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Green Bay Packers 2015 season grades: Offensive line

By Freddie Boston

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Josh Sitton (71) and T.J. Lang (70) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Josh Sitton (71) and T.J. Lang (70) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) loses his helmet while being sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) loses his helmet while being sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall

Despite all of the issues in pass protection, the Packers still fielded one of the best starting offensive lines in the league. Pro Football Focus ranked Green Bay’s line as the league’s seventh best in 2015.

When fully healthy, the Packers have arguably the best tandem of guards in the league. Pair that with an excellent left tackle, a reliable right tackle and a center who has formed excellent chemistry with the quarterback and the ingredients are there to succeed. Holding the unit back in 2015 was health.

Injuries wreaked havoc on the offensive line and exposed a glaring lack of depth, particularly at the tackle spots. Don Barclay looked out of his depth which forced the likes of Josh Sitton and Josh Walker to play out of position. Adding more big guys who can play tackle will be a key to the offseason for Green Bay.

Aaron Rodgers was sacked 46 times in 2015, which is up from the 28 times he was sacked in 2014. It’s also the highest number of sacks the Packers have allowed on Rodgers since 2012. Of course, Rodgers’ will to extend plays and make magic happen leads to some hits that he’s responsible for (he was charged with 10 sacks).

Next: Ranking Packers' biggest needs pre-combine

It was a disappointing year by the offensive line’s high standards, but when healthy it’s still one of the best in the league.

Grade: B-

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