Cardinals' Offensive Line Handled The Pressure

Group allowed hurry probability of only 7.2 percent in 2020, per NextGenStats tracking data

Jun 17, 2021 at 01:37 PM

azcardinals.com

G Justin Pugh (left) and T D.J. Humphries were key parts of limiting pressure in 2020.

Kyler Murray's sack total went way down from 2019 to 2020, but that doesn't always tell the whole story.

It did in this case, as the Cardinals' offensive line was equally adept at limiting pressure.

The Cardinals allowed a team hurry probability of only 7.2 percent last season, per NextGenStats' tracking data, which was the lowest rate in the league. The Browns finished second at 7.4 percent, followed by the Chiefs at 7.6 percent, the Saints at 8.2 percent and the Packers at 8.9 percent.

NextGenStats used a baseline of three seconds for a quarterback to experience pressure, with the league average coming in at 13.2 percent of the time.

Which NFL offensive lines were the best and worst at limiting pressure in 2020?

Using survival analysis, we can estimate the likelihood a QB will be hurried within 3 seconds of a dropback to control for time to throw.

📸 (L): Top 5 | 📸 (R): Bottom 5 pic.twitter.com/iyC3ArRzk5
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) June 17, 2021

The standout mark coincides with ESPN's research, as it said the Cardinals' line was top-3 in the NFL in pass-block win rate last season. Murray was sacked 48 times as a rookie but only 27 times in 2020.

The line could return as many as four starters if Justin Murray wins the right tackle job. The weakest spot last season was center, and Pro Bowler Rodney Hudson was added to fortify it. He was recently named the top center in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.

If the Cardinals' offensive line stays healthy, it could be among the best in the league in 2021.