Despite a personal preference for empirical data, I often anchor my trust in such data with “the eye test.” So, after two weeks of watching the Seattle Seahawks, the eye test is telling me that their offensive line stinks. Now out for the first time this season, the advanced stats at Football Outsiders confirms this observation.

Run Blocking

The Seahawks O Line ranks 28th out of 32 teams in the NFL in Adjusted Line Yards, which assigns a degree of responsibility to the line for the success of the running back. The assigned percentages of responsibility look like this:

Losses: 120% Value

0-4 Yards: 100% Value

5-10 Yards 50% Value

11+ Yards: 0% Value

Down and distance is then weighted and all averages are normalized from rushing statistics across the league.

The 3.11 Adjusted Line Yards of the Seattle squad so far this season is .71 yards below the NFL average and ranks only ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the San Francisco 49ers, the Buffalo Bills, and the Minnesota Vikings, teams with a combined 3-5 record, much of which is padded heavily by the 2 win, pre-Adrian Peterson injury Vikings.

The Hawks do fare a bit better when looking at Power Success and Power Ranking. Power Success is a measure of success on third and fourth down with 1 to 2 yards to go that result in a first down. Here only twenty-one teams in the league are better than the Seahawks. It’s also probably worth noting that Power Success is the only running efficiency statistic for offensive lines that takes into account the quarterback. Even a gimpy Russell Wilson is more mobile and efficient with his legs than many of the other QB’s in the NFL.

The final run statistic to look at here is Stuffed, a wonderfully descriptive stat that means just what it sounds like it means. When the runner is stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage, he is Stuffed. The Seahawks have been stuffed 30% of the time and rank 29th in the NFL. Only the 49ers, the Vikings, and the Bills are worse.

Blame is almost equally shared as the middle of the line (Football Outsiders combines the center and guards) ranks 23rd. Right tackle, Gary Gilliam, ranks 22nd. And, the much questioned roster move that replaced Russell Okung with lifetime backup Bradley Sowell has reaped the ranking among left tackles of 27th in the league.

Pass Protection

When the Seahawks take to the air, they do fair a tad better, but nothing spectacular. In this department, Seattle ranks 22nd, having allowed 5 sacks so far through two games.

As advanced statistics are still in their infancy in football, it’s worth noting that the only statistics being used to measure the efficiency of the offensive line for pass protection are traditional counting numbers – sacks, hurries, etc. There are several additional layers to assigning “fault” on a failed passing play than there are on a running play. QB, receiver, line all have multiple layers of responsibility. It may take some time for the gridiron advanced teams to perfect a formula that divides that all out.

Still add back the eye test and the Seahawks need to improve in this area as well.

Time to Figure It Out?

The good news for the Seahawks is that they have some time to figure out the issues on the offensive line (as well as the slow start by Wilson). This Sunday they play at home against the 49ers and then go east on October 2nd to play the New York Jets before a bye in week five.

Although the loss to the Los Angeles Rams seemed to some unfathomable beforehand, it really shouldn’t have given the history. Yes, the 49ers beat the Rams in week one, but really shouldn’t be as tough on defense, ranking 12th in overall team run defense, compared to 4th for the Rams. Between the 49ers and the Jets, Seahawks fans should expect two wins but could settle for one. Anything less will put the fan base in full blown panic mode.