05-30-2022, 10:43 AM
Back again with some Z-Score analysis, and this time we are looking at all 54 offensive lines in franchise history in an effort to determine which were the best, and which were the worst. As a quick refresher, here is a link that defines what z-score is. All you really need to know is that by calculating z-score, we are able to compare offensive lines across eras by looking at how they performed in relation to their peers at the time. These offensive line ratings are generated from two metrics; sack percentage and yards per carry. While there are many influencing factors such as offensive philosophies, injuries and pass-blocking schemes that can influence these metrics, the general idea is that the better the offensive line, the better you are able to protect your QB and run the ball.
With all of this in mind, let's take a look at our list.
![[Image: 3Wd5wdU.png]](https://i.imgur.com/3Wd5wdU.png)
![[Image: x9A0z1Q.png]](https://i.imgur.com/x9A0z1Q.png)
The King - In 1986, the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles was topped by "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne and Friends. Down in Cincinnati, the offensive line made this their mantra as they led a dominating offensive unit that finished 3rd in points per game, first in yards per carry, and allowed the 6th lowest sack percentage. Led by Bengals' legend Anthony Munoz, this group graded out with a rating of 3.2, far and away the best rating calculated. This kind of performance allowed James Brooks to post the best year of his career (1,773 scrimmage yards on 6.8 yards per touch) and propelled Boomer Esiason to the first Pro Bowl appearance of his career. Overall, the 1986 squad finished 10-6 and narrowly missed out on the playoffs due to Kansas City and New York holding tiebreakers over them.
The Dunce - The 2008 season was certainly one to forget for Bengals fans. The housing market crashed, and coincidentally, so did the Bengals offense. Carson Palmer only lasted for four games until the barrage of pressure finally did damage, tearing a ligament in his elbow and forcing him to miss the rest of the season. As his replacement, in stepped "Crazy-Legs Fitzpatrick", a young and daring Harvard grad that was traded for prior to the 2007 season. Despite remaining healthy, Fitzpatrick fared no better than Palmer as he was sacked on 9.3% of his dropbacks, behind only J.T. O'Sullivan at 12.7%. At running back, Cincinnati deployed Cedric Benson and Chris Perry who combined to average 3.05 yards per carry. They would finish the season with a 4-11-1 record and the worst offense in the league, scoring only 12.7 points per game.
With all of this in mind, let's take a look at our list.
The King - In 1986, the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles was topped by "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne and Friends. Down in Cincinnati, the offensive line made this their mantra as they led a dominating offensive unit that finished 3rd in points per game, first in yards per carry, and allowed the 6th lowest sack percentage. Led by Bengals' legend Anthony Munoz, this group graded out with a rating of 3.2, far and away the best rating calculated. This kind of performance allowed James Brooks to post the best year of his career (1,773 scrimmage yards on 6.8 yards per touch) and propelled Boomer Esiason to the first Pro Bowl appearance of his career. Overall, the 1986 squad finished 10-6 and narrowly missed out on the playoffs due to Kansas City and New York holding tiebreakers over them.
The Dunce - The 2008 season was certainly one to forget for Bengals fans. The housing market crashed, and coincidentally, so did the Bengals offense. Carson Palmer only lasted for four games until the barrage of pressure finally did damage, tearing a ligament in his elbow and forcing him to miss the rest of the season. As his replacement, in stepped "Crazy-Legs Fitzpatrick", a young and daring Harvard grad that was traded for prior to the 2007 season. Despite remaining healthy, Fitzpatrick fared no better than Palmer as he was sacked on 9.3% of his dropbacks, behind only J.T. O'Sullivan at 12.7%. At running back, Cincinnati deployed Cedric Benson and Chris Perry who combined to average 3.05 yards per carry. They would finish the season with a 4-11-1 record and the worst offense in the league, scoring only 12.7 points per game.
