There is a lot of speculation about the progress our O-line has made and who is to credit for the progress. More importantly, where do we go with this O-line next year?
Without a doubt, Hudson Houck has made a huge impact. The reduced penalties, mental errors, and improve pass blocking can be largely attributed to his tutelage. Scott Linehan gets some credit for his diverse and creative offensive. Unfortunately, his playcalling is so unpredictable sometimes we've outsmarted our own team. Nevertheless, we are less predictable and that helps. Ronnie Brown and Sammy Morris have done an excellent job at picking up blitzes and so has Randy McMichael. Blitzing was a huge problem for this unit last year.
Although the line has progressed statistically, there are still some concerns. Randy McMichael, who is our best receiver, has been asked to block far too often because McIntosh couldn't handle the load. Ronnie has made something out of nothing many times this year. Ricky, on the other hand, has run into some brick walls and his frustration is probably a truer measure of the run blocking capabilities of this group.
I thought Saban was nuts when he said he was basically more impressed with the middle of the line, but right now McKinney has the most yards per carry average of any lineman. James and Hadnot are right behind McKinney so we are much better up the middle than last year. I think most of us believe Carey will continue to improve, but McIntosh will not become a better pass blocker. He is, however, a decent run blocker.
Is Alabi the guy next year? Will Joe Berger realize the potential some see in him? Will Carey continue to improve? It appears we are 1 great tackle away from a very good offensive line. Add a good QB and a #1 WR and I think our offense could be special next year.
Without a doubt, Hudson Houck has made a huge impact. The reduced penalties, mental errors, and improve pass blocking can be largely attributed to his tutelage. Scott Linehan gets some credit for his diverse and creative offensive. Unfortunately, his playcalling is so unpredictable sometimes we've outsmarted our own team. Nevertheless, we are less predictable and that helps. Ronnie Brown and Sammy Morris have done an excellent job at picking up blitzes and so has Randy McMichael. Blitzing was a huge problem for this unit last year.
Although the line has progressed statistically, there are still some concerns. Randy McMichael, who is our best receiver, has been asked to block far too often because McIntosh couldn't handle the load. Ronnie has made something out of nothing many times this year. Ricky, on the other hand, has run into some brick walls and his frustration is probably a truer measure of the run blocking capabilities of this group.
I thought Saban was nuts when he said he was basically more impressed with the middle of the line, but right now McKinney has the most yards per carry average of any lineman. James and Hadnot are right behind McKinney so we are much better up the middle than last year. I think most of us believe Carey will continue to improve, but McIntosh will not become a better pass blocker. He is, however, a decent run blocker.
Is Alabi the guy next year? Will Joe Berger realize the potential some see in him? Will Carey continue to improve? It appears we are 1 great tackle away from a very good offensive line. Add a good QB and a #1 WR and I think our offense could be special next year.
