OL Play

[Al_4_State]

Everybody blitzed on us a lot. As the season wore on and it became more apparent that man-press coverage was fine against our receivers for most of the game, there was no incentive to hold LB's back in coverage. That allowed them to play more aggressively on the run (decreasing our rushing average) while rush the passer when necessary (increasing our sacks). I don't think our personnel have any issues matching up with most any d-line in the country. But five guys can't block 6-7 defenders.

Bottom line is our offense will only be as productive as our passing game next year.

Excellent point. Until we have a receiver show that they require double coverage, look for more of the same.

 

[cyfan15]

I would really like to see Haughton be tried out at center. I expect him to be moved inside anyway, and if he can play center it would be fantastic as that is the spot with the most need. We haven't had a center start two years in a row since Stephenson in 05-06. Haughton would give us two straight years at center while Farniok develops.

This is what I hope to see:

LT Osemele
LG Alvarez/Hicks
C Haughton
RG Lamaak
RT Burris/Caspers

 

[mkadl]

Bottom line is our offense will only be as productive as our passing game next year.

As a group, our receivers show very few signs of being physical, or out quicking the defender. The defenders are so tight it looks like they know the pattern. Football is the ultimate team sport and I know one part will make another part look bad, even though it is not their fault. Bottom line in appearance-----Arnaud doesn't look like he can throw a deep ball, and our receivers keep the defenders in their hip pocket, creating a demand for pinpoint accuracy on Arnauds part. I will leave the details up to you other fanatics.

 

[besserheimerphat]

Excellent point. Until we have a receiver show that they require double coverage, look for more of the same.

I don't think we even necessarily need a guy like that - we just need to show the ability to 1) get completions and 2) get yards after the catch. I'm not sure any of our receivers had touchdowns that were actually caught more than 5 yds from the goalline (I know A-rob had a couple long runs after catching the ball out of the backfield). As soon as they make the reception they are getting brought down.

Okay, sorry for derailing this into another passing game thread. But my original point was that with 22 guys on the playing field at the same time, it's difficult to really assign full credit or blame on any one position without at least acknowledging the other parts. I think our o-line and rushing game will be the highlight next year. Kudos to Coaches Bleil and Pope.

 

[swammi]

I'm willing to bet Alvarez will be at center next year.

Me too. KO Alvarez and Reggie were a tough front all year. Alvarez has the size, quickness and speed and aggressiveness to handle that center position. No drop off in the O-line in 2010. I think they will continue to improve.

 

[Al_4_State]

I don't think we even necessarily need a guy like that - we just need to show the ability to 1) get completions and 2) get yards after the catch. I'm not sure any of our receivers had touchdowns that were actually caught more than 5 yds from the goalline (I know A-rob had a couple long runs after catching the ball out of the backfield). As soon as they make the reception they are getting brought down.

Okay, sorry for derailing this into another passing game thread. But my original point was that with 22 guys on the playing field at the same time, it's difficult to really assign full credit or blame on any one position without at least acknowledging the other parts. I think our o-line and rushing game will be the highlight next year. Kudos to Coaches Bleil and Pope.

I don't think the thread's derailed at all. This has a major impact on the effectiveness of the line.