How does KC Chiefs offensive line rank against other NFL teams?
5. New Orleans Saints
The Saints possess one of the most complete offensive lines in the NFL, and there can be a case made that they have the best tackle duo in the league. Terron Armstead at left tackle and Ryan Ramczyk at right tackle are both forces in the run and pass games. The consistency of the duo has shown since 2017, the year Ramczyk entered the league. During that four-year span, Armstead’s 3.7% pressure rate is tied for the best mark at left tackle, and Ramczyk’s 4.0% pressure rate sits in third among right tackles with at least 1,000 pass-blocking snaps.
The guard play in 2020 was subpar in terms of pass-blocking production. Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz were both insufficient when protecting the quarterback. Peat received a 58.8 pass-blocking grade, while Ruiz was given a 43.4 pass-blocking grade. The interior of the line let New Orleans down in the pass game, but the Saints excelled in the rushing department.
For the most part of last season, the Saints were averaging 140.6 rushing yards per game, seventh best in the league at the time. In the last five games of the season, New Orleans’ rushing attack spiked with an average of 171.2 rushing yards on 32.4 carries, an average of 5.3 yards per carry. New Orleans will most likely depend on short passes and running the football, as Jameis Winston will presumably be the starting quarterback in 2021.
Projected Starting Offensive Line:
- LT – Terron Armstead
- LG – Andrus Peat
- C – Erik McCoy
- RG – Cesar Ruiz
- RT – Ryan Ramczyk