The difference between the Baltimore Ravens offensive line in 2013 compared to 2014 was night and day. After an abysmal season-long struggle in 2013, the five-man unit showed no weak spot last season en route to becoming one of the NFL’s premier blocking units.
But one of the many reasons why the Ravens sit at 0-3 in 2015 is due to the regressed play of the offensive line as a whole. Ricky Wagner‘s regression has been a concern, and Eugene Monroe‘s inability to return from a concussion (seriously, three missed games because of a concussion?) has led to the overmatched James Hurst being inserted into the starting lineup.
Another cause for concern has been the slow start of left guard Kelechi Osemele, who – in a contract year – was expected to take a major step forward this season and solidify his title as one of the league’s most promising young offensive guards.
Alas, almost a month into the season, Osemele has done little to aid the offense, and has yet to make his case for a big payday in free agency next year.
In what aspects dose Osemele seem to be struggling?
So far, Osemele has shown inconsistent leverage in the run game. His immense strength has been neutralized by the fact that the opposition has overmatched him in positioning.
Here against the Denver Broncos, Osemele overextends and allows the defender to get the upper hand on a swim move.
The poor start to the play makes it impossible for Osemele to recover, and the defensive lineman easily slips past.
Before the running back even receives the handoff, Osemele’s blocking assignment is in the backfield in position to make a play.
While the rest of the offensive line blocks well, Osemele’s man singlehandedly trips up the running back to halt the play before it hardly even begins.
Typically a “road grader” as a run blocker, Osemele has allowed defenders to blow up run plays much too often this season.
In pass protection, he has been just as ineffective.
[Related: See FILMSTUDY’s OL Grades by Game]
Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Osemele struggled mightily against defensive lineman Geno Atkins, who had his way with the Ravens guard on multiple occasions.
Here, Osemele begins the play with quality positioning on Atkins.
He properly distributes his weight so that he does not reach out toward Atkins, but rather lets the defender come to him. This can help Osemele counteract Atkins’ strength.
However, despite a quality start to the play, Osemele allows Atkins to get up under his shoulder pads and then rip through for a path to the quarterback.
Osemele recovers in enough time to slightly fend off Atkins, but ultimately the end result is Joe Flacco being rushed from both the interior and edge.
Flacco manages to get the throw off, but this is not ideal protection.
And then there is the infamous late-game mishap by Osemele from Sunday’s loss.
Facing fourth down, Flacco completed a pass to move the chains and continue a potential game-winning drive.
But a penalty on Osemele doomed the Ravens’ hopes.
Osemele is left by himself on the inside to take on two rushing Bengals, but luckily he has Justin Forsett to seal off whichever rusher Osemele cannot block.
An overambitious Osemele decides to take on both blockers, perhaps forgetting that he has Forsett behind him.
This forces Osemele to hold onto the inside rusher longer than needed.
Osemele could have let the inside rusher free prior to this point, as Forsett is in prime position to take him on.
However, Osemele makes a boneheaded play as he blatantly warrants a facemask call.
This drive-killing mishap by Osemele is one of many uncharacteristic struggles displayed by the fourth-year pro this season.
After a productive, healthy 2014 campaign, Osemele looks like a completely different player, and not for the better.
The offensive line as a whole must improve, especially in run blocking, and Osemele is one lineman who has work to do.
