Fansided

NFL Preview: Best and worst teams at each position

By Luke Dahlgren

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) shakes hands with Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) during pre game warmups against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) shakes hands with Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) during pre game warmups against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in game action against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in game action against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line

Best: Dallas Cowboys

The 2014 Dallas Cowboys offensive line had a legitimate case for consideration as league MVP. Proficient in both pass and run blocking, they allowed workhorse back DeMarco Murray to claim a rushing title while protecting Tony Romo and Dallas’ long-developing passing game all season long.

The 2015 Dallas Cowboys offensive line is the same starting five, only a year older. The quintet of Tyron Smith, Ronald Leary, Travis Frederick, Zach Martin and Doug Free return healthy and represent the team’s best assets to help the franchise repeat as NFC East champions.

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive lineman Greg Robinson (79) and guard Rodger Saffold (76) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive lineman Greg Robinson (79) and guard Rodger Saffold (76) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Worst: St. Louis Rams

This is perhaps the most tragic instance of a poor offensive line in the NFL.

After spending so many resources in order to improve the line over the course of ten years, from Greg Robinson to Jason Smith to Alex Barron, the Rams were left with a unit that couldn’t keep the fragile Sam Bradford intact and failed to create much room in the running game.

Now they have the talented, but not-so-durable, Todd Gurley III likely penciled in as the eventual starter, and they just traded Bradford away for a quarterback that cannot execute an offense properly under even the most timid of pressure. When Nick Foles was a success in Philadelphia, it was with the aid of LeSean McCoy and one of the best lines in football. The line was injured in 2014, and Foles was inconsistent.

Rodger Saffold is a quality guard, and maybe Robinson will improve in year two. But otherwise it will be a long season for the Rams’ offense.

Next: Defensive Line

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