Football Thoughts

7/31/08
Top Five Offensive Linemen
Who ranks as the league's best five linemen in the game today?

5.) Orlando Pace- OT St. Louis Rams
- Need evidence of Pace’s impact on a team? Just look at the 2007 season. When Pace went down Week one against the Panthers, the Rams started their season long struggle, and only ended up with three wins. Ever since being drafted number one overall by the Rams in 1997, Pace has dominated defensive ends and has earned himself seven trips to Hawaii for the pro bowl. The only reason he isn’t ranked higher is due to his recent injuries, but when healthy he is a sure elite tackle. His great combination of strength height and balance makes him a large intimidating force for any defensive player to go up against. Hopefully this season he can remain healthy and return to his normal form.

4.) Shawn Andrews- OG Philadelphia Eagles
- Andrews doesn’t get a lot of attention, but he is silently one of the top guards in the game today. He isn’t exactly the right athlete for guard, but his excellent feet work make up for it, and make him a perfect player to pave the road for the run. He made his first two Pro Bowls in 2006 and 2007, but that should be the first few trips of several. Ever since being drafted number 16 overall in the 2004 Draft by the Eagles, Andrews has improved his game by great amounts to turn himself into a top three guard in the NFL. He has had two injuries in his career, one which made him miss the whole 2004 season, but he had shown last year they have not affected his game.

3.) Steve Hutchinson- OG Minnesota Vikings
- Commonly known as the best offensive guard in football. He was one of the Seahawks first round picks along with Shawn Springs in 2001, and he has dominated the line every situation he has. He broke his leg early into the 2002 season, and many were concerned is he could bounce back, however, he stormed back and gave the Seahawks the label “best left side ” with offensive tackle Walter Jones for the next three seasons. The Vikings used the “poison pill” to get him in the off-season of 2006, and even though he had an off year in that season, he bounced back the next and returned to top guard in the game. He is also a six time pro bowler. He is an absolute beast in the middle, and makes the offensive line ten times better. I’m pretty sure the Seahawks miss having his presence.

2.) Jeff Saturday- C Indianapolis Colts
- A center? Yeah, they’re part of the offensive line too, and there is no better in the league Saturday. Not only is he one of the best blockers, he is one of the smartest as well. Along with quarterback Peyton Manning, Jeff is able to read defenses at the line to create holes and pick apart the opposition. He has been to three straight pro bowls, and even helped the Colts reach the Super Bowl by scoring a touchdown on fumble in the end-zone to defeat the Patriots 38-34 in the AFC Championship game. He is a huge reason for Peyton Manning and the Colts success the past few seasons.

1.) Walter Jones- OT Seattle Seahawks
- Eight pro bowls, seven all pro selections, one dominate offensive lineman. Even though he has suffered from injuries the past two seasons, he has still been better than 95% of the offensive linemen in the league. He has been Matt Hasselbeck’s best friend the past six seasons, and he has proven time after time he is extremely difficult to get by. He did not give up a sack for two and a half seasons until defensive end Osi Umenyiora broke it up in 2005. Age is starting to show, but he is still the league’s best. He will be a sure Hall of Famer, and itis just a thrill every time to watch him do his stuff on game day. If he can avoid nagging injuries this season, another pro bowl will be added to his long list.