dont worry about hte o-line

[CChambers7284]

Remember last year the first two games they couldnt block for ****. Then in game three they blocked very well and led ronnie to his first 100 yard game. Granted he and ricky made some big plays last year but as the season progressed the line really started taking form. I expect the same this year because ofthe changes in positions and personel. Give it to about week 3 maybe even week four and there will be a huge improvement.

 

[phinatic8818]

i saw alot of improvement coming in our run blockinbg considering the pit d-line

 

[RoninFin4]

I think a lot of the O-line struggles may have been due to game planning. That pitch out on 3rd and 2, I think if we run that up the middle we get the first down, and probably win the game.

 

[Tigers2003]

Agreed that all must be taken in perspective that we were playing the 4th ranked Defense last year for the SB champs thursday night. However, the run blocking was bad though. Even taken things into perspective there is room for improvement. Too many Steelers getting into the backfield and pushing well off the line. But, I can see improvement against the Bills.

The pass protection was superb. At this point in the season this line just excels at it and it is obvious that Houck and Saban is putting a premium on protecting Culpepper for the obvious reasons. The lineman have followed these priorities well.

But, we are not there yet as far as being an elite unit as far as run blocking.
Folks, its a long season and things can certainly improve in areas that we all saw shortcomings on thursday. I would say at this point this unit is not there
yet as far as being consistent against a strong DL in opening up running lanes. To get to the next level this is one area that will have to improve. There is faith that it can get done. If it continues to be a problem then going into next years offseason OL will definitely be an area to be addressed, especially tackle positions.

 

[FanMarino]

run OL wasnt good IMO. Pass OL was good. If Ronnie is going to get big Numbers the OL has got to improve. Im sure they will but how much i dont know.

 

[fishyanks]

run OL wasnt good IMO. Pass OL was good. If Ronnie is going to get big Numbers the OL has got to improve. Im sure they will but how much i dont know.

After slow motion replaying it on Tivo-I was in shock at how bad Hadnot performed. He was whiffing alot guys. I mean Pitts nose tackle is kind of hard to miss. Jeno James had problems too as usual. i still don't know why the idiots game him such a big contract.
We need to start seriously drafting better talent.

 

[Tigers2003]

Like a dummy I did not TIVO the game so I am very interested in seeing comments from those who did record the game. So, Hadnot was that bad on tape huh? Surprising since IMHO he looked good during the preseason. Him just whiffing at blockers and getting out hustled is the last thing our running game needs.

On live TV certain things that were noticable include Shelton looking like he held his own and penetration from the Steelers up the middle (not sure how much of it was excellent defense or Hadnot looking lost). Even without TIVO one could tell that Carey was the same; on some plays he held his own and others you could see him backpedaling and the defender getting the best of him.

 

[zonk4ever]

On the 3rd and 2, remember the Steelers took a timeout because Cowher was screaming from the sidelines "pass" and thet were bunched up for the run dive. After the timeout, the Steeler defense was spread out and the secondary was playing back. Ronnie could have walked up the middle for the 2 . We didn't pass but the toss pitch was outside and slow developing (what else is new?) and Ronnie got nailed for the 3/4 yard loss. Outcoached. The line "gettimg better" is a weak excuse but a new ot, rg, and center nay have merit.