The Arizona Cardinals’ offense has had an up-and-down season, and Sunday was a perfect example of that. The Cardinals have shown promise in terms of yardage and the ability to move the ball consistently, but they’ve also hurt themselves with penalties and turnovers.
However, one constant has been the bad offensive line play. But on Sunday, that wasn’t the case. Arizona’s offensive line put up its best performance of the season, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett gave them praise for it.
What Did Jacoby Brissett Think Of the Cardinals’ OL Play?
The Cardinals’ offensive line ranks 22nd in the NFL this season, according to PFSN’s Team OL Impact. Arizona’s offensive line is two spots behind the Cardinals offense, which ranks No. 20 in the NFL, according to PFSN’s Offense Impact.
However, the Cardinals’ offensive line played very well on Sunday, allowing Brissett to throw for an NFL regular-season record 47 completions.
Brissett dropped back more than 55 times against the San Francisco 49ers, and he wasn’t sacked once. That led Arizona’s offensive line to earn a B grade, which was its best of the season, and ranked No. 5 in the NFL in Week 11.
“The thing that I was most proud of was zero sacks. You know, when you drop back that many times and you don’t get sacked, that’s impressive,” Brissett said. “I think that’s a testament to our guys up front, the plan that they had going into the game, and trying to keep me upright and clean, and to the backs, and the tight ends, and all the guys that had a part in the protection plan.”
When Brissett was asked about his completions milestone, he said the offensive line’s stat is the most impressive, and it should be added to his historic stat.
The Cardinals quarterback was able to throw for 452 yards because of the elite protection, but it still resulted in his second-worst performance of the season because of his two interceptions, according to PFSN’s QB Impact.
However, it’s definitely a step in the right direction for a team that’s struggled to protect the quarterback all season long.
Offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., a building block along the line for Arizona’s future, said Brissett makes it easier to fight every day.
“I think it’s awesome how all five guys on the line were able to fight. But Jacoby makes it easier to fight,” Johnson said. “He’s making those plays, he’s staying in the pocket. As much as that’s a credit to us, truly, they watched tape – I think it’s a credit to his resiliency.
“Despite what the score was, I think it shows that fight attitude that we want to keep building on week and after week after week. Not trying to look at the scoreboard to determine our reaction or emotions every time we take the field.”
The Cardinals’ offensive line had its best performance of the season against the 49ers, who rank last in the NFL in sack percentage, according to PFSN’s Defense Impact.
However, Arizona’s Week 12 opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, ranked second-last, so the Cardinals have another chance to build on the positive performance.
