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I can't argue with you about the college angle and the rawness of an offensive lineman entering the league. I'll submit to your knowledge in that area and just say I agree that it's a part of the issue. But I'm still not sure how much of an issue it really is.
Question: How long would you say that was an issue? The last 15 or so years? I don't know.
I checked total sacks in the NFL during four seasons and don't see a significant difference. (I know that sacks isn't the only factor but it was the only stat I could find for every team on one site atm. )
Team Sacks and Sack Yards: 2016 NFL Season
2009 - 1101
2010 - 1130
2015 - 1187
2016 - 1118
I do think teams balance their cap expenditures differently. We still had top ten Offensive lines last season.
I just took a quick look. 7 of the top ten passing teams (FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis) ranked in the top 11 cap expense for the offensive line. 6 of the bottom ten passing teams ranked in the bottom 11 cap expense for the offensive line.
I'm not saying it's the only factor. I know rookie contracts, injuries skews ranking and stats etc. I also know coaching is a huge factor so am just adding to the discussion with this.
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Sorry for late response but like a lot of things it's a combo of things. Most of which you alluded to.
I def believe that it starts in college though. The style, the things their asked to accomplish on a certain play.
You see it every Sunday when young and even vets forget to or half ass their first block in hurry to get to the 2nd level against the LB'S. Mostly because that's what they've been doing in college.
Not explode, roll into leverage and move your man. Then search and destroy on the 2nd level.