Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by oldninerdude:
Originally posted by NCommand:So let's assume that they move L. Davis in to start at RG, making Boone the swing tackle. Does that make everyone's concerns go away?
Originally posted by GolittaCamper:
I'm worried about being so light on OT's. I get that Boone can swing out to tackle (his natural spot) but when he does that, it means one injury changes 2/5ths of the alignment, where as having a back-up tackle would be 1/5th change.
Been my worry from the very beginning...guess Person wasn't the answer; thought we'd pick up a veteran T at least once they decided Boone was the best option at RG over Davis. Scary...same with OLB where all three guys have been injured at some point already.
Remember last year, when they had Snyder starting at Center all preseason? Boone's better than Snyder, but not sure they're ready to start him at RG in real games.
Been a hot topic all off season. Breaking down the game tape, naturally saw lots of issues with Boone/Davis on that right side. I thought having a veteran monster of Davis starting at RG next to Davis would be much better for now. The real issue is that the coaching staff would not give Boone a real shot to compete at T with Staley/Davis and we all love Boone as he has earned a real shot...but only RG was "open." Still, I think Boone has more upside at T than Staley/Davis and he has trained his entire career to be a T until this off season.
Back to your original question, yes, I think that would make everyone happier b/c we would have a stud back up at T either way and someone REALLY pushing Staley/Davis (who need it), a veteran pro bowler who's playing with fire and at the lowest weight of his career at RG (and all the experience to help Goodwin/David on the right side) and you've got a good backup in G/C in Kilgore (and you could have developed a player like Slowey at C). That would have been my solution from the beginning.
If Boone doesn't pan out at RG though at least he has earned G experience and we already know he can play T so that's a win/win. He does look stronger in the run game than Snyder and we know he is built for pass protection but it will take him a long time to learn the nuances playing in the box next to Goodwin/Davis (naturally). But to me, if you are willing to let him develop at G, why not let him develop as a starter at T where he is a much more natural fit?
Good points, all of them...I think I can sleep better now! Boone is too good to sit on the bench, but having him as swing tackle, while Davis and Davis build continuity, might be the answer.