Start Valuing Offensive Line Experience

Few of us are sophisticated enough to evaluate offensive line play with any level of nuance or accuracy. And it’s again hard to criticize the team when the results have been so good: the Seahawks finished in the top 10 in points per game each of the last four seasons, peaking at fourth in 2015. Yet, the amateur’s eye-test increasingly sees fault with the line’s performance. Part of this is the product of unrealistic fan expectations. But another part of it is the profound observation that THESE GUYS ARE GOING TO GET RUSSELL WILSON KILLED!

(Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

The Seahawks have a great offensive line coach in Tom Cable who steadily molds players to fit his system. But there’s an element of unchecked mad scientist going on here that should change. Too often the Seahawks rely on raw materials that are too raw to be entrusted in protecting the team’s most valuable asset. Defensive linemen becoming guards, tight ends becoming tackles, tackles becoming guards. None of these moves are bad ideas in the abstract, but continuing to rely on these types of shifts to make an immediate impact is a bridge too far.

Cable might be a guru, but he isn’t a miracle worker.

The Seahawks need experienced offensive lineman who are asked to play the positions they are actually experienced in. There’s more than one way to do this: sign proven free agents, draft college lineman who will be asked to play the same position in the NFL; keep your existing lineman playing the positions you’ve asked them to learn (e.g. don’t move Garry Gilliam to the other side and Justin Britt back out to tackle).

There’s no silver bullet here, but it’s clear that the Seahawks need to adjust their risk tolerance and willingness to experiment with players on the offensive line (at least with those expected to start).