Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line, once touted as the best unit coach Frank Pollack has worked with in his five seasons, has faced stark criticism as the team heads into the offseason. Pollack himself emphasized the importance of results over potential, stating that the team’s performance at the end of the year is what truly matters.
As the season closed on Saturday with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pro Football Focus rated the Bengals’ offensive line as the third worst in the NFL. Right guard Alex Cappa, brought in through free agency with high hopes, has struggled significantly. During a recent victory against the Denver Broncos, Cappa allowed six pressures and two sacks, resulting in the lowest pass-blocking grade of the week at 10.1. His overall pass-blocking mark of 39.7 further highlights his below-par performances in comparison to his peers.
Cordell Volson, who typically plays right guard, also saw disappointing results, with a pass-blocking score of 49.4. Among the front line, center Ted Karras provided a glimmer of hope, achieving a grade of 78, ranking him among the top six centers in the league. Left tackle Orlando Brown, Jr., and rookie right tackle Amarius Mims also struggled, achieving scores that suggested backup status rather than starting caliber.
Despite quarterback Joe Burrow enjoying the best season of his career, he bore the brunt of the offensive line’s difficulties, suffering 48 sacks throughout the year, including multiple instances in decisive games. Comparatively, the Bengals’ offensive lines in previous seasons have not fared well either, marking a continuing trend of underperformance under Pollack’s direction.
It seems evident that the offensive line needs significant restructuring, and the responsibility may lie with Pollack, who has not managed to elevate the team’s performance adequately. As the Bengals look toward the future, there’s hope that necessary changes can be enacted to strengthen the offensive line and better protect their talented quarterback.
In summary, while the Bengals have ample talent, their offensive line has struggled drastically this season, prompting discussions about potential coaching changes. With a renewed focus on performance and adaptation, fans can remain hopeful that future adjustments will lead to improved results on the field.