One of the big topics of discussion surrounding the Seahawks in the lead-up to Thursday’s preseason finale against Oakland — indeed a huge subject throughout training camp and the preseason — is the offensive line. Seattle’s offensive line was considered one of the team’s weaker units last season, and now pro-bowl center Max Unger is in New Orleans, replaced by a guy (Drew Nowak) who was a practice squad member last season and a defensive tackle three years ago.
Indeed, Seattle’s projected starting five of Nowak, guards J.R. Sweezy and Justin Britt, and tackles Russell Okung and Garry Gilliam is light on experience — only Okung and Sweezy have started an NFL game at their current position. That’s all part of Seattle’s gamble that it could give big contracts to the likes of Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner and save cap room on the offensive line — other than Okung, the other four projected starters have a combined salary cap hit of just over $3 million this season, according to OverTheCap.com.
That lack of experience doesn’t seem to concern Seahawks assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tom Cable, who said Tuesday: “I think this might be, before it’s all said and done, the best group I’ve had.” In the wake of Cable’s comments, Sportspress’ Art Thiel took more of the skeptic’s view.
But is Seattle a team built to overcome offensive line issues? My fellow newcomer to the Seahawks beat, ESPN.com’s Sheil Kapadia, posted some interesting statistics that suggests that may be the case. Marshawn Lynch’s physical running style would seem to require less in the way of gaping holes, while Wilson’s escapability often turns unblocked pass rushers into the catalyst for backbreaking improvised plays.
Teams tend not to play their starters much in their final preseason game. They’d rather not risk injury to their key guys, as well as give those fighting for the last roster spots ample opportunity to prove themselves. But if there’s a first-team unit that may see extended time Thursday it’s probably the offensive line. With so much inexperience, they may need all the reps they can get.
—- UPDATE, 5 p.m.
West coast office hours have come and gone, and there’s been no movement by the #Seahawks with regards to RB Fred Jackson.
— Nick Patterson (@NickHPatterson) September 3, 2015
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