Joe Alt was one of five Chargers players to be named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday. Alt’s nomination came as a shock as he played in just six games for the Bolts this season. Most Chargers fans had probably already come to terms with the idea that he wouldn’t be recognized for his great play this year due to the missed games aspect. Alt dealt with an ankle injury all season after he initially sprained it against the Giants and then suffered an re-aggravation vs. the Titans.
Now from a completely meritocratic games played angle, there were probably better picks than Alt. Jets rookie tackle Armand Membou and others could be in that conversation. But Alt’s nomination isn’t completely baseless historically.
Former New York Giants center Shaun O’Hara made it in 2010 playing the same six-game sample as Alt. There is no minimum games played component in the NFL like there is in the NBA. That being said, it’s still fair to point out the completion of the season aspect.
Joe Alt's number prove why he's a Pro Bowler in the first place
Let’s start with some basic stats. The Chargers were 4-0 when Alt started and finished a game this year. They’re 7-4 in games he didn’t finish. They’ve certainly gotten better at playing without Alt throughout the course of the season. But the offensive floor from game to game is absolutely lower than when he’s on the field.
The impact on-off numbers with Alt are absurd. Via PFF’s Timo Riske, the Chargers’ passing offense with Alt on the field was lethal. They generated 0.30 EPA/pass play with Alt on the field, which would rank as the best passing offense in the league currently. That was still a nearly 200-pass sample size as well.
Without Alt, the Chargers’ passing offense has taken a significant step back. They’ve averaged -0.03 EPA/pass play without him on the field. That would be ranked as the 23rd best passing offense currently. It’s understandable that there’s more to Pro Bowl or All-Pro considerations than “value” stats. But the difference in the Chargers’ offense is absolutely jarring and a massive feather in Alt’s cap.
Alt had a 97.8 pass blocking efficiency this season. That was good enough for 12th amongst all tackles that had played 100+ snaps. He allowed just seven pressures and one sack in six games.
The Chargers will still be able to make a competitive playoff run this year, but everyone knows their ceiling would be much higher on offense with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater playing. The takeaway from this Pro Bowl nomination should be just how good Los Angeles’ offense can be next year when Alt returns.