Cardinals’ O-line ranked in top half of NFL by PFF
Historically, it has felt like the Arizona Cardinals have had a struggling offensive line. It felt like that over the last few games. However, according to Pro Football Focus, looking at the entirety of the 2020 season, the Cardinals’ offensive line was one of the better units in the league.
In their final offensive line rankings, the Cardinals came in at No. 12 overall.
The Cardinals had their share of issues along the interior of their offensive line, but considering where this group was coming from back in the 2018 season — one of the worst offensive lines in recent memory — a 12th-place finish here doesn’t look all that bad.
The tackle duo of D.J. Humphries at left tackle and Kelvin Beachum on the right side held up well in pass protection throughout the year, with both players recording pass-blocking grades north of 75.0. In particular, Humphries justified the big extension the Cardinals gave him this offseason with an 88.3 overall grade that paired the improvement he showed in pass protection in 2019 with the stronger run blocking that he showcased earlier in his career. He joined Trent Williams as one of two left tackles to post a run-blocking grade above 90.0 this season (90.9).
Humphries and Beachum were fantastic. In fact, Humphries rewarded the Cardinals for his contract and arguably should have been a Pro Bowler. He took the next step in his development.
Beachum ended up being a stellar signing, especially since Marcus Gilbert decided to opt out of the season. Having played left tackle more or less his entire career, he made the transition to the right side.
PFF notes the issues on the interior. Mason Cole’s play deteriorated late in the year. Justin Pugh was fine most of the season. J.R Sweezy ended up getting benched in favor of Justin Murray.
They have Josh Jones in waiting at right tackle and questions on the interior, but what helps is the fact that quarterback Kyler Murray, now that he is better at making quicker decisions, helps any line that protects him.
Offensive line coach Sean Kugler has done great work with the line. There is still more to do.
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