Is BIGGER, Better Along O-Line for Colts Run Game?

Previously, we analyzed whether “Bigger is Better” for the Indianapolis Colts run defense. However, we’ll now shift our focus to the other side of the football along the Colts offensive line.

Oftentimes, many league observers associate being bigger along the offensive line as being better in rushing the football. Theoretically, bigger offensive lineman are better able to “push the pile” and create holes “vertically” for running backs, whereas smaller offensive lineman are more adept at sliding their feet “horizontally” and thus, excel more in pass blocking.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Zurlon Tipton (37) runs the ball as center Khaled Holmes (62) blocks against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As you may recall, during the “Peyton Manning era” of Colts football, the Colts would typically sign and draft smaller offensive lineman because they preferred pass blockers over road graders under General Manager Bill Polian. Fair or unfair, that was their preference in ensuring the protection of their franchise player in Manning in order to feature a prolific passing attack.

While there’s probably some initial truth to the theory, we wanted to take a more in-depth look to see if being bigger along the offensive line actually correlates to being better in rushing the football. For the purpose of this analysis, we calculated the total weight of every starting offensive line last season from heaviest to lightest in pounds, and then looked at the corresponding rank in rushing yards per game to see if there was a direct relationship:

What we discovered, was that there was no direct positive correlation indicating that “bigger is better” along the offensive line as it relates to superior run blocking. For instance, consider the Top 5 heaviest offensive lines last season and how they fared respectively in run blocking:

It doesn’t exactly present a compelling case that bigger offensive lines typically fare better in run blocking. 4 of the 5 heaviest offensive lines of last season were ranked 20 or lower, and only 1 of the 5 heaviest offensive lines in the San Francisco 49ers was among the best run blocking offensive lines in football. In fact, the second heaviest offensive line in the Buffalo Bills was actually the worst run blocking offensive line in all of football at 77.5 rush yards per game.

Clearly, there are other factors at play here. Having an elite running back like a Marshawn Lynch certainly helps, as does having a competent quarterback who can help keep a run defense honest with their ability to throw. However, simply being bigger along the offensive line clearly isn’t enough:

From above, the Seattle Seahawks were actually the league’s best running team last season at 172.6 yards per game, but were actually the 24th lightest along the offensive line.

While their intentions are good, those calling for the Colts to get bigger along the team’s offensive line may be a bit misinformed. It’s not so much about adding size, as it is finding competent offensive lineman who are exceptional run blockers no matter what in their overall skill-set, much like anything else.

Perhaps most importantly, the Colts have done themselves a major service this offseason by signing highly regarded veteran Frank Gore, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in 8 of his 10 seasons in the NFL. The longtime member of the San Francisco 49ers should help to solidify a Colts backfield that has really lacked a featured workhorse in recent seasons.

However, the success of the Colts ground game could also highly depend on whether Gosder Cherilus can come back fully healthy at right tackle, and the winner of the starting center battle between Jonotthan Harrison and Khaled Holmes. It’s not so much based on their respective weights, as it is about each one of their skill-sets in run blocking and their overall cohesion along the Colts offensive line.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) reacts against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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