative runs—they allowed the fifth-fewest quarterback hits in 2018.
The offensive line will have another year to try to learn a new offensive system for the third season in a row, but they have the tools in place to be a solid unit.
1. Indianapolis Colts
You knew the top spot would be reserved for the Colts, who showed in 2018 that they will continue to have one of the best offensive lines in the league as long as everyone stays healthy.
Though they were 23rd in yards per carry, the Colts allowed the fewest sacks, the 10th-fewest negative runs and the 11th-fewest quarterback hits. Led by All-Pro rookie left guard Quenton Nelson, the Colts have their entire starting unit returning.
A good offense is usually headlined by the offensive line, and the Colts will be no different being led by one of the best units in the NFL.
