NFL writer Matt Harmon recently put together a list of “unsung heroes” which recognizes players and core groups that were critical to their team’s success in 2017, but received little or no praise for their solid contributions. In drilling down the NFC South teams, and regarding the New Orleans Saints, he believes that the entire offensive line is the most overlooked unit and a key factor to the teams bounce back 11-5 campaign.

“Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram both made the initial Pro Bowl roster, but not even one of the Saints’ offensive linemen found their way onto the team. While both running backs deserved the honor, at least one of their front-line blockers should have been recognized, as well. The Saints’ backs gained an average of 0.87 yards before defenders closed within 1 yard of them this season. Not only did they lead the NFL in this metric, but they did so by a decent gap. The second-place Bills afforded their backs an average of 0.69 yards before defenders closed, and the third-place Rams checked in at 0.65, while the NFL average sat at 0.29. Rookie Ryan Ramczyk deserves extra credit for stepping up and chipping in at both tackle positions this season.”

Technically, he is correct as not one member from the Saints’ offensive line was selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl. But several members were in the top-ten of fan voting, including LT Terron Armstead and C Max Unger, who both finished fourth at their respective positions. RG Larry Warford accepted an invitation as an alternate to replace Eagles’ lineman Brandon Brooks, and he will join six other teammates and New Orleans coaching staff in Orlando on the NFC squad.

Digging into the unit’s statistical performance throughout the regular season, as sourced from Football Outsiders, the Saints offensive line finished No. 2 in terms of run and pass blocking efficiency. Their power rank (runs of two yards or less on late downs or at the goal line) was eighth-best, as they were successful converting short yardage plays 69% of the time.

More impressive statistics include that New Orleans had the fewest runs stuffed for a loss, as well as being ranked No. 3 in runs that gained between 5-10 yards, and No. 1 in runs that gained more than 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Saints’ QB Drew Brees was sacked only 20 times, which was the second-lowest total during the regular season, and a large reason why he was able to set a new NFL record for completion percentage, connecting on 72% of his passes.

New Orleans did an exemplary job shuffling the line to offset multiple injuries, rotating players throughout the season with great success. Rookie Ryan Ramczyk opened the year as the starter at left tackle for the first four-weeks before Terron Armstead’s return. After Zach Strief was placed on IR, Ramczyk took over at his natural position of right tackle and became a top-ten protector. LG Andrus Peat spent time at left tackle on several occasions as Armstead sat out due to nagging injuries. The Saints then turned to backup Senio Kelemete as a fill-in for Peat, who also spent time on the right side at guard and tackle in 16 games appearances. C Max Unger was the lone offensive lineman to start every game at one position.