While the primary interest in the annual NFL Draft is where the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers end up, everyone should keep a close eye on where the top offensive linemen end up, as well. There's a good chance the teams with the best offensive lines will be the ones playing deep into January.
Sacks allowed isn't entirely a function of offensive line play; offensive system and quarterback are also a large part of that. But looking at the teams that made the playoffs in 2014, or didn't, it's striking how interrelated that status was with team sacks allowed.
The table below shows team sacks allowed in the 2014 season, sorted by fewest sacks to most sacks. Playoff teams are shown in bold.
SACKS ALLOWED AND PLAYOFFS, 2014 SEASON | |
---|---|
Team | Sacks Allowed |
Denver Broncos | 17 |
Baltimore Ravens | 19 |
Cincinnati Bengals | 23 |
Houston Texans | 26 |
New England Patriots | 26 |
Arizona Cardinals | 28 |
Oakland Raiders | 28 |
Indianapolis Colts | 29 |
Dallas Cowboys | 30 |
Green Bay Packers | 30 |
New Orleans Saints | 30 |
New York Giants | 30 |
Atlanta Falcons | 31 |
Cleveland Browns | 31 |
Philadelphia Eagles | 32 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | 33 |
San Diego Chargers | 37 |
Buffalo Bills | 39 |
Chicago Bears | 41 |
Carolina Panthers | 42 |
Seattle Seahawks | 42 |
Detroit Lions | 45 |
Miami Dolphins | 46 |
New York Jets | 47 |
St. Louis Rams | 47 |
Kansas City Chiefs | 49 |
Tennessee Titans | 50 |
Minnesota Vikings | 51 |
San Francisco 49ers | 52 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 52 |
Washington Redskins | 58 |
Jacksonville Jaguars | 71 |
--Andy Richardson