Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by Giedi:
I think one big factor in all that (the O Line performing well despite lack of talent and injuries to starters) is Jimmy. With Jimmy back there, the defense could not overload against the run because Jimmy can see that and pass. I think that was a big help to the journeyman talent that we had on O Line last year. Also Jimmy was fantastic against the blitz - he killed defenses trying to do that to him - so they eventually stopped that as well. So what the O Linemen had to deal with was traditionally balanced fronts and traditional rush containment. That makes it easy for O Linemen to block the defense. My point basically is that Jimmy doesn't need top of the line talent to block for him (I still want Hall of fame talented Linemen - don't get me wrong) but if PFF grades one guy in another teams system as *average* - here he might be graded as outstanding. Kilgore was graded very high by PFF (and we all know he has journeyman talent). I think a lot of the O Linemen that you listed in the draft threads - would be excellent in our system and probably do better than Kilgore if given the chance. As you stated in the other thread, the younger the better.
All excellent points, indeed. My only concern with your FQB making your OL better is that he was still getting pressured and hit the same and can average or below average talent sustain above average play over the course of 16 games?
The good news like you noted is that JG will get better and with a full off season, will be able to understand the offensive play calling and nuances which means he'll be able to process even quicker and maybe knock off a few extra hits and pressures that disrupt the timing of the WCO and turn well executed play calls into risky off script plays.
Either way, while I'm discouraged with who's on the FA market and our desire in acquiring much more than third tier, I am excited to see who we draft and see if the OL coach can quickly develop Garnett and that rookies.
Agree!
Time for John Benton and Adam Steanavitch to shine. Also, a better running back that fits Kyle's scheme's might also help that O Line. Hyde was averaging 3.6 yards per carry over the last 5 games of the season contrast that with Breida at 4.5. If you have 3rd down and 7 vs 3rd down and 3, the defense has to play the offensive odds and be balanced. It's a lot easier to make a first down with a quick swing pass or a zone run for 3 yards vs a 7 yard pass/run play. I think the fact that Hyde doesn't really fit Kyle's zone run (but I think he's a fantastic pass receiver) overall hurts the O Line. The more short yardage plays the offense has, the better the O Line can block those short yardage plays, vs. the long yardage plays. Breida with Joe Williams - just that change alone - might help the O Line be more productive in 2018. Joe's speed should scare defenses to be honest against Kyle's offense. Whereas you know 3rd and 7, Hyde isn't going to get the ball on a run play if Hyde is the only one in the backfield.