2018 Arizona Cardinals offensive line led NFL in one scary stat
By Avery Duncan
The 2018 Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line rarely allowed Josh Rosen to scan the field cleanly.
Per NFL analyst Ben Fennell via Twitter, the Arizona Cardinals led the NFL in sacks allowed within 2.5 seconds during the 2018 season with 17.
Josen Rosen was sacked 17 times in under 2.5 seconds - most in NFL...
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 23, 2019
17 sacks essentially before you can 5-step with a hitch... Holy moly
So what does this number mean? Well, 17 sacks allowed under 2.5 seconds proves that the line simply didn’t give Josh Rosen the opportunity he deserves.
Last season’s offensive line was one of constant change. Injuries stuck across the board forced the Cardinals to change the lineup in to just survive the season. However, Steve Keim has recognized the need for adding depth to the line by acquiring Marcus Gilbert, J.R. Sweezy, and Max Garcia — a trio that has combined for 206 starts in the NFL. While the three aren’t necessarily known as ‘elite’ talents, they should prove to be solid depth.
The Cardinals will also be getting oft-injured left tackle D.J. Humphries back next season and will switch to an offensive system that prioritizes getting the ball out quickly by running quick-developing routes. They will also likely target both interior line and tackle in the draft.
Ultimately, a stat like the one aforementioned proves one grand thing; giving up on Josh Rosen after one season isn’t the right move. He was surrounded with a hodgepodge of subpar offensive line talent and had to adapt at a rapid pace to new teammates and coaches.
Next. Offensive system tailor-made for Arizona Cardinals wideout. dark
Due to the added depth on the line in free agency and likely the draft, Rosen could have a much better season in 2019 on a line that can allow him some time to think.