2020 All-22 analysis: Buffalo Bills tackle Ty Nsekhe

A look at the big man’s (brief) time on the field

By Skarekrow Updated Feb 9, 2021, 11:58am EST

We continue our look at the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line with the seldom-seen Ty Nsekhe. Appearing in seven games on offense, he hit the field for a mere 55 snaps. We do have some All-22 of playing time that wasn’t relegated to sub-packages and we’ll focus on that. With the limited sample size what I focused on was seeing if there had been any drop off in ability from prior looks. You can see my earlier thoughts on Nsekhe here and here.

Play 1

Dion Dawkins left this game late due to injury and Ty Nsekhe filled in on the final drive. Recall that the Bills needed this drive to come back for the victory. Buffalo won so that means our baseline is “Nsekhe didn’t screw it up.”

He didn’t amaze either but it’s hard to in eight plays. I chose this one to reinforce something that comes up every time I watch Nsekhe. I point out his stance and your brain might have conflicting information. He’s definitely working to stay low but he’s still very high compared to his opponent. That’s Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. He’s 6’2” and while he’s working low, he’s not “out-lowing” Nsekhe here. At 6’8” Nsekhe is just that darn tall. In a contest where low man often wins, Nsekhe’s biggest drawback isn’t technique or power.

Overall Nsekhe did well in limited duty in this game, but let’s focus on Denver where he was able to get into a rhythm.

Play 2

Here we do have a sub-package and this play looks designed for Nsekhe to pull in the touchdown. I kinda wish Allen had thrown it. It would be very hard to win a jump ball against Nsekhe. I don’t know his vertical but I’m not sure it matters.

Play 3

Once the game was starting to get out of hand Buffalo put Nsekhe into the game, likely to shake some rust off if he was needed down the stretch. Here’s his first snap in and he’s one-on-one in pass protection. I’ve highlighted his swat before and that power translates to his jab. In addition, he has such a long reach that he can disrupt a player early. He turns to chase a bit, which isn’t ideal but overall this is a really good entry snap.

Note: Though Buffalo was pulling way ahead they didn’t stop trying, and neither did Denver. This focuses mostly on the third quarter when both teams were still playing hard.

Play 4

The line is going to push right to sell the play that direction while Josh Allen rolls left. The line needs to move the defense far enough to be convincing. Nsekhe moves his man enough to make it look personal. It’s hard to see but there’s even a little shove at the end.

Play 5

If Nsekhe gets a full force shove here I guarantee this block is a resounding success. He just doesn’t get enough and doesn’t have the speed to catch up. That first step across from him was just a tick too quick this time.

Play 6

Credit to Denver for following this well. They send one more player into the fray than Buffalo can block and it’s the difference maker. Nsekhe stands his man up, is stout enough to partially hold up another Bronco and then tosses his man aside.

Play 7

On the move, Nsekhe likes to extend his arms for the push. This does help negate leverage issues because when he nails this technique his opponent simply can’t reach him to work his chest upward.

Play 8

By “pass” I mean him passing the block. Being able to juggle multiple blocks is an invaluable asset. It’s limited action so I don’t want to draw a definitive conclusion, but Nsekhe fared well here and elsewhere.

Play 9

This one speaks for itself. A lesser shove and this play ends like so many others for Buffalo with a short gain. I’ve used the phrase “not a mauler” several times already this offseason and I only add it here to point out it’s a general rule, not an absolute one.

Summary

Ty Nsekhe just can’t catch a break. He was shelved in Washington behind higher quality starters but it was felt he could be a starter on many teams. The same thing is happening in Buffalo with Dion Dawkins and Daryl Williams being the preferred tackles. From my perspective this has everything to do with pass protection where Nsekhe’s height and occasional lapses against speed rushers grade him below the other two. If Buffalo needed a run-heavy game plan I’d feel differently about who should be starting.

When you’re running a 60/40 split approximately it’s prudent to put the players on the field who best match the 60 percent. That said, Nsekhe is no slouch in the passing game either. If possible he’s one I’d love to keep.