The reason I created that long thread a while ago about our O line, was to find out how it came to be, and when did the Albert talks start, and when did it stall and so forth. I went through the whole timeline, tried to read any stories I could about quotes from Philbin, Sherman, other linemen, Ireland, etc, on these players, specifically Martin. I couldn't pin it on any one guy. They were all cagey. Albert was here in Miami, Ireland worked out all the numbers, the money was not an obstacle, and while most of the staff was away at the owners meeting, there was a lull and a bunch of rumors that we'd sign Albert. Reporters tried to nail down Philbin, who was here in Miami, about Martin, and he was non-committal, but said Martin was capable and strong enough to play LT and he would take that role if he was the best player. So it sounded like Philbin was waiting to see what came of the Albert deal. The trigger wasn't pulled. We don't know what the conversation was between Philbin and Ireland about that.
As it stands now, we're back to square one. Draft a tackle, develop him on the right, sign a stop-gap veteran on the left, then move him over just like they did with Martin, before. We can also go back to trying to sign Albert.
But the whole line needs rebuilding. Part of the reason Martin was moved back to RT was not because he wouldn't ever be able to handle LT duties, but because they wanted to bench Clabo. Yet, signing Clabo was not a bad move. He was one of the best tackles available at the time. Our line failed for a lot of reason, because of lack of talent, not able to execute within Sherman/Philbin's scheme, lack of communication on the line by the players, and not having blocking help. All of that was BOTH Ireland and Philbin/Sherman's responsibility. If you take the long view, it's more Ireland's because of years of drafting. If you take the short view, you might glance toward Philbin, or Philbin/Ireland combination.
