This season, we’re focusing on ingenuity and tactic flip. As usage of the “sixth man” concept, offensive linemen are beginning to enter the light as teams rapidly adopt this trend. In that case, players like Dan Skipper, Spencer Anderson, and Isaiah Morris are riding that wave. They have redefined their positions and become key contributors to their teams’ winning efforts. On December 15, 2024, Skipper caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff during a pivotal match against the Buffalo Bills, highlighting the growing prominence of these versatile players.
The Houston Texans have made headlines for their extensive use of a sixth offensive lineman, employing this strategy in a league-high 169 plays, resulting in 711 yards gained. The Pittsburgh Steelers have fully adopted this approach. They are now leading the league in yards gained with an extra offensive lineman on the field. More importantly, every successful team is figuring out ways to survive and succeed in this new game. These players are proving that they are more than blockers and are essential to a productive offense.
Versatile Contributions of Sixth Men
We all know that offensive linemen tend to only be known for their great blocking abilities. The emergence of the sixth man has expanded their duties on the court. Dan Skipper had a career day blocking against the Buffalo Bills. He made an appearance as an extra tight end throughout the game. His creativity, versatility, and all-around contributions have made him one of the best assets to his team.
The Texans’ jumbo package exemplifies this shift. This strategy emphasizes the importance of putting multiple big men on the court. They accounted for 179 of the Texans’ 475 yards and converted seven first downs on a night Houston upset heavily-favored San Francisco. Skipper mused on this brotherhood between sixth men, saying,
“All the guys, I say the jumbos, we all kind of share a smile when we play each other.”
This brotherhood creates a mutual respect and collaborative nature between any athlete who knows the work and preparation that goes into it.
Steelers’ Spencer Anderson has played a key role in this evolution. Becoming the first player to report as an eligible receiver more than 100 times this season has turned into second nature for him. He confirmed that he was cognizant of this trend, stating,
“It’s becoming a thing. I guess I’m anonymous with my hand up and me rubbing my chest.”
Anderson’s impact on the field has contributed to creating bigger running lanes and protecting veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett.
The Challenges of Being a Sixth Man
Talented players need to be flexible and savvy enough to play several positions. Matt Pryor articulated the complexities involved, stating,
“During the week you have to focus on every position, know the plays front side, back side.”
This multifaceted approach can be stressful, but Pryor views it positively:
“It’s stressful but it’s a great position to be in. You’re out there and you know any play your number can be called.”
Wear many hats Today, Kelvin Beachum reflected on how he is managing the transition between roles over the course of his career. He acknowledged his current standing in the locker room dynamics:
“I’ve been at the bottom of the food chain in the locker room. I’m in the middle right now. I understand where I’m at in my career and for me, being able to be on the field and helping the team in any way manageable is something that I enjoy and I understand my role.”
Beachum’s willingness to accept this unique role is emblematic of the mentality you have to possess to be an effective sixth man.
Highlighting Individual Achievements
Isaiah Morris made headlines earlier in the season when he caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes in a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 15, 2024. His natural talent was precluded from being put on display whenever a knee injury abruptly ended his season in early December. Before his injury, Morris was showing phenomenal hands in practice.
This self-assuredness exudes more than just confidence, though it’s an acknowledgment of the new roles offensive linemen are starting to adapt to and own.
“Personally, I think I’ve got the best hands on the O-line.”
The Kansas City Chiefs have been trying this using a sixth or seventh lineman on important fourth-and-1s. This assignment exercises the creative direction that teams around the league are eagerly pursuing.
Every team in the league is looking for the magic concoction that’s going to unlock their offensive ceiling. Sixth men have transformed into key players, showing they are no longer just honorable mentions in their squads’ achievements.
As teams continue to explore ways to maximize their offensive potential, it is clear that sixth men are no longer just afterthoughts; they are becoming vital contributors to their teams’ successes.
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