Offensive linemen in the NFL rarely get any respect amongst the common
fan. They are critically important to any team, but because their
contributions can't be seen on a stat sheet, nor can they generate
points in fantasy football, a lineman can often play very well and no
one will notice. Fans often ignore the position entirely until someone
in a game does something wrong. In that moment, be it a sack
surrendered or a false start, the average fan will only remember the
player for their error, oblivious to how they played the rest of the
game.
And so it is ironic that a player who is dominating his position is
often completely ignored. With no penalties to get his name read aloud,
and no sacks to speak of, players that are playing as well as the best
at their position, players like Ryan Clady, can fall by the media wayside.
Thankfully some are noticing. While the more general sports media
outlets either haven't noticed, like ESPN, or seem determined to draw
attention to other, less-deserving players like NFL Network, Clady's
play is beginning to get chatter.
Pro Football Weekly has been keeping tabs on the Boise state product since the beginning of the season as they track potential Rookie of the Year candidates and their odds to win the award. In their latest article, they ranked Clady as the fourth best rookie in their running. His ability to consistently shut down premiere pass rushers like Joey Porter or more recently John Abraham.
Football Insiders has also taken notice. In a recent article by Doug Farrar, Clady's play and skill is analyzed play by play. Farrar lauds Clady for his athleticism and surprising strength, and especially his ability to adjust against changes the defense throws at him. The article gets particularly interesting as the offensive tackle overwhelms his opponents and their furstration begins to become apparent in their playstyle.
Ryan Clady has yet to allow a full sack (he as allowed 1/2 of a sack) all season. That alone is impressive, but when the circumstance of the team is considered, it becomes unbelievable. The Broncos are third in the league in pass attempts per game at 36 (three teams are tied for second at 38, and the saints are first). The Broncos defense is toward the bottom of the league in every major category this year. Denver has been behind at the half of most games more than they've been ahead. This means not only is Denver passing more, they are passing more when the defense knows they are going to be passing more. This means defenses can tee off, knowing a run isn't going to come. That eliminates some of the hesitation that other teams with a lead and/or a legitimate run game (something else the Broncos haven't had) face when they line up. This means that Clady has had to play in more high pressure situations where the circumstance favors the defense. In the face of all this he has domianted.
Remember, this is a man who came out as a junior and was expected to need some grooming before he would reach his potential.
Somehow this has all gone completely unnoticed to the media and general football-watching public. Perhaps you could cite the general disregard for linemen by the media and fans. The NFL Network is at least appearing to care about linemen, but they have been propping up the wrong guy. They have twice nominated offensive tackle Jake Long for player of the week. Long has played well and certainly deserves some props for his solid play, but he is light years behind Clady. Why Long continues to appear on the ballot is a mystery. When they list stats like his surrendering two sacks as part of why he deserves the honor that particular week, it makes his nomination appear arbitrary, as though they need to make sure the first overall pick appears to be a hit. The Dolphins have allowed more than double the sacks that the Broncos have this season. Long has yet to win the award, but recent pro-bowl fan voting shows Long in the lead for the AFC. Clady has yet to make the top five for his position, despite out playing every other tackle in the AFC. Preception is reality.
Perhaps if Clady had gone number one overall he would be getting more hype. Certainly if the draft was redone their respective positions would be reversed, and Clady would be a lock in the top five. Maybe if he played on an east coast team he would get the credit for his wins. Whatvever the reason, a select few, people that know football, are beginning to notice that the most consistent and dominating player in the draft this year is the young wonder out of Boise State. Here's to hoping they do their part to spread the word.
