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.@saints O-Line and their downfield blocks on their perimeter game was the best I saw in week 1. Like a championship episode of “Bowling for Dollars” #WhoDat #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/BCcqoYnXxT
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 16, 2020
Nobody cuts a better highlight reel than Brian Baldinger. The veteran NFL analyst spent a dozen years in the league before taking a turn into broadcasting with NFL Network, and now he spends his spare time poring over game tape to talk up underrated players and units after each week’s slate of games.
On Wednesday, Baldinger turned his attention to the New Orleans Saints offensive line. While they had a few miscues against a talented Tampa Bay Buccaneers front (and while missing first-round draft pick Cesar Ruiz, expected to start at right guard), Baldinger took time to explain just how special the big men up front in New Orleans can be.
“The execution by the offensive line out on the perimeter, down the field, on this touchdown run, you can’t do it any better. They did it on most of the big plays they had,” Baldinger said, pointing out key blocks by left guard Andrus Peat and center Erik McCoy.
He then pointed out a series of blocks in space by Peat, McCoy, and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk on a screen pass to wide receiver Deonte Harris. The blockers did their jobs and cleared a lane for a 17-yard gain.
“It’s like ‘Bowling for Dollars,'” Baldinger said. “I mean this group, moving this well downfield? Give ’em a game ball, for crying out loud.”
Improving their ability to throw blocks away from the line of scrimmage was a point of emphasis for the Saints this offseason. They picked Ruiz and released three-time Pro Bowl alternate Larry Warford aiming to get more athletic up front, and on paper they have one of the fastest offensive lines you’ll see in the NFL.
That agility is critical for blockers getting to their spots on time to spring Harris or Alvin Kamara free into the open field, gaining chunks of yardage, and we should see more of it once everyone is healthy and practicing together. These early highlights from Baldinger are a proof-of-concept; here’s hoping Ruiz can get on the field soon so we can see the full picture.
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