Depending on the source, the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line is either terrible or solid. They did give up 50 sacks but the running game was one of the best in the league.
However, despite the notably bad sack numbers, the Cardinals and one of their linemen come up big in an important pass-blocking metric.
ESPN created a stat about pass blocking called “pass block win rate,” or how often a line or a player sustains blocks for at least 2.5 seconds.
According to ESPN, the Cardinals’ line as a unit was No. 10 in the league, sustaining blocks for at least 2.5 seconds 62% of the time. The Green Bay Packers were No. 1 at 72%.
Individually, center A.Q. Shipley had a great year in pass blocking. He ranked fifth among centers in the league with a pass block win rate of 96%.
With a mobile quarterback in Kyler Murray, many of those 50 sacks came from him holding onto the ball too long. His mobility also avoided many sacks, but this stat does make something clear.
The offensive line was not nearly as bad as many believe it was and it is for this reason the team is actively trying to bring back Shipley and left tackle D.J. Humphries. This year’s successes are something to build upon.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 254
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Ep. 253:
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