After watching the first 8 games (only missed seeing the KC game), I think the OL has improved greatly from last year and has shown steady improvement since the first game. Sure, they still make some mistakes with presnap penalties, but they aren't nearly as prevalent. Here's my analysis of the starters so far:
McIntosh: Sometimes an above average run blocker coupled with an occasionally bad lapse in pass blocking. I just think he's maxed out his talent. We should probably address the LT position in the draft.
Jeno James: When he's focused, he just engulfs his man at the line of scrimmage. His only problem is slow feet. Sometimes it is difficult for him to find the blitzer and pick him up in time.
McKinney: Not as bad as I thought, not as good as I hoped. I don't see him getting blown up like last year, but he's also not the kind of center that can get movement when matched up one-on-one. McKinney has also shown the agility to pull in the running game, but he seems to have a problem engaging the block once he is in space...I've seen more than a few whiffs on pulls.
Hadnot: Might have the nastiest streak of all our linemen. I've seen him get good push in the run game and pick up blitzes quickly in the pass game. Hadnot just has to do it on a consistent basis to step his game up.
Carey: I think keeping him on the right side is the best thing for him. Once Carey gets his hands on a rusher, the rush is stopped...immediately. As the season moves on, you can see him gaining confidence in his technique. Once he gets to the point where the technique is second nature, he can stop thinking and start having some fun out there. He's got the ability to dominate.
McIntosh: Sometimes an above average run blocker coupled with an occasionally bad lapse in pass blocking. I just think he's maxed out his talent. We should probably address the LT position in the draft.
Jeno James: When he's focused, he just engulfs his man at the line of scrimmage. His only problem is slow feet. Sometimes it is difficult for him to find the blitzer and pick him up in time.
McKinney: Not as bad as I thought, not as good as I hoped. I don't see him getting blown up like last year, but he's also not the kind of center that can get movement when matched up one-on-one. McKinney has also shown the agility to pull in the running game, but he seems to have a problem engaging the block once he is in space...I've seen more than a few whiffs on pulls.
Hadnot: Might have the nastiest streak of all our linemen. I've seen him get good push in the run game and pick up blitzes quickly in the pass game. Hadnot just has to do it on a consistent basis to step his game up.
Carey: I think keeping him on the right side is the best thing for him. Once Carey gets his hands on a rusher, the rush is stopped...immediately. As the season moves on, you can see him gaining confidence in his technique. Once he gets to the point where the technique is second nature, he can stop thinking and start having some fun out there. He's got the ability to dominate.
