Left side, Strong side: Wisconsin’s Offensive Line Showing Improvement in Pass-Protection
Wisconsin shifted two offensive linemen to new positions during the offseason. So far, that decision is paying off in spades...
Madison, Wis. – It’s no secret that Wisconsin’s offense struggled mightily in 2021. While quarterback Graham Mertz’s play didn’t help matters, you could argue that the offensive line’s struggles in pass protection also played a role in the dysfunction.
According to Pro Football Focus, Wisconsin’s offensive line graded out as the No. 98 pass-blocking unit in the country last season (55.5).
When you consider that there are only 130 division one programs, that’s a pretty glaring issue for a team that prides itself on offensive line play.
To rectify their shortcomings, the Badgers coaching staff moved All-Big Ten honorable mention right guard Jack Nelson out to left tackle this offseason, a more natural position for the former four-star recruit.
In a corresponding move, Bob Bostad shifted multi-year starter Tyler Beach inside to left guard – a switch that allowed the Wisconsin native to play in a phone booth rather than in space.
Let’s unpack how those decisions have played out for Wisconsin thus far:
Wisconsin’s blind-side through 2 games
Albeit a small sample size, UW’s re-tooled offensive line under coach Bostad hasn’t dominated as a run-blocking unit, at least not by Wisconsin’s standards.
According to Pro Football Focus, Wisconsin’s offensive line has graded out as the 30th best run-blocking unit in division one thus far.
This development is disappointing but not unexpected. The Badgers’ O-line traditionally takes a few weeks to gel before hitting its collective stride as the season wears on.
However, UW has looked especially good in pass protection through the Badgers’ first two games, grading out as the 18th-best pass-blocking unit in the country – a refreshing change of pace from years past.
Thus far, the decision to shift Nelson and Beach around during the offseason has paid off in spades.
Each player has started two games, playing 129 snaps in those contests. Of the 59 snaps where they’ve been in pass protection, neither Nelson nor Beach have allowed a single pressure coming from the left side of the line, per PFF.
