Say what you want about Week 14 in the NFL—the horrible calls, the other horrible calls, the intriguing New England Patriots Documentary, all of it. At the end of all the ruckus and tumult, it was really nice to see Eli Manning back under center for the New York Giants. Yeah, I said it. The football needed Eli, and Eli needed the football.
The on-camera charisma will get picked apart, of course, because that’s what we’ve come to expect with ol’ Number 10. We wait for the perfect meme-worthy moments, pausing the television and hoping to hit social media paydirt. But every time people begin to knock Eli, I step back and think about one thing: There were several scouts at Lamar Jackson’s pro day who are way worse at their job.
Now, let’s hop off of the soapbox and get down in the trenches, so we can take a look at some of the best of the best, the often ignored blockades and protectors to the fantasy stars. We’re talking offensive lines, folks, and there were a few good ones in Week 14. These were the top 5 groups that I saw.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The NFC matchup between the 49ers and Saints was one of the best games of the season (ever?), a Battle Royale that displayed why both teams will be a tough task come playoff time. While the significant highlight was the improbable “I’ll give you all piggyback rides” catch and run after the catch by George Kittle, San Fran’s offensive front continues to improve—as does the game management of Jimmy Garoppolo and, of course, the overall offense.
The 49ers kept the Saints’ defense in a misdirected twist, executing a stable zone run scheme. And maybe, more importantly, they also kept the crowd out of it (at times). The three-headed attack of Sanders-Mostert-Breida picked up a much-needed 162 yards on the ground with one touchdown, providing a balance that helped Garoppolo in the passing game.
The O-line was crucial for both phases and performed above-average. They were aggressive and quick to the block, opening what little lanes there were for the backs. And they did an outstanding job creating and holding protection Jimmy G—especially during moments when he really needed time.
Weston Richburg, Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey, Laken Tomlinson, Ben Garland, and Michael Person: Not much got “bayou.” A job well done, guys!
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
4. Tennessee Titans
Oakland has a team defense that’s ranked in the bottom of the NFL, sharing cellar space with the Cards, Bucs and ‘Fins, but that shouldn’t take away from the Tennessee Titans and some of the football-watching joy this bunch has provided this season. I mean, we all can see that it is Ryan Tannehill under center out there…but, you know, like a different, more confident version from what was starring next to Joe Philbin on Hard Knocks down in Miami.
Yes, the Titans are a decent team.
They’re not great, and there are holes and weaknesses to be found. After the Texans lost to the Broncos, however, you’re also looking at a team that is 8-5 too!
And while a lot of the Nashville show has been Derrick Henry running over, though, and over again, the opponent’s run defense, what Tannehill has pulled off since taking over for Marcus Mariota shouldn’t be looked at with an unassured smirk. The same goes for the offensive line. The Titans’ front has put together a few decent performances, including one against the Raiders.
In fact, the NFL was kind enough to make a highlight reel out of it and then tweet it into the social media cosmos.
Ben Jones, Rodger Saffold, Taylor Lewan, Jack Conklin, and Nate Davis: Misdirections. Skilled positions. That tweet does an excellent job highlighting your efforts!
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
3. San Diego Chargers
The recipient of this week’s Oliver Stone Award, the other Los Angeles team—via San Diego, Carson, London Rumors, etc.—made the long flight to Florida to take on another 4-8 team in the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nothing special, as you’d expect because both franchises are struggling to figure out their futures—while accepting the fact that 2019 is totally lost. But then again: Any. Given. Sunday.
And did I say nothing special? Yeah, I wasn’t including the Chargers’ offensive line in that statement. They were a standing-O, a reliable performance that moved the line of scrimmage during the run and created a cozy pocket for Philip Rivers during the pass.
And the downfield efforts on this screen to Austin Ekeler?
Dan Feeny, Sam Tevi, Russell Okung, Michael Schofield, Scott Quessenberry, Ryan Groy, and Trenton Scott: Helping lead the way to 525 yards of total offense in the NFL—regardless of the team—is impressive. Even more so because you guys thought it was noon and it was actually 3:00 p.m.
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
2. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams’ performance Sunday night reminded everyone that, yeah, this team was in the Super Bowl last year. They have weapons. They have a solid defense. Jared Goff plays quarterback. Todd Gurley is the running back. Head coach Sean McVay remembers third-and-goal from 14 years ago. These are things we know about the Rams.
What few saw coming, though, was the logjam they provided to Seattle’s impressive boat ride through the NFC West waters. And while a ton of shine from Al and Cris was placed on the Rams’ defense and the performance of Goff, which helped Gurley and vice versa, one line that was repeated throughout the game echoed the day after—paraphrasing: The Seahawks can’t get pressure on Jared Goff.
David Edwards, Andrew Whitworth, Bobby Evans, Austin Corbett, and Austin Blythe: Now that’s how you turn out the Coliseum’s lights with style!
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
1. New Orleans Saints
While questionable calls left head coach Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints incredibly flustered, there were a few positives from the squad’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. And the Saints’ offensive line was undoubtedly on that shortlist of pluses.
The Saints had a difficult task—one that more than a few teams had already faced and failed—when they lined up against the top-tier 49ers defense. Ranked first against the pass, the Saints needed to execute an attack that was more substantial on the run—exploiting San Fran’s weaker link—while not going Mr. Hyde completely and abandoning the passing game.
Again, even though the final score wasn’t in the Saints’ favor, there has to be some “Yeah, but!” discussion when going over the Xs and Os. They racked up 465 yards and six touchdowns. Brees was not sacked the entire game. Zero! And maybe a fumble here or a call there, a third-down conversion, and the game has a totally different outcome. Regardless, that Saints front should make Drew, Sean, all the Parishes, whatever, feel pretty darn confident.
Ryan Ramczyk, Terron Armstead, Larry Warford, Erik McCoy, Patrick Omameh, and Nick Easton: Though it wasn’t a win, I’m sure the Week 14’s Champion of Choppy Steps will drown those referee-induced sorrows.
