Never say die
A Porpoise Driven Life....
I haven't seen anyone post anything on what they believe to be the best OL combo... Of course, I could have missed it. If so, my apologies.
But here goes...
While its just been one semi-meaningful Preseason game... and not to be overly knee-jerk in my reaction, but have you guys noticed a fall off in Brandon Alberts' play?
Actually, speaking I noticed it prior to this third game, but I was willing to chalk it up to just him being less concerned with the preseason.
But... perhaps a lead-in..
I think most would agree that in order for an OL to be decent in run blocking, it is crucial that we have guys who can get to the second and third level and at least put a hat on someone..
However, if you watch our 4 left tackles block it appears that they've been coached to get to the second level and then to look for someone to block. The problem though seems to be that thats all they do!
We saw guys get to the second level and then look clueless. We'd see two of our guys against two of theirs and BOTH of ours would let their guys by them without even touching them! That's just identifying responsibilities and perhaps is something that could easily be coached up. Your interior guys (Guards and Centers) have that built-in mentality of getting body-to-body, whereas a tackle typically tries to keep his guy at arms length.
And I think that's our problem with the running game. Too many Tackles. They get to the second level and by nature don't get a hat on anyone.
That brings me to the point of this post:
Brandon Albert has looked like crap. He looks slow and reaching. He's never been a second level guy. At least not for us. I think its time for the old man to move out of the way and the kid to take over.
If that happens (and by the way I predict it will by the mid part of the season- through attrition or merit) then what becomes the best combination of linemen?
Here's my future line prediction and my CURRENT best five (left to right) and why:
Tunsil, Pouncey, Steen, Bushrod, James
Tunsil, I believe to be an upgrade on Albert even at this point of both of their careers. Pouncey, as much as he'd hate being out of his preferred position would represent an upgrade to Tunsil at the G position. Steen has the look of a quality Center but could use the calming presence of a Pouncey next to him for calls etc. Bushrod becomes the weak link but beats the alternatives so far. James stays where he's at.
This line gives us a 3-2 ratio (as opposed to 4-1) natural pass blockers to run blockers (read quality second level blockers) and yet still gives us great flexibility. Heck, we still have 3 guys in that line-up that have played tackle! (sorry...Bushrod's a Tackle, hence the 3-2 ratio).
I believe this to be our best line now and in the near future. And unfortunately, with Albert's age and declining skill-set an inevitability.. Needless to say, we need a healthy Pouncey back.
Your thoughts?...
But here goes...
While its just been one semi-meaningful Preseason game... and not to be overly knee-jerk in my reaction, but have you guys noticed a fall off in Brandon Alberts' play?
Actually, speaking I noticed it prior to this third game, but I was willing to chalk it up to just him being less concerned with the preseason.
But... perhaps a lead-in..
I think most would agree that in order for an OL to be decent in run blocking, it is crucial that we have guys who can get to the second and third level and at least put a hat on someone..
However, if you watch our 4 left tackles block it appears that they've been coached to get to the second level and then to look for someone to block. The problem though seems to be that thats all they do!
We saw guys get to the second level and then look clueless. We'd see two of our guys against two of theirs and BOTH of ours would let their guys by them without even touching them! That's just identifying responsibilities and perhaps is something that could easily be coached up. Your interior guys (Guards and Centers) have that built-in mentality of getting body-to-body, whereas a tackle typically tries to keep his guy at arms length.
And I think that's our problem with the running game. Too many Tackles. They get to the second level and by nature don't get a hat on anyone.
That brings me to the point of this post:
Brandon Albert has looked like crap. He looks slow and reaching. He's never been a second level guy. At least not for us. I think its time for the old man to move out of the way and the kid to take over.
If that happens (and by the way I predict it will by the mid part of the season- through attrition or merit) then what becomes the best combination of linemen?
Here's my future line prediction and my CURRENT best five (left to right) and why:
Tunsil, Pouncey, Steen, Bushrod, James
Tunsil, I believe to be an upgrade on Albert even at this point of both of their careers. Pouncey, as much as he'd hate being out of his preferred position would represent an upgrade to Tunsil at the G position. Steen has the look of a quality Center but could use the calming presence of a Pouncey next to him for calls etc. Bushrod becomes the weak link but beats the alternatives so far. James stays where he's at.
This line gives us a 3-2 ratio (as opposed to 4-1) natural pass blockers to run blockers (read quality second level blockers) and yet still gives us great flexibility. Heck, we still have 3 guys in that line-up that have played tackle! (sorry...Bushrod's a Tackle, hence the 3-2 ratio).
I believe this to be our best line now and in the near future. And unfortunately, with Albert's age and declining skill-set an inevitability.. Needless to say, we need a healthy Pouncey back.
Your thoughts?...
