Inside the trenches: How Sheldon Rankins is adding value to the Saints defensive line [Film Study]

Rev, any time an interior lineman draws a double, can you say it's really a win?

Certainly! From several aspects, and depending on the situation, this can be a big win. For example, take the run game. If a team attacks a DT with an Ace block, and that DT is able to anchor/split with good technique, even if he doesn't get the tackle, that's a big win. He's effectively negated 2 blockers. From a numbers standpoint the offense just went from 10 to 8 blockers (the runner being the 11th player) while the defense still has 10 to attack with. it's a numbers game.

The same can be said along the offensive line. If you're playing in a four man front and Rankins is forcing teams to double team him to avoid interior pressure, that means Cam Jordan, Onyemata, Okafor, Davenport, etc. all have one on one matchups. If you're having a game like Rankins was in the 1st half against the Browns where they are then forced to double you, coach is going to be a very very happy man.