2005 preview: Offensive line
More Carter: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB
Chemistry is crucial along the offensive line – really knowing the guy next to you and understanding what he's thinking. That's the type of cohesiveness you need to succeed in the NFL.
Everyone judges the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and defenses this time of year, but if you really want to see who is going to be the next Super Bowl champion, you should be looking at who has the best offensive line.
Best in the business: Jonathan Ogden
You can match him against anyone. He can go up against power people. He can go up against speed rushers. He's great on pass plays, and he's great on run plays. The eight-time Pro Bowler allows the Baltimore Ravens to do so many things offensively. The Ravens don't have a great line, but having Ogden on the field makes their line so much better. He is the consummate left tackle.
I don't like to get into Hall of Fame discussions about linemen – it's very difficult to determine who does or doesn't belong in Canton – but Ogden is very good. Now, is he Anthony Munoz? I don't think he is, but he is very good.
Most underrated: New England Patriots' offensive line
They're going to miss guard Joe Andruzzi, who signed with Cleveland, but the Patriots are starting to have issues just like every other team.
One piece of the O-line that I thought they would definitely miss was Damien Woody, who left for Detroit via free agency last year. I thought there was no way New England could make a Super Bowl run without him, but the Patriots managed to win another championship.
That's just an indication of the coaching ability in New England. The Patriots are able to fill holes with guys who aren't household names. They're doing a great job.
Most overrated: Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan
The Philadelphia Eagles' starting tackles are very good players, but for some reason, the Eagles are unable to run the ball consistently. Last year, they ranked 24th in the league at 102.4 yards a game.
Philadelphia's line overall isn't bad. But Thomas and Runyan make a combined $6 million. If you're spending that much on a pair of bookends, you should be able to run the football.
Ready to break through: Robert Gallery and Bryant McKinnie
Gallery, the Oakland Raiders' second-year right tackle, is definitely a star in the making, not only because he fits the classic Raider image with his long hair but also because, from a technical standpoint, he is very sound. Being a former tight end, Gallery has the athletic ability, too. He can run, and he can play both guard and tackle. His No. 1 asset is his love for the game. Plus he's nasty.
McKinney, the Minnesota Vikings' No. 1 pick in 2002, has struggled at times with his weight and against certain types of rushers. But I know coach Mike Tice was very pleased with what he saw from McKinnie in the Vikings' two playoff games on the road last season. He has high expectations for McKinnie to ascend to that Ogden class of left tackle.
Biggest 2005 guarantee: Pittsburgh Steelers running wild
Just as the sun will rise, the Steelers will run the football thanks to their outstanding offensive line. They ran the ball more than 600 times last season and they will do so again in 2005.
The Steelers' line is much better at pass protecting than people give it credit for, even if it is play-action passing. Still, I think the offense is going to be better than last year when it finished 16th in total yardage (324 yards per game).
