Jaguars Offensive Line and Sacks

Depending on who you talk to about the Jacksonville Jaguars, you'll get multiple opinions on the state of their offensive line. There are some that feel it's a big liability in the passing game while others think it's perfectly fine and getting better (me). You'll be hard pressed to find someone who'll argue against the line's rush blocking prowess, however.

Over all, the Jaguars allowed 38 sacks in 2011, four less than in 2010. So who gave up how many sacks?

According to STATS, Inc., the offensive lineman who gave up the most sacks was left tackle Eugene Monroe with 6.5 sacks allowed. While some will bellow about his inconsistency and his lack of pression, it's worth noting he had a game he gave up 2 sacks to Trent Cole. Overall that day, he played poorly. Monroe was also called for 4 false starts and 3 holding calls, both up from his rookie season. I wouldn't think it a growing concern, however. In the AFC South, Monroe gets to face some of the NFL's best pass rushers in 6 of the 16 games. Against Dwight Freeney, Mario Williams, and Jason Babin, Monroe gave up only 0.5 sacks combined in the 6 games in 2010.

After Monroe, Jaguars guard Uche Nwaneri gave up the most sacks with 3.5 allowed, up from 1.5 in 2009. Nwaneri was called for just a single false start, but overall his play was up to par with what it's been. Jaguars right tackle, Eben Britton gave up 3.0 sacks in just 7 games before he went down with an injury. In 2009, his rookie year, Britton gave up 5.0 sacks in 15 games. While the trend in 2010 would lead to believe Britton would have given up more sacks in 2010 than 2009, I'd attribute that to the fact that he went through the entire pre-season and first half of the year with nagging leg injuries before going down with his shoulder.

Back on the interior, center Brad Meester gave up just 1.5 sacks but was called for holding 2 times and for 1 false start. Meester is on the "ageless wonder" kick, and I keep wondering when his play is going to just fall off a cliff. I expect him back in 2011, but I'm weary if he'll remain the starter the entire season. At the other interior spot, guard Vince Manuwai gave up just 1 sack and was called for 1 false start in his 11 starts. The starter prior to Manuwai, Justin Smiley, gave up 2 sacks in his 5 starts and was called for 3 false starts and a single holding call.

I was unable to find information for Jordan Black, because he's not on a roster and not listed. Guy Whimper and Kevin Haslam both gave up 1 sack in their respective mop up duties.

Not accounting for Jordan Black, that's 19.5 of the 38 total sacks the Jaguars had in 2010. I'd guess Black gave up 3-5 sacks at the right tackle spot, so we'll say 22.5 of the 38 (60%) total sacks. The other 15.5 sacks are unaccounted for. I assume these are the result of scrambles netting a loss of yardage, scrambles out of bounds for a loss, quarterbacks holding the ball, and/or running backs/tightends allowing a few sacks.

Even I was a bit surprised that the sacks attributed to the offensive lineman was only about 60%, despite how often I complain David Garrard tends to hold on to the ball.