FanPost

Lions O Line: 2009 versus 2008 Performance

Bumped to the front page for the interesting stats.

Now that the season is over, it is time to look at the data and reflect on what actually happened, and where we need to improve. If you look at the Offensive Line performance of the Lions from the last two years we see the following results:

Rushing: 2008 3.8 yards per carry which ranked 28th in the NFL

2009 4.0 yards per carry which ranked 25th in the NFL [tied with Chicago, Seattle and Tampa]

Marginally better with basically the same personnel on the line. I prefer to use yards per carry as that is a better indicator of run performance than total yards rushed per game.

Passing: 2008 52 Sacks allowed which ranked 31st.

2009 43 Sacks allowed which ranked 24th.

Again, marginal improvement with multiple QBs [including two rookies and Daunte]. I made my optimistic prediction that they would allow less than thirty sacks in 2009. Missed, but I covered myself by saying it had to be Staff under center. Staff was sacked 24 times in ten games.

The takeaway here is that there was improvement although they were still disappointing. The O Line MVP would have to be Jeff Backus for his overall level of play in 2009. Our Guard play, especially Left Guard let us down.

Comments?

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