NFC North: Offensive Line Rankings

To rank the offensive lines in the NFC North, I am simply looking at the stats from the previous year (rush totals and sacks given up) and the players. If a team kept each player on the line and added decent players through the draft, it will effect the ranking. I was a little shocked when I pulled up the stats of the NFC offensive lines.

1. Detroit Lions- The Lions had ranked 4th overall in sacks allowed (27), which far exceeds any team in the North. In total rushing yards, the Lions snuggle between the Bears and the Packers with 1,613 yards. The Detroit Lions starting offensive linemen are returning with the leadership of Dominic Raiola, making the Lions the top line in the North. One would think that with the injuries of the Lions quarterbacks, this offensive line doesn't deserve the top ranking. In my opinion, it is not always the offensive lines fault and a quarterback like Matt Stafford should be benefiting from the play of this offensive line.

2. Minnesota Vikings- Though the Vikings are aging, they still play exceptionally well. The Vikings didn't benefit from having a very immobile quarterback in Brett Favre last season as this didn't help them in the sack category (36). The offensive line of the Vikings helped rush for 1,942 yards and 16 touchdowns, which was the most in the NFC North. Of course, any current offensive line in the NFC North can do that with the help of Adrian Peterson. The Vikings are returning all of their offensive linemen and Steve Hutchinson and crew will benefit a little more this season with the addition (and mobility) of Donovan McNabb. Bryant McKinnie is one player that can be seen as a question mark with his mediocre play each season

3. Green Bay Packers- For the past couple of seasons, the Packers offensive line has been a shuffling game. Moving guys from position to position, the line was never concrete. Last season the Packers were able to settle rookie, Bryan Bulaga in at RT as the rest of the line stayed in tact. This season the Packers are working through camp to see which player (Lang, McDonald, and Sherrod) will take over at LG after the departure of Daryn Colledge. The Packers offensive line gave up 38 sacks and had an NFC North low of 1,606 total rushing. If the Packers can fill the question mark at LG and keep Chad Clifton healthy the entire season, they will undoubtedly have a better season.

4. Chicago Bears- The Bears offensive line had the highest amount of sacks given up last year in the entire league with 56. They ranked 9th in the NFC with 1,616 rushing yards. With the terrible pass protection and the numerous question marks along the offensive line, the Bears stand last. The recent departure of Olin Kruetz does not help the Bears. He may have been old, but he could block and he was an anchor of the entire team. The newest addition to the Bears, Gabe Carimi, has a lot riding on his shoulders. The good thing is he is good enough to carry the heavy load and will be a staple in the Bears offensive line for years to come.