What To Make Of The Packers Offensive LIne

by Brandon on Dec 9, 2011 7:02 AM CST in Green Bay Packers Analysis

Lost in all of the concern over the Green Bay Packers defense against the Giants was the play of the offensive line. It was arguably their worst game of the season. Maybe that shouldn't have been a surprise since RG Josh Sitton was out with a knee injury.

While the offensive line only allowed 2 sacks that was due in large part to Aaron Rodgers's ability to avoid them. They also allowed 6 quarterback hits, but the bigger number was 8 tackles for a loss. And it explains why the three running backs were all held to under 3 yards per carry. DE Justin Tuck had his best game in a while, DE Jason Pierre-Paul was a constant presence in the backfield, and DT Linval Joseph led their team with 9 tackles. How crazy was it for him to record 9 tackles? Consider that NT B.J. Raji has 18 tackles for the season.

Statistically analysis is difficult on the offensive line. Pro Football Focus ranks them 9th overall, while Football Outsiders ranks them as below average against the run (24th) and pass (18th). Let's look at the starters one by one instead.

LT Marshall Newhouse. I'm not surprised that he's been so inconsistent this season. That's the type of player he seemed to be when I watched him the past two preseasons. I was hoping he'd get better as the season went on, but that hasn't happened. He played very well against the Lions, only to follow it up with a stinker against the Giants. It appears that the coaches believe rookie Derek Sherrod would be even worse, which is a rough comment on their 1st round draft choice.

LG T.J. Lang, C Scott Wells, and RG Evan Dietrich-Smith. I hate to do this to them, but none of them impressed against the Giants and I'm combining each players analysis in this one paragraph. The running plays went nowhere, and the Giants starting defensive tackles combined for 15 tackles against them. They also allowed a sack by Tuck on a stunt when he swept inside and ran straight up the middle. The absence of Sitton was a factor, but Lang and Wells didn't play great. Though one bad game doesn't make a problem.

RT Bryan Bulaga. He played much better during the 2010 playoffs than the regular season, and that improvement has carried over to 2011. Pro Football Focus surprisingly has him ranked as their top right tackle. He gave up a sack against the Lions, which might have been as much a surprise as a problem.

With Sitton expected back later this season (he's out for next Sunday's game against the Raiders) the line will likely improve on his return. Chad Clifton was expected back by this time, but he suffered a back injury while recovering from his hamstring injury, so his return seems uncertain. I don't see a big upside on this line. While it's hard to imagine it getting better, it hasn't held the offense back this season either.

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Comments

I'm still not down on Newhouse yet.

I think each pass rusher represents a different kind of skillset an offensive lineman has to improve upon. Newhouse needs to improve in different areas, but I think overall he’s shown that he’s deserved his start.

That said, I’d hate to find out Sherrod was a complete bust. I kind of expected he’d be the guy getting the look next season, regardless…

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi

by AdamA on Dec 9, 2011 8:08 AM CST reply actions

To be fair, Tuck and Canty were dressed like Sub Zero from Mortal Kombat

Seriously they had like 8 billion bars on thier face masks. Maybe this scared our OLmen?

"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"

by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Dec 9, 2011 8:25 AM CST via mobile reply actions 3 recs

Indeed.

LOL

That dog just won't hunt.

by Bush League All Star on Dec 9, 2011 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

haha yeah

canty look so badass with the visor too

by tmoneyttime1 on Dec 9, 2011 10:57 PM CST up reply actions

I am not down on Newhouse or Sherrod

The lockout did not help either of these players. I think it is commendable that Newhouse is playing as well as he is. He did not get many first team reps in the abbreviated training camp and stepped right in when Cliffy went down.

Sherrod did not have the benefit of the off-season and then had 2-3 weeks of training camp wasted in the guard competition. I think he played fine in his only extended action in the Atlanta game.

I anticipate this being the end of the road for Clifton. I think the warrior’s body has taken its last blow. Torn hamstring and then a back injury rehabbing sever enough to keep him out two weeks and counting. I believe we will have a competition between Newhouse and Sherrod for the starting LT position next season. Regardless who wins, it is nice to actually have 3 viable tackle candidates; two seasons ago, we had 1.

by bpatrickJD on Dec 9, 2011 9:23 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Agree..

LT is one of the toughest spots for a rookie to come in and be effective. There just aren’t that many Joe Thomass’ out there. As you pointed out, the lockout didn’t help.

I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005

We expect to win.- Ted Thompson July 28, 2011

by White92 on Dec 9, 2011 10:00 AM CST up reply actions

Sherrod did not have the benefit of the off-season and then had 2-3 weeks of training camp wasted in the guard competition. I think he played fine in his only extended action in the Atlanta game.

This. If I’m remembering correctly, he didn’t get many snaps at LT, which I still think was incredibly dumb. Anyone who’d seen him play knew he wasn’t a OG. Practically, every scouting report I read said he was a finesse blocker, that excelled in protection.

He did look pretty decent against the Falcons when he came in too.

Fire Slocum

by packallday555 on Dec 9, 2011 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

Gotta agree

I can’t draw any conclusions about Sherrod or Newhouse. Every year you hear Mike talking about players needing to make that jump in year two, and how important the off season is, especially for offensive lineman. Newhouse didn’t have the off season to get stronger working with his position coaches, or to get better technique. Plus, wasn’t he a 6th round pick last year?

Sherrod didn’t have an off season to familiarize himself with the playbook or to work on his technique or strength. And in training camp he took a lot of snaps at guard instead of tackle.

by Shoes31 on Dec 9, 2011 12:52 PM CST up reply actions

the good news is, we know Rodgers can still light up the score board even with a swiss cheese O-line

the same cannot be said for Tom Brady or Drew Brees

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 9, 2011 11:10 AM CST reply actions

I think Newhouse has been decent. He’s just faced some of the leagues premiere pass rushers. Jared Allen has probably been the best, and Pierre Paul has probably been the second best — and is an athletic freak by the way. I was amazed at how quick and agile he seemed.

Buluga has been rock solid all year long. He very well might become one of the league’s best RT’s. Like somebody said up above, it’s nice to have 3 options at OT as opposed to 1.

Fire Slocum

by packallday555 on Dec 9, 2011 11:13 AM CST reply actions

Pierre Paul

Any dude that can bust out 8+ consective back flips while weighing 270 as well as being 6’ 5’’ is definately an athletic freak. The Giants got him as a steal. If only we had someone like that opposite CM3…

"Football isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport."

by dieapack on Dec 9, 2011 2:39 PM CST up reply actions

Wrong

The O-line has definitely hurt the Packers. No run game, and ARod is taking some hits. Not as big a problem as the defense, but a real problem that could destroy a dynasty before it gets going. ARod is pretty ordinary when he’s horizontal.

by DrCheese on Dec 9, 2011 1:33 PM CST reply actions

What to make of the OL?

Its a young OL, thats what! Bulaga is playing very well and Sitton is going to be the RG for a long time, they are nothing to be worried about. THe Right side of the OL is completely set for the next 5+ years. Wells, if re-signed will be a good Center for another few seasons. The Left side has Lang, a small school player who is just getting settled in at his permanent position, and Newhouse who everyone knew needed some time to develop! Most OL take into the 3rd year before they become really good. Newhouse didn’t have the benefit of the offseason to work on technique and was playing multiple positions. Now he is learning how to play LT on the job. Certainly not the ideal way to learn for a player that needed developmental time. In camp Lang had Clifton next to him to help steady him and make sure he had his assignments, now he has another young LT, and they BOTH need some help. Not too difficult to understand if there is some growing pains on the Left side.

Next year in camp Newhouse and Sherrod will be in competition for the permanent LT job. Both have some work to do in the offseason, but at least they’ll have the offseason! I’m actually pretty excited about our OL looking forward! Find a backup C and OG and our OL is set for the next 5 years. This year, just have to make due, w/ the young left side and Sittons injury, but next year and beyond is looking pretty damn good from my perspective!

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Dec 9, 2011 2:15 PM CST reply actions 7 recs

True

Young and inexperienced. We have played some really good D-lines and have come out alive. They all have potential and as you said should be solid for the next 5+ years.

"Football isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport."

by dieapack on Dec 9, 2011 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

Fantastic analysis

Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013

by PackFaninFL on Dec 9, 2011 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

Loved it!

And I agree. This is the first year when I really feel good about all the prospects/players on our OL for the future and even the depth. It took a couple years of spending high round as well as late round draft picks but that is finally looking like a position of strength and potential going forward.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 10, 2011 4:10 AM CST up reply actions

OT, but

I’ve got bad news for everyone. So’uperman is out—looks like this one is a loss . . . .

Packers Owner

by GinSlinger on Dec 9, 2011 4:40 PM CST reply actions

way off topic but...

How do you know he is out? He get injured?

by azreal60 on Dec 9, 2011 4:54 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

I know

Because he’s on the injury report as out. Yeah he “get injured” to his back. Probably while lifting weights.

Packers Owner

by GinSlinger on Dec 9, 2011 5:18 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

What the eff is the deal with this guy hurting his back lifting....

someone calm this lunatic down in the weightroom!

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 10, 2011 4:10 AM CST up reply actions

Well, now we are truly f***ed.

At least another future HoFer, Mike Neal, is still playing.

by mike_o on Dec 9, 2011 9:31 PM CST up reply actions

I still think

We need to draft a LG in the first round next year to replace Lang. Lang’s a great backup guy, but not a longer term solution.

by SoCal19 on Dec 10, 2011 2:50 AM CST reply actions

You don't draft LG that high.

Unless you happen to run across a Hutchinson, which happens MAYBE once every 10 years or so… OG and Center to a less degree, are the areas you drat guys that are mid to late rd talents and keep them around to develop, just like Lang. I think Lang has the ability to become at least a good OG and maybe a very good LG. Just needs experience and playing time!

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Dec 10, 2011 4:16 AM CST up reply actions

Has Lang been that bad?

I thought that he played pretty well so far, for being his first real year as a starter.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 10, 2011 4:54 AM CST up reply actions

Agree

IMO, he’s been a revelation. I expected alot of struggles, but from what I’ve seen he’s been playing pretty well. No reason to believe he won’t continue to get better! Is he going to be a Pro Bowl type player? Doubt it, but he’ll be a good starter for another 10 yrs. I see no reason whatsoever to use a high draft pick to replace him.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Dec 10, 2011 8:46 AM CST up reply actions

He looks good to me. The only thing is the false starts. But I can deal with those as long as he can consistently block the guy in front of him, which he has.

Fire Slocum

by packallday555 on Dec 10, 2011 6:15 PM CST up reply actions