Top 5 NFL offensive lines of Week 16 – Holiday edition: AFC-NFC surprises, and the gift that keeps on giving

From the Ravens and Patriots to the Eagles and Cardinals, here were the top 5 offensive line performances for a wild NFL Week 16.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

There’s so much attention given to the Dallas offense and Jerry and Jason, the Star on the helmet, the field, whatever, that people forget just how great the defense is this year—top 10 against the run and the pass!

And with the Eagles’ offense banged up with injuries—including on the line—the expectation was that Dallas would be able to squash the “Urban Meyer” rumors for at least the flight home after a win in Philly.

Didn’t happen, though, with the Eagles putting together a solid offensive effort complemented by a strong defense. Carson Wentz had protection against an aggressive Cowboys’ front that allowed him to pick on the secondary. He finished the day 31-of-40 for 319 and one touchdown, while only getting sacked once. As I’ve said, sacks don’t necessarily mean much when considering an offensive line’s greatness. But when your main running back is out, chances are the defense is going to be more comfortable blitzing like a madman—ironically, like a Jim Schwartz. So kudos to the Eagles’ front…who also did an excellent job opening the running lanes during the most critical (and run-expected) moments of the game, too:

Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Jason Peters, Isaac Seumalo, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai: The NFC East is an unknown Bouncy Castle and you guys helped inflate it!