When you have a franchise quarterback, it behooves you to do everything possible to protect him. The Chargers unquestionably have That Guy in Justin Herbert, but in Herbert’s rookie season, per Pro Football Focus, he was pressured on 239 of his 653 dropbacks — only Russell Wilson was pressured more often.
Center Dan Feeney was definitely part of the problem — in 729 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed four sacks, five quarterback hits, and 24 quarterback hurries. That tied him with Connor McGovern of the Jets for the most total pressures (33) allowed by any center. Now, with a five-year, $62.5 million deal given to former Packers center Corey Linsley (which, per Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, makes Linsley the league’s highest-paid center), the Chargers go from the bottom of the barrel to the NFL’s penthouse at the position. Linsley allowed just four total pressures last season on 437 pass-blocking snaps — the lowest pressure total in the NFL.
Linsley is coming off one of his best seasons as a professional, as he allowed just a single sack during the regular season, back in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was at times dominant as a run blocker, helping pave the way for the Packers talented stable of running backs. In terms of pass protection, according to charting data from Pro Football Focus he allowed just a pair of quarterback hits this past regular season, both of which came against the Chicago Bears in Week 17 (that is in addition to the sack allowed in Week 10 to the Jaguars).
This play against the Detroit Lions highlights what he offers in terms of pass protection:
After delivering the shotgun snap Linsley slides to the outside to meet the threat of the slanting defensive tackle. While the DT has a buildup of speed on his pass-rushing attempt, Linsley is able to control the defender and keep the pocket clean for Aaron Rodgers, giving his QB time to hit on a downfield throw. Linsley made Rodgers very happy for a long time, and he’ll do the same for Herbert.