The NFL season is set to be yet another barnburner with the entertainment second to none. So much has happened already in the opening weeks with upsets, shutouts and drama all around the league. There was no time for settling in with the season opener drawing the reigning Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs at home to the Detroit Lions. With the Chiefs beginning the season as favorites to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy once again many expected them to start with style. However, the Lions, after an excellent offseason, shocked the reigning champs to win 21-20. We also saw drama in New York as the Jets’ star signing Aaron Rodgers injured his achilles in just his fourth snap as a Jets player, likely ending his season. Early on, the San Francisco 49ers have the most favorable odds to win Super Bowl having impressed in the first three fixtures. The Chiefs are always breathing down their neck however despite their opening week loss and the race to the Vince Lombardi trophy is going to be heated.
Many players have impressed early on and there are a litany of great offensive guards in the league. Let’s take a look at the ones to watch this year.
Zack Martin
The Cowboys had one of the best offensive lines in the league last season and they have begun strongly once again. The lynchpin of that line comes in the form of Zack Martin. Last season, he was the only guard in the NFL to not allow any sacks while playing 700 or more pass-blocking snaps. His PFF grade was number one among all offensive guards in the league entering into the 2023-24 season. His athleticism is incredible during the run game and he may be the best guard of the last decade. With only 0.5 sacks allowed in the season so far at the time of writing, Martin looks set for yet another excellent season as the Cowboys look to come out on top of the NFC East.
Michael Onwenu
The New England Patriots offensive line was injury stricken for much of last season and their ineffectiveness was followed by a coaching overhaul. However, throughout that Onwenu has proven to be a diamond in the rough. He allowed just 14 pressures in 2022 and only gave up a single sack. He has nailed down his position at right guard with all of his snaps coming there last year and they have started decently in 2023 with two sacks allowed in their first three games. Bill Belichick and co has set up an excellent pass defense so far and Onwenu has been vital.
Quenton Nelson
Despite a rocky start to the season last year, his performances in the second half of the campaign confirmed why he is the highest paid guard in the league. The Indianapolis Colts’ line does leave a lot to be desired having allowed 60 sacks in 2022 but Nelson was far from the problem, as proven by his selection in the pro-bowl to make it five appearances in five seasons. They look to have improved early on in 2023 however and Nelson’s contribution will be integral in what could be a playoff making season for the Colts.
Joel Bitonio
The Cleveland Browns have arguably the most talented offensive line in the league so the fact that Bitonio is the star of that line is an accomplishment in and of itself. He has been a first or second-team All-Pro in five consecutive seasons and at 31 is one of the more seasoned guards in the league. His leadership qualities are incredibly important as was evidenced following starting center Nick Harris’ injury last year. Ethan Pocic and Hjalte Froholdt came in to replace him and Bitonio’s communication with his linemates allowed them both to perform strongly. Despite maybe being at the latter stages of his career, Bitonio is still comfortably one of the most talented guards in the league.
Joe Thuney
It has long been said that the Chiefs have managed two Super Bowl wins with non-elite defenses, but their offensive line has been exceptional for a while. They added yet more firepower to that line a couple years ago when they signed Joe Thuney from the Patriots. His talent as a pass-blocking guard is likely second only to Zack Martin and as the veteran among his fellow linemen, Thuney can lead the Chiefs to yet another Super Bowl charge in 2023.