But it often is. All we have to do is look at Philly with and without Lane Johnson. Same effect. Some players just have that effect on overall play.
I agree about Lane and then by extension, possible Tyron. Lane makes the RG’s job dramatically easier. Lane takes on pro bowl DE’s and DT’s without help, and Seumalo often is only asked to chip for Lane to keep the guy in place while Isaac then turns to help Kelce double the NT. When Lane goes down, suddenly Seumalo is not only the RG and primary strength on the right side, but also the instructor to the inexperienced RT who’s constantly making little mistakes that trickle into Isaac’s comfort zone. We effectively lose half our Oline’s dependability.
Now if that was Martin next to Tyron, that wouldn’t be nearly as much of a problem. He’s held up well to the revolving door of RT’s over his career. But Ball having to mentor a rookie RG after every play while also being the most important position in Dak’s huddle? Or McGovern possible being the LG to help Tyler along while he’s going 1v1 with Leonard Floyd, with Shaquille Barrett, with Trey Hendrickson?
Suddenly the run game stops running to the left as much. Suddenly Dak scrambles more to the right. Suddenly the receivers on the left side of the field see their stats diminish. Suddenly RB and TE check downs become more frequent as Dak’s pocket gets smaller and smaller. That one dude can be so pivotal.