With theofficial ratings now released, I am continuing theMadden 21Analytics series. This article covers the offensive line situations of each team.In order to rank the teams I collected the pass and run blocking rating of each projected starter across the line. I then developed a unit score for both blocking types, and then turned that into a total score to rank the lines.
Madden 21 Analytics
Best Situations
Eagles: The Eagles are becoming a common sight at the top of these lists. When it comes to the offensive line, there is not a better one in the league as the Eagles are the top-rated run and pass blocking offensive line. The injury to Brandon Brooks (93 OVR) will only impact you if your franchise starts with pre-existing injuries on. Recently signed guard Jason Peters can be used to fill the opposite side guard hole making the Eagles easily the best line.
Cowboys: Usually the Cowboys are in the running for the top offensive line, however, the retirement of All-Pro center Travis Frederick was a blow to the unit. Even with Frederick gone the Cowboys are not without stars across the line. Guard Zach Martin is the highest-rated offensive lineman in the game at 98 OVR and left tackle Tyron Smith (91 OVR) is still a top-five tackle.
Colts: Indianapolis has been an offensive line on the rise over the last few years. Anchored by All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson (94 OVR), this line has a lot of youth across it. Outside of Nelson, center Ryan Kelly (85 OVR) and right tackle Braden Smith (82 OVR) are two young guys who look to make a big jump throughout this cycle.
Raiders: Gruden set out to win the trenches with the Raiders and it appears he’s assembled the right personnel to do it offensively. Whereas the Colts were a young line, the Raiders offensive line is loaded with veterans. Rodney Hudson (93 OVR) and Richie Incognito (90 OVR) anchor the inside of this line, while former Patriot Trent Brown (87 OVR) holds down the right tackle spot.
Patriots: The Patriots, for the first time in two decades, will have a new quarterback under center as Cam Newton takes the reins. In good news for Newton, the Patriots will put one of the top offensive lines in the league out in front of him. Not highlighted by a bunch of stars like other teams in this group, the Patriots made the top five on the back of consistency across the line.
Joe Burrow will struggle to stay upright behind Cincinnati’s line
Worst Situations
Vikings: The Vikings have struggled for a while now to correct the issues upfront but unfortunately for Kirk Cousins, it doesn’t appear they have. All hope is not lost though as second-year center Garrett Bradbury (75 OVR) shows some promise in terms of long term development.
Lions: While the Vikings haven’t quite figured it out, the Lions made some moves this offseason to try and improve their line, but Madden didn’t appear to appreciate those moves. Right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai was added this offseason on a five year $45 million dollar contract, however, he was still rated just a 67 OVR. The Lion’s offensive line isn’t just bad, it’s bad and expensive.
Seahawks: It seems since quarterback Russell Wilson entered the league that the Seattle Seahawks have put sub-par offensive lines in front of him. This year the line is pretty awful, however, they do have a quality left tackle in veteran Duane Brown. If you are Seattle, you have to put a better line in front of Wilson don’t you?
Bengals: There are high expectations of first overall pick Joe Burrow in Cincinnati if he can stay upright; that is a big if. With only second-year left tackle Jonah Williams (72 OVR) rated over a 70 OVR, Joe Burrow will need to do his best Russell Wilson impression to find any success this season.
Dolphins: While the first overall quarterback in the draft went to the second-worst offensive line, the second quarterback in the draft went to the worst down in Miami. While Cincinnati only had one player 70 OVR or higher, the Dolphins did manage two guys in left guard Ereck Flowers (73 OVR) and center Ted Karus (70 OVR). Unfortunately for Dolphins owners, Ereck Flowers came with a three year $30 million dollar price tag in free agency this year.
