Saints Offensive Line Disrespected in PFF Rankings
From 2017-2020, the New Orleans Saints owned perhaps the most dominant offensive line in football. The Saints provided exemplary pass protection for QB Drew Brees, often silencing even the league's top pass rushers. They also plowed through NFL defenses to open holes for their running attack and short passing game.
New Orleans was able to bully opponents because of that offensive line. It was a very underrated aspect of four straight division championship teams. Injuries have battered the unit over the last two years, testing depth quality and handcuffing an offense already limited at the skill positions.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) is blocked by New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz (51). Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-Arizona Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK
In an article for Pro Football Focus on June 13, writer Sam Monson ranks that site's offensive lines from 1-32 entering the NFL season.
In no surprise, PFF ranked the Philadelphia Eagles at the top spot. The formidable units from the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens also hold top-5 spots.
Incredibly, Monson and PFF have the New Orleans Saints ranked at Number 24. Here's what Monson had to say about where the Saints were placed.
24. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (UP 5 Spots)
Projected Starting Lineup
LT Trevor Penning
LG Andrus Peat
C Erik McCoy
RG Cesar Ruiz
RT Ryan Ramczyk
- Rookie Trevor Penning got his first start at left tackle in the final game of his rookie year; now he needs to step in and be an upgrade over the solid James Hurst in his second season.
- The Saints will be another line operating with a very different quarterback situation as Derek Carr comes in to offer his influence under center.
Best Player: Ryan Ramczyk
- It wasn’t his best season, but Ryan Ramczyk was still the class of this line in 2022. He allowed three sacks and 20 total pressures over the year and was by far the team's best run blocker.
New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Ludicrous, Laughable, Disrespectful, or All Three?
There's certainly no doubting that the New Orleans line didn't have their best outing in 2022 after an injury-ravaged campaign in 2021. The Saints ranked just 19th in total offense after coming in at 28th the year before. New Orleans quarterbacks were sacked 38 times and the team was just 19th in rushing, with their average of 4.3 per carry ranking 22nd.
Injuries again played a major factor. First-round pick Trevor Penning missed the first 11 games of the year. Star RT Ryan Ramczyk didn't miss any games, but dealt with knee issues all season. Center Erik McCoy missed four games, G Cesar Ruiz three, and oft-injured G Andrus Peat was sidelined for six contests.
Despite the injuries and overlooked by PFF, the offensive line flexed their muscle at times last season. The Saints rushed for over 200 yards against respected defenses Seattle and Cincinnati early in the year. Over the last four games, they averaged 140 yards on the ground. The formidable pass rushes of San Francisco, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh managed a combined three sacks against Saints pass protection.
McCoy, who was individually disrespected in the PFF center rankings (15th), is one of the league's most well-rounded players at the position. Ruiz is coming off the best campaign of his three-year career and was in reality the team’s best run blocker.
New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (78) blocks for New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram II (14) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
Knee injuries have slowed Ramczyk, but he's still one of the most respected tackles in the league. While it's difficult to count on Peat's presence in the lineup, he's still a three-time Pro Bowler and a mauler as a run blocker. Reliable veteran James Hurst filled in capably at left tackle last season and is a versatile performer across the line.
Other than health, an almost equally critical factor for this line is the development of Trevor Penning. Penciled in as the starter at left tackle, Penning must immediately show why the Saints invested so highly in him. If he pans out, that allows Hurst to slide inside if needed, where he's more suited.
The Saints have experienced starting depth in G Calvin Throckmorton, T Landon Young, and brought in more experience by signing T Storm Norton. They also spent a fourth-round draft choice on G/T Nick Saldiveri, who some project could be a starter in 2024.
Individually, this team has as much talent as any team up front. Ramczyk, Penning, Ruiz, and Peat are all former first-round picks, with McCoy being a second-rounder. They're also coached by Doug Marrone, one of the most respected offensive line coaches in the NFL.
As a unit, they have proven to be stout in pass protection. They're also a highly physical crew in the running game, with the athleticism to get outside or to the second level of a defense to spring big gains.
The New Orleans offensive line may have been swept under the rug by PFF and other national publications. However, if healthy, this unit has shown that they will dominate opponents. For a Saints team that aggressively added a new quarterback and depth at the skill positions, this line could be the key to an explosive season.
