The Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line has been a familiar point of (mostly negative) discussion for fans, but the squad promises to create a different storyline in 2019.
“Our line has a chance to be the best in the league,” claimed left tackle Duane Brown in May, adding he expects their play to be “demoralizing to defenses.”
Over the past several years, the unit has remained firmly in the bottom half of the league, but under a new position coach (Mike Solari) and new offensive coordinator (Brian Schottenheimer), they began to turn things around toward the end of the 2018 season.
For a group that helped push Seattle’s 2018 rushing attack to the very top of the league in yards per game (160.0), the season had a bit of a rocky start with six sacks allowed in the first two weeks. Over the final six games, however, the Seahawks’ O-line led the way for the team to climb to third in the NFL with 30.0 points per game.
Four starters from last season are returning for the 2019 campaign: Brown, center Justin Britt, right guard D.J. Fluker, and right tackle Germain Ifedi. The Seahawks’ former left guard, J.R. Sweezy, left the team in free agency – his heir apparent is Pro Bowler Mike Iupati, who had stints with the 49ers and Cardinals before signing with Seattle in March. Iupati’s first All-Pro season came in 2012 with the Niners, when he was being instructed by none other than Solari.
“Mike has been a really great addition for us,” Brown said. “The talent we have, the mixture of youth and experience that we have, we have a chance to really be great.”
O-line depth is of no concern, with a number of quality competitors for roster spots set to appear at training camp. Joey Hunt had a solid year in 2018, occasionally filling in for Britt at center, while Jordan Simmons did the same for an injured Fluker.
Jamarco Jones looks promising at tackle, attempting to prove that he has overcome a season-ending ankle injury in his rookie year, and the versatile Ethan Pocic can play at any position on the line. Rookie Phil Haynes, free-agency addition Marcus Martin, and backup tackle/tight end George Fant round out the group.
Schottenheimer, for one, is impressed with the leadership displayed by every player on this line’s depth chart. “In my 22 years coaching, I don’t think I’ve been around a more vocal, veteran group than those guys,” he said.
As training camp approaches, their teamwork and ability will be put to the test.
