Offensive line continuity can often prove a hidden element in offenses veering from projections once the regular season gets underway. The 49ers offense clicked into gear under Kyle Shanahan while carrying max offensive-line continuity into their NFC title run, while the Rams’ setback under Sean McVay coincided with turning over multiple starters for the first time in years.
Over the years I’ve written about the increasing emphasis on offensive line continuity, how critical it is to maintain it, the challenge of finding stability.
How do I define an incumbent? He needs to be the projected Week 1 starter who took the majority of snaps for the same team in the season prior, or entered as the team’s Week 1 starter in the previous season. This has produced significant correlation in offensive metrics detailed in those studies linked above, including with individual rushers, Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade, and total offense.
You can win without offensive line continuity, but many of our league-winning performances occur as a result. The OL Continuity Project will help you make those tough decisions during your final drafts and help you profit in trades over this last week of the preseason.
