Pro Football Focus down on Cleveland Browns offensive line
By Joel W. Cade
![BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 11: Guard Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after kicker Travis Coons #6 of the Cleveland Browns kicked an overtime field goal to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 33-30 during a game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 11: Guard Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after kicker Travis Coons #6 of the Cleveland Browns kicked an overtime field goal to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 33-30 during a game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F492295492-850x560-4dba593f0abde7511f09b1e8b77ece05aa03473583af354b166fa826a7376cdd.jpg)
Other factors affect OL rankings?
If offensive line play does not correlate to wins and loses, how much do changes in skill positions affect offensive line statistics? Does excellent play at quarterback, wide receiver, running back, etc affect an offensive line’s efficiency? This would be a fascinating study for the people at PFF to undertake.
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A good wide receiver group can elevate the play of a mediocre quarterback. There are numerous examples of this around the NFL. A good tight end group can elevate the opportunities of the wide receiver group (obviously the Patriots before Rob Gronkowski’s retirement). Even (say it ain’t so!) great quarterback play can elevate all the other units on the field.
Thus, when it comes to ranking one particular unit, that ranking is also affected by the play of all the other units within the offense. Offenses are a symbiotic in that all groups support and affect the others.
Looking at PFF’s rankings again, it will be interesting to cross reference the offensive line’s rank with other position group rankings on the PFF site. Should be interesting to see how a highly ranked offensive line is supported. That is, how does that offensive line’s wide receiver group, quarterback, etc. rank per PFF also? My hunch is there is a correlation there as well.
Unfortunately, those position rankings have yet to be released (as far as I can tell). This will be in interesting question to revisit down the road.