By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgias offensive line was the teams most glaring weakness in 2016. Not only was it a dark mark on an otherwise solid team, but it was one of the worst units in all of college football.

Georgias offensive line was the teams most glaring weakness in 2016. Not only was it a dark mark on an otherwise solid team, but it was one of the worst units in all of college football.

Last season, even with one of the nations most talented backfields, Georgia allowed 82 tackles for loss (90th in the country), finished 101st in adjusted line yards (a Football Outsiders stat that attempts to isolate the ability of an offensive line from that of its running back), 113th in power success rate (the percentage of runs on third or fourth down, with two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown), and 94th in stuff rate (the percentage of carries by running backs that are stopped at or before the line of scrimmage).

And those are just the run blocking numbers.

The pass protection statistics look better but are far from ideal. UGA quarterbacks were sacked 44 times, which is pretty average, if slightly above the mean, nationally. However, their adjusted sack rate (sacks allowed per dropback, adjusted for strength of opponent) was 58th overall, and the unadjusted standard down sack rate was 74th, although they did improve to 30th on obvious passing downs.

In the interest of providing a silver lining, the group was disciplined. Georgia was the 16th least penalized team, and the offensive line fell in tow with the rest of the squad, in that respect.

That said, it often looked like they were so concerned with making sure not to start falsely, that they were still in their stance by the time Jacob Eason was on the ground.

Pros and cons.

Obviously, development up front has been a major concern this offseason, in Athens.

Star linebacker Roquan Smith noted, cI think a lot of the guys progressed throughout the season and what not, and then saw them work hard in the spring. They have been going about their craft in a different manner.d

Only time will tell if different equals better.

Other problems stem from blocking dysfunction, as well.

Despite Georgias immensely gifted tailback corps, theres only so much one can do when theyre getting hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on over 20% of their carries. This is certainly frustrating to the Bulldogs standout backs.

Sony Michel would not admit to any discontent with what happened last season, simply stating, cAs a running back you need your offensive line.d

Michel added, cThe O-line worked extremely hard in the offseason.d

The primary ball carriers were, understandably, not interested in disparaging the guys that, ostensibly, protect them, but Kirby Smart more or less made his position clear.

cWeve got to be able to run the ball more efficiently,d Smart emphasized.

Theres no denying that truth, but its easier said than done.

Converted center Lamont Gaillard could be one of the leagues best at his position, even in a conference that is unusually deep at his spot. Senior Isaiah Wynn is talented, but kicking him out from guard to tackle is worrisome, given his lack of size for the position.

Outside of those two, every possible iteration of the starting five will be littered with youth, or, at least, inexperience.

Georgia must do whatever it takes to relieve those guys of some of their down-to-down pressure, be it with screens, swing passes, and extra blockers when throwing the ball, and motion and misdirection in the running game.

cWere always looking to create a way to take pressure off the offensive line,d Smart confirmed. cYou have to find ways to run around them to create space. We took steps toward that in the spring. The pressure along the offensive line is immense. The biggest thing is getting touches to guys that can make plays in space. At the end of the day somebody has to block for that.d

The somebodys he is referring to are the receivers, who would be forced to block when they utilize swings and screens. He joked about how last year his top three wideouts were all about 170 pounds, so that may not have worked.

Still, if the offensive line isnt vastly improved, he may want to take a chance on the little guys.

The big ones sure werent getting it done.