Week 12 in the NFL was the stuff of legend, beginning with a grand entrance that reminded fan bases that November—up to this point—had been just as wild as October.
Selfies were snapped in Week 12, with an excited rookie QB, Dwayne Haskins, not realizing the Redskins had unfinished business against Detroit. (Luckily, Haskins didn’t hit anyone over the head with their phone, or worse, update it to the newest iOS.) The Steelers called on a “Duck” in Week 12, while the Cowboys inexplicably called on the kicking unit. And top of the favorites list was the Packers, reminding the football-watching world that some things are simply more significant and far more critical than seeding in the NFC:
The offensive lines kept on trudging through all of the organized chaos, too—diving, pulling here and there, and doing their collective parts to move the chains while keeping the quarterback upright and minimally pressured. From Los Angeles to the Big Apple via New Jersey, here were the top 5 O-lines from Week 12.
5. Tennessee Titans
The Jaguars rolled into the Music City with a run-stopping defense that was a little light on the “stopping” part, which left them more of a blinking sign that just read: Run!
And run—run, run!—is precisely what the Titans did, and did very well.
Tennessee’s running attack racked up 219 yards and four touchdowns, with Derrick Henry bulldozing his way for over half of the grand total (159 yards) and two scores. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill continued his impressive Act II as the Titans stater, hitting on 14 of 18 passes for two touchdowns, while also adding another two scores on the ground.
New to the rankings, the Titans’ O-line was solid the entire game. Yes, this was Jacksonville and not the Patriots, 49ers or even a loosely roped-off door. But still, they created time for Tannehill while opening lanes for Henry. They didn’t fall victim to any creative schemes nor did they spend the afternoon shaking their head while the referee yelled out their name while making the universally accepted signal for “holding.”
And, of course, nothing seals the deal—on this ranking, anyway—better than…offensive lineman touchdowns!
Ben Jones, Rodger Saffold, Jake Conklin, Tyler Lewan, Nate Davis, and Dennis Kelly: A forced fumble during the lone sack surrendered on the day is not enough to neglect you guys the collective shine for a job well done.
4. New York Jets
Week 12’s Oliver Stone Award recipient, the Jets left Jon Gruden’s Raiders a follow-up reminder about the NFL: Any Given Sunday. (And thanks for the dose of Mike Glennon.)
Coming in on a two-game winning streak—with wins over the Giants and Redskins—the Jets weren’t completely stagnant. But the Raiders have been turning heads lately, and the expectancy was that Sam and company had a minimal chance at making it three in a row. But the Jets kept it together in the conditions, on both sides of the ball, with the O-line working effectively during the pass and the run.
While all eyes were on this pass from Darnold to Robby Anderson, it was the wall of protection provided by the line that made me move—just slightly—off the couch and applaud at the television set.
Alex Lewis, Jonotthan Harrison, Kelvin Beachum, Chuma Edoga, Tom Compton, and Brandon Shell: This group has been looking up from the cluster of lines at the bottom of the league, but for this game, it was one of the best.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers’ O-line is earning its stripes this season, and the big-time show Sunday night had more than a few moments when the collective shined—complemented by their more famous co-worker, George Kittle.
The protection provided for Jimmy Garoppolo wasn’t an overwhelming wall, of course. Still, the steady output for the entire game made it easy to overlook and assume it was simply big guys blocking other big guys. But then, the highlights—albeit from Garoppolo and the receivers—had moments where you clearly see the front doing a standup job.
Notice the blitz pickup there?
Weston Richburgh, Michael Person, Laken Tomlinson, Justin Skule, Mike McGlinchey, and Daniel Brunskill: Solid gold, gang.
2. New Orleans Saints
The Saints looked to keep things in order in the NFC South in Week 12, welcoming a Carolina Panthers that lost three of its last four games.
Overall, the Saints didn’t execute all that well, with 12 penalties for over 100 yards. The mistakes, complemented by an above-average game from the Panthers, almost made for another Falcons-type shocker for the top dogs in the division—if Joey Slye doesn’t miss a those costly extra points or have the blocked nick, that might be exactly the case.
But Drew Brees managed to keep things moving when it counted, capitalizing after the heroics of end Marcus Davenport and the Panthers’ field goal woes. Piggybacking on the nearly unstoppable talents of Michale Thomas, the team pulled out the three-point victory.
The offensive line continued to demonstrate a top 10 effort, too. Going up against a determined Gerald McCoy and decent edge pressure from Bruce Irvin and Brian Burns, the O-line managed to create throwing lanes (much-needed downfield views) for Brees, who was hit only four times the entire game. And they maintained the run blocking, leading the way for a 100-yard plus ground attack.
Erik McCoy, Larry Warford, Ryan Ramczyk, Patrick Omameh, Will Clapp, and Terron Armstead: With an offensive line that has dealt with as many injury issues as this Saints unit has, the significant effort on Sunday is truly worthy of the spotlight.
1. Baltimore Ravens
What happened in Los Angeles Monday night was one of those “Oh my, it’s a disaster!” moments where only The Rock and probably a helicopter could’ve saved the day.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense were beyond legit. They made the Rams’ highly respected defense look lost…the entire game. In both facets of Wade’s scheme. The passing attack was other-worldly. The running game was phenomenal. And, as we close the books on Week 12, it’s safe to say that what John Harbaugh and Greg Roman have crafted for the incredible abilities of Jackson is doubly legit. Too legit, basically.
Will it ever quit? Who knows.
One thing is certain, though: the Ravens’ offensive line deserves a serious second helping of Thanksgiving dinner because they have performed equally outstanding. And on a national stage, in Los Angeles, Monday night, it was remarkable.
Orlando Brown, Ronnie Staley, Matt Skura, Bradley Bozeman, Marshal Yanda, Patrick Mekari, and a dash of James Hurst: You’re the Champions of the Choppy Steps for Week 12! (At this point, we’re going to need a bigger trophy case.)
