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OL Reviews...what you got? (1 Viewer)

Ministry of Pain

Ministry of Pain

Footballguy
As we start to see some of the dust settle form the NFL Draft, and most of the offseason signings are pretty much done, we now can focus on who is going to start for the Fall. I think the OL is one of the most important parts of the football team. A RB is only as good as who is blocking in front of them...can't exactly run thru holes that aren't there. And A QB can't throw if they are lying on their back so pass protection is critical.

I would really like ot see at least one entry per NFL team. I'll get it started with the beloved Miami Dolphins.

LT-Jake Long: Rookie drafted #1 overall...a very deep OT class with several flying off the board by the middle of round 1. I don't feel that Long is head and shoulders above the rest in this class, however he has a chance to be the best LT that Miami has seen since the days of Richmond Webb, who actually was not a great run blovker, but was excellent at pass protection. Long will take a few lumps early on in the season, hopefully he will grow from that and keep moving forward.

LG-Justin Smiley: This was a FA signing from San Fran. Smiley has been in the league over 4 years and has been a starter the past couple of seasons in SF. He is far form elite but he should provide some sound play between the Tackles for Miami.

C-Satele: Drafted in the 2nd round last year and provided a real anchor for an OL that was making ROnnie Brown look like a Pro Bowler before his injury. Satele has a chance to be a top5 guy if he can keep progressing.

RG-Shawn Murphy: Rookie who was drafted in the 4th round. Son of MLB great and former Atlanta Braves 2 time MVP, Dale Murphy(I was a huge fan). Murphy is being talked about as a starter. He was very personable with the media during the 1st rookie mini camp last weekend. Shawn did play some OT at Utah State and there is some talk that he could be switched outside to RT and that would allow Vernon Carey to move inside. However, I think starting two rookies at OT might be a problem for the Phins so for now I believe he stays at G.

RT-Vernon Carey: Former UM standout, he has struggled at LT, no doubt about that, but he might be able to make a much better impact at his natural position which is RT.

Reserves- Donald Thomas(G)...played the position at UCONN, and if people followed the Huskies last season they know Thomas was part of a pretty decent OL that made some waves in the very competitve Big East. He's another rookie and young guy to create competition for Miami.

Most of the rest of their team are guys that are very young, perhaps guys that were not drafted but brought into camp, and they also have a couple of aging vets like Chris Liwienski. I think Miami is trying to build with youth so I feel they will probably cut most of their vets before the season rolls around. This OL is far from dominant but will improve and they are going to get better. The Dolphins were actually able to run the ball well last season when Ronnie Brown was starting. It certainly has some holes and suspects...I'm not enamored with Vernon Carey, however they will be brought along quick as SPorano was an OL coach in Dallas, so my gut tells me that he will take a lot of pride in his OL, and work them to the bone.

 
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Ministry of Pain said:
poopdawg said:
I'll follow up with the Pittsburgh Stee :popcorn: :unsure: :X I'll be right back.......
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I agree they are going to have some problems but let's at least get some names down and try and work on this. I don't think they are bottom 5-10 are they?
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Sorry I couldnt help myself. I am at work right now, but I am going to run through it when I get home. I wouldnt put them at the bottom but they are definitely in the lower half of the league.
 
I agree they are going to have some problems but let's at least get some names down and try and work on this. I don't think they are bottom 5-10 are they?
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Bottom 5 overall? No. Pass blocking? You could argue that. Bottom 10 overall? Probably not. 15? A case could be made I think.WTH, I'll rattle off some stuff for Pitty:As a unit, overall these guys don't have a big problem blocking for the run....although the interior took a BIG step back in that regard last season. Short yardage situations weren't the "automatic" they were under the Cowher regime due in large part to the absolutely awful play at C. Pass blocking is another animal entirely. Every spot on the line needs to dramatically improve in that regard, again, most specifically at the pivot.LT-Marvel Smith: Coming off offseason back surgery. Play degraded steadily as the season progresed in '07, but that was due in large part to the back problem(right leg was losing feeling I believe). It was reported last week that Smith stated that he was "pain free for the first time in a long, long time"(paraphrasing) at the first round of practices after the surgery. If Smith is back to full strength then this will be a large boon for Roethlisberger's blind side.LG-Chris Kemoeatu: At least that's who the coaching staff is stating is the front-runner as of today. Personally, I think it should be a wide open competition between he and Willie Colon. As for Kemo, he's a tenacious run-blocker and he's shown some flashes in limited duty, but I wonder about his ability to block for the pass. Guess we'll find out.C- Justin Hartwig/Sean Mahan/Darnell Stapleton: This is a flat out cluster #%$@# at present. They brought in Hartwig as a FA to replace the altogether odious Sean Mahan after an offseason of doing little other than spouting sunshine about how much they dug Stapleton. The Hartwig signing, to me, shows that they're less than pleased with anyone they have in house manning the pivot. Hartwig SHOULD win this job outright, but the injuries he's suffered the past few years are probably going to determine if he does/doesn't. I don't think he participated with the first team in the early practices, but that could be lack of familiarity with the playbook as easily as anything at this point. They picked up the Legursky kid from Marshall as a UDRFA a couple weeks ago. I doubt he'd challenge in year one, but going forward, who knows?RG- Kendall Simmons: They re-upped him a year ago to a decently sized contract. Simmons is very, very inconsistent in my mind, but he's making too much scratch to be benched. In all honesty he's not THAT bad, but I always feel like they're "settling" on him because they burnt a first rounder on him once upon a time. Again, not terrible, but not going to go to any Pro Bowls anytime soon either.RT- Max Starks: They transitioned tagged Starks this offseason and, for some reason, dicked around to the point that he finally signed the tender. They're now on the hook with Max to the tune of 7 million for this season. So he's going to start. He took over at LT last year when Smith got injured and played adequately, given the expectations, but to make him a "top 10 salaried OT" was probably due to hesitation on Smith's back/the fact that Smith is a FA in year. I can't see them re-upping Smith at his age/health for the money he'll likely be seeking, so Starks could be being viewed as the LT in '09. At any rate, Starks has always sort of been "just a guy" to me. He sometimes seems like the effort isn't always there (actually I think that is precisely why Colon beat him out for the RT spot last year. He wanted it more). And for a guy Starks' size, he should be ragdolling people in the running game. Often times, that isn't the case. Needs to be less mild-mannered on the field. SIGNIFICANT RESERVES: Willie Colon, in my opinion, should be starting at LG. I think he's better suited for the inside. If Kemoetoa is that good...then he can push the underwhelming Simmons to the bench. (which won't happen with his contract). Regardless, Colon will likely be the #1 backup at RT and potentially RG. He's got a little edge to him, which I like. He's just not suited to take on guys in space on the outside. I think he'd be a pretty nice guard. Trai Essex has played both tackle spots(neither that fantastically) and will likely be looking over his shoulder with the addtion of Tony Hills via the draft. Sean Mahan, as I alluded to earlier, was quite possibly the worst OL in the league last season. As a pass blocker he has one gear....and unfortunately it's reverse. His transmission wasn't a whole lot better blocking for the run either, now that I think of it. Mahan has played OG in the past and I assume he'll be the primary backup at C and probably LG. The less he sees time at C the better. Legursky and Stapleton(the two Cs)and Jason Capizzi(OT) may enter the mix. Anyone else I can think of look/sound like camp bodies.
 
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Saints

LT Jammal Brown - Overall he was pretty good but didn't quite live up to the year he had in 2006. Awesome run blocker, and routinely shuts down opposing pass rushers one-on-one (his poor performance against Freeney in last year's opener aside). Maybe not quite in the elite tier but still a perennial Pro Bowl candidate type.

LG Jamar Nesbit - I think this guy is very underrated. Really athletic and is tremendous on traps and screens, which is pretty amazing for a 330 pound guard. There are some younger guys gunning for his starting spot but I think he holds it down with ease.

C Jonathan Goodwin - The job is his to lose with the departure of Jeff Faine. Played very well in all phases last year when Faine was injured. However, the knock of him (from what I understand) is that as good as he is as a short-term fill-in, he doesn't have the mentality to be a full-time starter. I guess we'll find out.

RG Jahri Evans - Evans is elite, best offensive lineman on the team. Great young player. I guess some people will think I'm talking out of my butt but I think he's one of the 3 best guards in the game.

RT Jon Stinchcomb - The weak link last year. Struggles against good pass rushers and doesn't provide the kind of run blocking you want from a right tackle. I think his job probably gets taken by one of the younger guys.

Reserves:

T Jermon Bushrod - This kid is VERY highly regarded by the Saints coaching staff. Has the tools to start at either left or right tackle. Played extensively last preseason and was really, really good especially when you consider he came from a small-time program (Towson State). I think he wins the right tackle job from Stinchcomb.

T Zach Strief - Looked like potential starting material his rookie year but flopped in his opportunities last year. Looks like a career backup type who can play either tackle position. Not a bad guy to have around.

C/G Andy Alleman - Like Bushrod got a lot of time in preseason and looked good at both center and guard. He's probably the long-term answer at center eventually, but I doubt he wins the job this year.

T/G Carl Nicks - 5th round pick this year, projected by some as a 2nd round talent. Sounds like he has great potential as a bulldozer-type guard or right tackle.

G/C Matt Lehr - Has been a solid veteran starter in the past but I don't see him beating anybody out here. There are some pretty concrete steroid allegations against him as well. Not sure he makes it out of preseason.

 
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Oakland Raiders:

Lane Kiffin's best move as a rookie head coach was bringing Tom Cable aboard. Cable was the line coach in Atlanta, an Alex Gibbs disciple, and a proponent of the zone blocking system. The line enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, as it went from a historically bad unit under Art Shell (and assistants Irv Eatman and Jackie Slater), to a group that allowed Justin Fargas to rush for 1,000 yards, and Lamont Jordan and Dom Rhodes to both post 100 yard games.

Did Cable do such an amazing job, or were the 2006 Raiders just that poorly coached? Probably somewhere in the middle. The middle of the line appears set, but both tackle spots are up in the air.



Left Tackle: Manned by Barry Sims in 2007, there will be a new LT this season. The favorite at this point is Kwame Harris, with Mario Henderson a dark horse. Harris was a major bust in San Fran, and worse in pass pro that run blocking. He has been told by the coaches he will be worked on the left side, although he played both sides in SF. Henderson is a mystery. A late bloomer at FSU, with a rep for being soft, the Raiders traded up for him in the 2007 draft. He was immediately labeled a project, and saw no time in 2007. Both players have the athletic ability to handle speed rushers, but neither have proven they can handle it. Henderson may also figure into the mix at RT. By far the most concerning spot on the Raiders line.

Left Guard: Robert Gallery. A bust as a left tackle, Cable moved him to LG, and left him there. Gallery responded with a solid season. Looks to be there for the forseeable future. Mobile enough to be a force in the ZBS, Gallery is also helped by the move inside, where his famously short arms are less of an issue. Might never be worth the #2 pick, but could eventually be a standout. The backup here is foggy. Jake Grove and Paul McQuistan would be my guesses.



Center: John Wade. A 10 year vet, that spent the last few years as Tampa's starting center. Brought in to replace Jeremy Newberry, who was average a year ago, but is an injury waiting to happen. Probably a lateral move here at worst, with less injury risk. Jake Grove could figure into the mix, but Raider fans aren't optimistic. Or, if they are, they shouldn't be. Grove hasn't shown the strength to handle big defensive tackles, but has versatility to play C and G. Chris Morris is 3rd string, and long snapper.

Right Guard: Cooper Carlisle. Brought in before 2007 because of his familiarity with the ZBS in Denver. Not a Pro Bowler, but was a major upgrade, and provided stability and was plugged right in as a starter. May eventually give way to McQuistan but McQ has bounced between RT and G, so his final destination is up in the air. He was brought in before Kiffin and Cable, so may not be an ideal fit in the ZBS, but the team loves his scrappy attitude.

Right Tackle: There are several possibilities here, including the aforementioned Henderson and McQuistan. Gun to my head, I'd say Cornell Green opens the season at RT. Green came to the Raiders with little fanfare, a 9 year vet with 8 starts under his belt. Well, he was rested, anyway. Green started 10 games, and did pretty good in pass protection. Probably the spot most likely to see a young guy take over, unless Kwame can't do it at LT. Mark Wilson is a guy the Raiders have kept around for a few years, a Cal grad in his 4th year, and may figure into the mix.

The line was better than the sum of its parts last year, but there aren't any superstuds here, either. The major weakness with this line is the pass pro from both tackle spots, as there isn't a bonafide guy at either spot. Kiffin and OC Greg Knapp did a good job to slow down the pass rush last year, using 3 step drops, play-action, and sprints. The running game also helped, obviously. But if it comes down to 3rd and 12 or so, I am not confident in the tackles to hold their water.

 
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5-ish Finkle said:
WTH, I'll rattle off some stuff for Pitty:... Trai Essex has played both tackle spots(neither that fantastically) and will likely be looking over his shoulder with the addtion of Tony Hills via the draft.
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I hope they push each other and both make progress. Both Starks and Marvel Smith are FAs after this season is done and there's no way we bring both back. We need one of Essex or Hills to step it up this year. Nice writeup, by the way. :rolleyes:
 
AhrnCityPahnder said:
5-ish Finkle said:
WTH, I'll rattle off some stuff for Pitty:... Trai Essex has played both tackle spots(neither that fantastically) and will likely be looking over his shoulder with the addtion of Tony Hills via the draft.
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I hope they push each other and both make progress. Both Starks and Marvel Smith are FAs after this season is done and there's no way we bring both back. We need one of Essex or Hills to step it up this year. Nice writeup, by the way. :goodposting:
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Thanks.And you're right. They won't bring back both Starks and Smith. And something tells me they aren't going to give Smith and his surgically repaired back a long term deal. Especially at his age. Starks as the starting LT for a whole season makes my spine twitch, so I hope Hills is really, truly what they're hoping for. I don't think Essex has what it takes.
 
Jacksonville:

LT - Khalif Barnes: He's in the final year of his rookie contract, and could be potentially let go/benched depending on his own development, character and the development of Richard Collier. He was benched last season in the New Orleans game for Collier who is massize, and could be the long-term guy at LT. Very much up in the air, this situation for '09, but the job is likely Barnes' to lose in '08.

LG - Vince Manuwai: Solid contributor last year, perhaps Jacksonville's best offensive lineman the last two years. I think he'd be a pro-bowler if he played in a large market.

C - Brad Meester - Entering his ninth season with the Jags, all as a starter. Seems to have flourished at the center position, though he's had bicep and ankle injuries two of the last three seasons. Still, I believe he's the key to the team's run game (160.5 rushing yards per game in his starts, vs. 125.2 rushing yards when he was out.)

RG - Maurice Williams - After being set aside for Tony Pashos, he sat the bench until Chris Naeole was knocked out for the season. Naeole was released, and Williams surprisingly re-signed with the team to play right guard full-time, after playing time exclusively for his entire career. Now he's the guy, at least for the foreseeable future.

RT - Tony Pashos - Caught a lot of flack early on after signing a large free agent contract, but got into a groove later in the season and arguably was Jacksonville's best offensive lineman down the stretch.

Depth - Dennis Norman filled in at center last season for Meester, and was average. Uche Nwaneri was a fifth-round pick last year, and has gotten rave reviews from practice reports. He could be an eventual starter should something happen to Manuwai or Williams. The group has some nice versatility, in that Williams would likely move to tackle if Pashos were to get hurt, while Norman can play guard or tackle. I mentioned Collier up top, who could be the team's starting left tackle as early as this season.

Overall, the Jaguars averaged 4.6 yards per carry and allowed 31 sacks. I'd rank them collectively as an above average group, maybe around 10th in the league. I think the lack of a dominant left tackle is what's keeping this group from being elite. If Barnes gets his head straight, or Collier develops into a stud this group can be as good as any in the league. The AFC South has a nice group of pass-rushers (Dwight Freeney, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Mario Williams) so it's very important that this group keeps some continuity and keeps David Garrard upright.

 
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I will take the Chiefs through hesitation and just because my breakfast has been fully digested. If this review is incomplete, non specific, or downright pitiful, its because that describes the Chiefs offensive line.

LT -- Damion McIntosh or Branden Albert

McIntosh started last year, was injured some games and unreliable in others. Coach Edwards has said that Albert will play at tackle, whether L or R will be determined in camp. Whichever tackle spot he ends up at, McIntosh will be at the other until he gets hurt.

LG -- Brian Waters

The only stable and sure starter, Waters was unspectacular last year. Whether this was due to the loss of Roaf or an overall incohesive unit is unknown. Waters took two steps down from his previous pro-bowl form to being an average blocker last year. Personally, I think he was trying to cover for the guys on both sides of him instead of being able to focus on his position.

C -- Rudy Niswanger or Wade Smith

Rudy played in 5 games last year. I can't say I remember anything about the plays he made which is usually good for an OL. Wade Smith as a rookie started at LT for the Dolphin his rookie year and won all rookie honors, injured in 2005, reserve lineman for the Jets 2006-2007, seeing action in 23 games.

RG -- Adrian Jones, Barry Richardson, ?

Jones was claimed off waivers from the Jets in December '07, 16 starts in 4 years, 6-5 296lb jayhawk. Richardson is the 5th rd selection from Clemson, 6-7 320lbs with a frame big enough to get to 330 without losing speed. Long arm mauler with poor hip movement and flexibility but good hand placement and punch. If neither pans out, pick from Herb Taylor, Anthony Alibi, Will Svitek, Smith, Jones, or Niswanger. Chiefs fans are hoping a 6th round steal was found in Richardson.

RT -- See LT

If this line comes together and plays anywhere above the bottom 5, I will praise Herm, Gailey, and Bicknell. I do think some building blocks for the future have been laid but learning on the job is going to happen this year for 3/5 of this line. It worries me when the chiefs are getting OL that the Jets don't want. If any JETS fans want to chime in on Smith or Jones please do. My gut tells me that the Chiefs would love to have LT Albert, LG Waters, C Niswanger, RG Richardson, RT McIntosh. This could be a dominating group in two years if everything fell into place, but not this year. OL bottom 10 guaranteed, probable bottom 5, could be dead last. Hows that for bashing.

 
Tampa Bay Bucs

Team stats:

11th in team rushing

9th in ypc (near dead last in longest single run, so that o line earned the 4.2 avg)

tied for 7th in total rush TD's

tied for 18th in sacks allowed

25th in pass attempts

24th in sacks/pass attempt

LT - Luke Pettigout: coming off of knee surgery and he will turn 32 years old, word on him coming over from the Giants was that he had issues with injuries and false starts, at least he meet some expectations. Not sure how much football he has left in his body and even if he does play, he is nowhere near an elite left tackle. Donald Penn subbed for him the 2nd half of the year and peformed OK, better in the running game and struggles against elite left ends.

LG - Arron Sears: huge left guard who started all 16 games as a rookie. Excels in the running game and is improving in the passing game. Bucs had most of their rushing success running through the middle of the o-line.

C - Jeff Faine: free agent pickup from New Orleans. Faine is a smaller sized center who is a better pass blocker as he can get pushed around in the running game. The Bucs needed to upgrade the center position and I think that Faine's ability to make good line calls will help Davin Joseph who has struggled with his mental applications.

RG - Davin Joseph: 2006 1st round pick who started as a rookie after missing the 1st month with an injury, another huge road grader who has struggled in the passing game. Bucs choose to run behing their guards and find most of their yards in the middle.

RT - Jeremy Trueblood: started 13 games as a rookie. Has improved in both run and pass blocking each year, but just like every other Buc lineman, struggles with athletic defenders.

They have solid depth as Donald Penn, Anthony Davis, Dan Buenning all have starting experience across the line. The Bucs drafted Jeremy Zuttah in the 3rd round of the 2008 draft. Zuttah and Faine are both quick moving lineman and it looks like the Bucs are looking to get more athletic in the trenches.

The Bucs have a solid coaching staff that includes Jon Gruden, Jay Gruden, and Bill Muir. While Muir was part of Parcell's staff with the Jets when Curtis Martin was running wild, he has not achieved the same success with the Bucs. However, this is the Bucs best and deepest o-line since Muir has been in Tampa, so he may be able to coach them to play like an elite line.

The Bucs have a young, talented offensive line that really started to play well in the running game late last season. The Bucs hope that Pettigout can win the left tackle job and return to form. While they may have overspent on Faine, the Bucs are planning that he will help solidify their pass blocking.

 
I'll go with the Cleveland Browns -

LT - Joe Thomas - The offensive line only allowed 19 sacks in 2007, and this was in large part from the outstanding play of rookie Joe Thomas anchoring the left side of the line. At 6'6", 315, Thomas played every offensive snap for the Browns last year and made the pro-bowl. Thomas is young, and as long as he can remain healthy, should help to hold the line together again in 2008. Steinbach is great against the run, and one of the best against the pass. He should be a pro-bowler and one of the NFL's best LT's for years to come.

LG - Eric Steinbach - Steinbach came over from Cincinnati in 2007 and teamed up with Thomas to give the Browns one of the best left sides of the OLine in the league. He is young at 28. Both Steinbach and Thomas helped create hugh holes for Jamal Lewis. Steinbach is great against the run, and solid against the pass rush. He is versatile and could slide to tackle if needed. This season again, if Steinbach and Thomas stay healthy, the Browns should continue to have one of the best left sides of the line.

C - Hank Fraley - Fraley was a nice acquistion from Philly in 2006. With the loss of LeCharles Bentley, Fraley stepped right in. He is a great signal caller, leader, and just a hard worker. With another year of continuity on the OLine, this line should be able to stay great.

RG - Ryan Tucker - Tucker is a hard worker that moved from RT, to RG. He is very versatile and a hard worker. He is an especially solid run blocker. Tucker was suspended for the first 4 games of 2007 because of Steroids, which came a year after he had some personal problems that kept him away from the game in 2006. After his 4 game suspension, Tucker worked hard, and eventually earned himself the starting guard spot. Tucker will have to fight to keep this starting spot from newly acquired Rex Hadnot and Seth McKinney.

RT - Kevin Shaffer - Shaffer moved from LT to RT in 2007 after the drafting of Thomas. Shaffer struggled at the RT position, but seemed to excel at RT when all the pressure wasn't on him. Shaffer is a solid player, that is probably a better pass protector than run blocker.

Key Reserves - This year, more than ever since they have been back, the Browns seem to have nice depth at OLine. The biggest question mark is LeCharles Bentley, who is 2 years out of football due to a staff infection. Other backups include Rex Hadnot, Seth McKinney, Isaac Sowells, and Lennie Friedman.

 
Washington Redskins:

I'd say this is going to be a down year by their standards, which means the line has to be regarded as among the average ones out there, especially given it's age and now well-established vulnerability to injury. The key for them is staying healthy - if they don't, then it's like pulling at a loose string and watching a sweater come apart. All five starters are 31-years old or older.

LT - Chris Samuels - Still a Pro Bowler and the anchor on that line when he's healthy. He has a tendency to get nagging injuries to his lower body which reduce his effectiveness, though to his credit he plays through them. He's an elite pass blocking LT when he's healthy; his run blocking is good but not great.

LG - Pete Kendall - His signing saved the team last year as he and Samuels were the only OL's to remain healthy all year. That said, he's no more than adequate at this stage of his career. He can still lock onto the guy in front of him and fight, but he just doesn't have the capacity to dominate any more. He may get replaced in the lineup Lorenzo Alexander or rookie draftee, Chad Rinehart.

C - Casey Rabach - Rabach probably had his worst season as a pro, after a couple of very good seasons for the 'Skins. I can't help but think that that ATV accident he had last year that resulted in a bad injury to the skin on his leg slowed his training down enough last offseason that he didn't go into the season strong for the 'Skins. He'd better bounce back because the team has no backup C. You heard me. They even gave RT John Jansen some reps at C at the post-draft minicamp as a backup option.

RG - Randy Thomas - He's probably my favorite 'Skins OL and one of the most underrated OL's in the league, as he's a devastating run blocker, and has even at his age the mobility to pull and lead block ahead of the RB's. It's a crime that this guy's never made the Pro Bowl. Anwyay, he like Jansen has suffered two season-ending injuries the last three years; unlike Jansen, only one of them was to his lower body, and his legs in my mind are still there. He's rehabbed all offseason and is a consummate pro - I'm not worried about him this year . . . assuming he stays healthy. He was lost for the season in week 2 with a ruptured tricep(?). Jason Fabini to everyone's surprise filled in by playing guard for the first time in his career and by the second half of the season was playing good ball there, though he couldn't pull like Thomas can.

RT - Jon Jansen - The first half of Jansen's career he was a borderline Pro Bowl level talent who was a great run blocker who could also go up 1:1 against guys like Strahan and hold his own if need be. He blew a knee out in the 2004 preseason, missing that season of course, played 2005 with both thumbs broken (still amazing to me), and then in week 1 last year was lost for the year with a broken ankle/lower leg after a Dolphins player fell on his legs from behind while he was engaged blocking. Accidents happen and Jansen is a physically and mentally tough guy, but no objective Redskins observer will deny that he has lost some of his abilities in recent years. Stephon Heyer stepped in as a UDFA and impressed a lot of people with his abilities, especially as a pass blocker; he needed to increase his strength in run blocking, which he presumably has worked on this offseason.

The good news is that unlike last year, this team enters this year with a reasonable belief in its depth. Fabini has established that he can play RT or RG as a good backup, and Heyer too now has almost a full seasons worth of experience as a starting RT. Lorenzo Alexander, a DL converted to OL and used in both spots for certain packages, is now a full time OG and figures to compete with Kendall for the LG spot, but at any rate will be there in reserve. Chad Rinehart, a good OG prospect and possible depth at C, was a nice pick out of Northern Iowa and should be ready to start by next year. Todd Wade remains on the roster as additional depth at OT, though the level of his play declined last year relative to brief action in 2006 before he too was injured.

 
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A question in regard to the high regard many hold the Raiders in (from a running game standpoint):

Yes, they had Fargas get good yardage. Yes, they had a good run average.

Did they do so because:

1. They truly have a good running game

2. Because teams would "give them the run" knowing the Raiders could not catch up that way

 
Spike said:
A question in regard to the high regard many hold the Raiders in (from a running game standpoint):

Yes, they had Fargas get good yardage. Yes, they had a good run average.

Did they do so because:

1. They truly have a good running game

2. Because teams would "give them the run" knowing the Raiders could not catch up that way
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According to the Data Dominator, here's Oakland's yards per rush for each of the four quarters:1st Q

Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	115	457	3.97	27	2	141.80
2nd Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	139	515	3.71	25	0	227.50
3rd Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	119	525	4.41	27	4	226.50
4th Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	126	614	4.87	33	5	277.40
This would appear to support your Option 2.
 
redman said:
Spike said:
A question in regard to the high regard many hold the Raiders in (from a running game standpoint):

Yes, they had Fargas get good yardage. Yes, they had a good run average.

Did they do so because:

1. They truly have a good running game

2. Because teams would "give them the run" knowing the Raiders could not catch up that way
Click to expand...
According to the Data Dominator, here's Oakland's yards per rush for each of the four quarters:1st Q

YR TEAM RSH RSHYD YD/RSH FD RSHTD FANT PT1 2007 OAK 115 457 3.97 27 2 141.802nd Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	139	515	3.71	25	0	227.50
3rd Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	119	525	4.41	27	4	226.50
4th Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	126	614	4.87	33	5	277.40
This would appear to support your Option 2.
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Isn't that true for most teams though, they're more dangerous when the defense gets tired? Also with Fargas being a big back he'll tire the defense and run wild in the 4th quarter.

 
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Phil03 said:
redman said:
Spike said:
A question in regard to the high regard many hold the Raiders in (from a running game standpoint):

Yes, they had Fargas get good yardage. Yes, they had a good run average.

Did they do so because:

1. They truly have a good running game

2. Because teams would "give them the run" knowing the Raiders could not catch up that way
Click to expand...
According to the Data Dominator, here's Oakland's yards per rush for each of the four quarters:1st Q

YR TEAM RSH RSHYD YD/RSH FD RSHTD FANT PT1 2007 OAK 115 457 3.97 27 2 141.802nd Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	139	515	3.71	25	0	227.50
3rd Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	119	525	4.41	27	4	226.50
4th Q
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	126	614	4.87	33	5	277.40
This would appear to support your Option 2.
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Isn't that true for most teams though, they're more dangerous when the defense gets tired? Also with Fargas being a big back he'll tire the defense and run wild in the 4th quarter.
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Here's the same data based not upon the game clock but upon score differential:When trailing (regardless of time left):

Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	173	683	3.95	42	5	293.30
When tied or leading:
Code: 
YR 	TEAM 	RSH 	RSHYD 	YD/RSH 	FD 	RSHTD 	FANT PT1	2007	OAK	227	1064	4.69	49	5	325.90
It looks to me like they were in fact running the ball successfully last year when the game was competitive, or when their opponent reasonably would have expected them to rush (i.e. because they wanted to kill the clock).
 
Spike said:
A question in regard to the high regard many hold the Raiders in (from a running game standpoint):

Yes, they had Fargas get good yardage. Yes, they had a good run average.

Did they do so because:

1. They truly have a good running game

2. Because teams would "give them the run" knowing the Raiders could not catch up that way
Click to expand...
No, they truly have a good running game. Regarding theory number 2, the Raiders got blown out in 3 games last year. Otherwise they were competitive. They lost games by 3, 2, 4, 7, 11, 7, and 7 points. They weren't scaring anyone with the passing game, teams knew they were going to run the ball a lot, and they still got good rush production from Fargas. And Jordan. And Rhodes.

According to Redman's data, the Raiders actually ran the ball more when tied or leading. when I think most teams would be expecting a team with McCown at QB to run the ball. And in those situations, the Raiders averaged 4.69 yards per carry.

Teams weren't giving the Raiders the run. Not for 16 games, anyway.

 
Ok, I will chime in on the Giants but would appreciate any insight other giant's fans have. They return all five starters from last year and barring injury should be an elite unit again.

LT David Diehl - Moved from guard to starting left tackle last year replacing Pettigut and performed well even with torn ligaments in one of his thumbs. He was rewarded with a contract extension and while not an elite left tackle very serviceable and did a good job protecting Mannings blind side. He has not missed a game in his career and played through injury for most of last year.

LG Rich Suebert - He had a brutal injury in 2003 that almost ended his career that looked like it was headed to the Pro Bowl. After numerous surgeries on his left leg he finally returned to a starting role. While he won't be the elite lineman he was once going to be he is good especially at the point of attack and run blocker. A clear leader on the line.

C Shaun O'Hara - Has been the starting center since signed from the browns in 04. Versatile lineman that can play at both guard positions as well.

RG Chris Snee - One of the best young guards in football. Very strong and excellent at the point of attack. Also a good at pulling and getting to the second level. He should have made the Pro Bowl last year and I think he will be a constant Pro Bowl guard in the future for the giants if they resign him as he is free agent after this year.

RT Karem McKenvie - Very strong and a great run blocker. He does have some problems with speed rushers on the edge but I would still consider him one of the better Right Tackles in football.

Reserves - Guy Whimper - Main reserve at both tackles and lacks experience as was drafted in fourth round in '04 and has had little playing time. Gary Ruegmer at both guards and center. He played in all 16 games in '06 and even started at left guard for some games. In '07 filed in for O'Hara at center in the season finale and the Bucs playoff game. I think he is one of the better interior lineman backups given his versatility and experience though he won't blow anyone away.

Overall this is very powerful run line with Snee, McKenvie and Suebert all being beasts. Have some trouble in pass protection and the speed rush but definitely at top 5 line in my book. Also, this line has been playing together for last few years with the only lose being an overated Pettigut to the bucs in last year's free agency.

 
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Redwes25 said:
LT David Diehl - Moved from guard to starting left tackle last year replacing Pettigut and performed well even with torn ligaments in one of his thumbs. He was rewarded with a contract extension and while not an elite left tackle very serviceable and did a good job protecting Mannings blind side. He has not missed a game in his career and played through injury for most of last year.Reserves - Guy Whimper - Main reserve at both tackles and lacks experience as was drafted in fourth round in '04 and has had little playing time. Gary Ruegmer at both guards and center. He played in all 16 games in '06 and even started at left guard for some games. In '07 filed in for O'Hara at center in the season finale and the Bucs playoff game. I think he is one of the better interior lineman backups given his versatility and experience though he won't blow anyone away.
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I thought I'd read somewhere that the Giants intended to move Whimper to LT and move Diehl back to G.
 
redman said:
I thought I'd read somewhere that the Giants intended to move Whimper to LT and move Diehl back to G.
Click to expand...
Don't think so, here's what I have on the Giants:2008 Projected Starters:Left Tackle: David DiehlLeft Guard: Rich SeubertCenter: Shaun O’HaraRight Guard: Chris SneeRight Tackle: Kareem McKenzieOverview:The New York Giants offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL for a number of years and allowed Tiki Barber to rush for over 1,500 yards in three consecutive seasons. There were question marks entering into the 2007 season about whether or not the rushing game would be as effective without Barber. Luke Petitgout was released in February 2007 mainly due to his frequent injuries and was replaced by David Diehl at LT who was the starting LG in 2006. In 2007, this line once again proved it was one of the best in the league as it blocked very successfully for Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw and the Giants rushed for over 2000 yards.At tackle, the team is in very solid shape with 2003 draft pick David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie who was acquired as a free agent from the Jets in 2005. Diehl is a very versatile lineman who can play any of the guard or tackle positions and who has not missed a single game in his NFL career. McKenzie is one of the best right tackles in football and although he may get beat to the outside occasionally because of his lack of speed, he is very strong and will create big holes in the running game. Guy Whimper is the backup tackle and although he lacks experience at the position, he is improving very rapidly and should be able to fill in adequately if either Diehl or McKenzie were to be injured.The guard position is also in very good shape with Chris Snee and Rich Seubert. Snee is strong enough to create holes for the running backs but also athletic enough to pull out and block on the second level. Rich Seubert was an undrafted free agent picked up by the Giants in 2001 and was quickly developing into a Pro Bowl caliber guard until he suffered a career threatening injury in 2003. Seubert battled through five surgeries and managed to regain his starting job. He is a versatile lineman and although he has lost some speed, his intensity makes up for it and he is a very ferocious run blocker.Shaun O’Hara has been the starting center for the Giants since 2004 and although not the most powerful run blocker, he is a good pass blocker who can also play both guard positions. Grey Ruegamer is a backup center and guard who was drafted in 1999 and since then has played for four different teams. He provides depth on the line and showed he is a very capable backup in the first round playoff game against the Buccaneers in 2007. This line is much better at rush blocking than pass blocking but some of those weaknesses are countered by the good pass blocking abilities of running back Brandon Jacobs.2008 Outlook:There should be no changes to the Giants offensive line in 2008 as the five starters from 2007 will be returning. Shaun O’Hara was the only lineman who missed action in 2007 late in the season and was adequately replaced by Ruegamer. David Diehl also had to play through a thumb injury all season long so his play should improve in 2008 but overall the line was very healthy in 2007. The Giants line was impressive in both pass and rush blocking in 2007 and that should once again be the case in 2008. The Giants have little depth at offensive line since Ruegamer and Whimper are the only two capable backups. However, because many of the offensive linemen can play various positions, the lack of depth should not be a problem. As long as the line remains relatively healthy and 26 year old Madison Hedgecock continues his solid play at fullback, the Giants should be able to rush for over 2,000 yards for a fourth consecutive season.
 
redman said:
Redwes25 said:
LT David Diehl - Moved from guard to starting left tackle last year replacing Pettigut and performed well even with torn ligaments in one of his thumbs. He was rewarded with a contract extension and while not an elite left tackle very serviceable and did a good job protecting Mannings blind side. He has not missed a game in his career and played through injury for most of last year.Reserves - Guy Whimper - Main reserve at both tackles and lacks experience as was drafted in fourth round in '04 and has had little playing time. Gary Ruegmer at both guards and center. He played in all 16 games in '06 and even started at left guard for some games. In '07 filed in for O'Hara at center in the season finale and the Bucs playoff game. I think he is one of the better interior lineman backups given his versatility and experience though he won't blow anyone away.
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I thought I'd read somewhere that the Giants intended to move Whimper to LT and move Diehl back to G.
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The Giants just extended Diehl's contract to make him more in line with a starting Left Tackles salary. The contract also has a provision for higher salary if he continues to start at Tackle. The extension was a bit of surprise since he had three more years to go with a clearly below market salary. I think this was a sign that he is going to be the starting left tackle for the next few years. I have heard a lot of good things about Whimper especially his athleticism but he has not had much playing time.
 
I will take a shot at the Bengals OL. There may still be some health ?'s.

LT - Levi Jones - He has some knee problems last year that caused him to miss games, and even when he did return, they were hesitant to let him play much. I think this is why there was some talk of him wanted traded, but that isn't going to happen.

LG - Andrew Whitworth - He has been nothing but stellar as a replacement when Steinbach left. He is capable of filling in for Brown at LT if needed.

C - Eric Ghiaciuc - Solid, but not special. There is nobody really behind him either, except for a couple 2nd year players.

RG - Stacy Andrews - They are paying him franchise money, he has to start somewhere. This would push incumbent starter Bobbie Williams to a backup role.

RT - Willie Anderson - The veteran of the group, with health issues as well. All news points to him being 100% healthy now, but who knows how long that will last.

Reserves - The good news is that the Bengals have 4 guys who can start at T if needed (Jones, Whitworth, Andrews, Anderson). Bobbie Williams is versatile enough to play G or C and will fill in when Jones or Anderson goes down. Scott Koistra has been a backup T for a long time and is serviceable, let's just hope he doesn't have to start on a regular basis. Dan Santucci is the backup C at this point. He was a rookie last year and didn't see much playing time. Rookie Anthony Collins should get some time, but it could be at T or G. He is the insurance policy for Jones and Anderson.

Just a couple years ago, the Bengals were one of the top OLs in the league. Injuries to almost everyone have changed this status. If they are in fact healthy for an entire season, there is no reason why they cannot return to a top OL, like in 2005-2006.

 
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Here's what I have for the Falcons, their line is a mess:

2008 Projected Starters:

Left Tackle: Sam Baker

Left Guard: Justin Blalock

Center: Todd McClure

Right Guard: Tyson Clabo / Kynan Forney

Right Tackle: Todd Weiner / Renardo Foster / Tyson Clabo

Overview:

The 2007 season was the first for the Atlanta Falcons in the post Michael Vick era and it was not a very good one. The offense ranked 29th in the league in points scored, gave up 47 sacks and averaged only 3.9 yards per carry. The 2007 season was filled with injuries for this offensive line which certainly did not help the team’s offensive performance.

At tackle, the Falcons added Sam Baker out of USC in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Baker has great technique and is very agile with quick feet which make him a good pass protector. He is 6’5” and weighs 305 lbs which is pretty light for a lineman his height. Baker will need to get much stronger in order to be an effective run blocker in the NFL and he will also have to be much more aggressive in his run blocking. He will definitely provide some much needed help for this offensive line but he still has a lot of work to do. There will be an interesting battle in camp for the right tackle position between Todd Weiner and Renardo Foster. Weiner has the edge in terms of talent but he suffered a knee injury and missed the last six games of the regular season so he may not be fully healthy when the season begins. Weiner is not particularly strong so will have difficulty pushing back the linemen when run blocking and at 32 years of age he is not as quick as he used to be. When healthy he is still a decent tackle but it remains to be seen if he can recover from the knee injury. Renardo Foster was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Falcons in 2007 and he also suffered a season-ending knee injury halfway through the season. Foster is a very strong and powerful tackle who has the tools to be a force as a run blocker. He obviously lacks agility because of his size at 6’7” and 340 lbs but is still a decent pass protector if he receives blocking help on the outside. Quinn Ojinnaka also provides depth at the tackle position and has an outside chance to be the starting left tackle. Ojinnaka started eight games at tackle last season after Foster and Gandy went down with injuries but was below average. His athleticism allows him to be a decent pass protector but he failed to open holes in the running game like the rest of the line.

The Falcons selected Justin Blalock in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and he will return as the starting left guard for the second consecutive season. Blalock is a very strong and powerful blocker at 6’4” and 330 lbs which makes him a solid run blocker. He was a right tackle in college with the Longhorns where he managed to play 51 consecutive games as a starter. There is a slight possibility that he could be the starting right tackle for the Falcons but he does not have the quickest feet and will get beat to the outside too often. Blalock is a much better fit at the guard position and will continue to improve as a pass protector. Starting at right guard will likely be 26 year old Tyson Clabo. Clabo made the jump from the practice squad in 2006 and has since played in 21 games. He has pretty good size at 6’7” and 315 lbs and, similar to Blalock, can also play the tackle position. He is a decent run blocker and although he has slow feet, he did an admirable job in pass protection at right tackle last season. There is a strong possibility that Clabo will continue as a right tackle this season if Weiner is unable to go. Kynan Forney will provide depth at guard once again. Forney played in 14 games last season but struggled in all assets and should not be a starter this season.

At center, Todd McClure should be returning as starting center for the seventh consecutive season. McClure is not very big at only 6’1” and 295 lbs but is very smart and tough. McClure has not missed a start in six seasons and at 31 years old still has a few years left. McClure however struggles to get a push in run blocking and would be much more effective with a better guard on his right side. The Falcons added depth at the position by signing Alex Stepanovich. He started four games for the Bengals last season but was disappointing. The Falcons also drafted Doug Datish in the sixth round of the 2007 draft but he missed the entire 2007 season because of a wrist injury. He is not particularly strong but he is a smart player and a hard worker so he should improve this season. He still has a lot to learn so will probably not see much action this season but will likely replace McClure in a year or two.

2008 Outlook:

The Falcons struggled all season last year and had a lot of holes to fill. Sam Baker was however the only offensive lineman selected in the Falcons in this year’s draft and they did not add any significant names in free agency to improve the line. Paul Boudreau, formerly the Rams offensive line coach, will be in charge of restructuring this offensive line. Boudreau really likes to use a lot of different combinations so it is hard to determine who will start at which positions. It is difficult to predict how this line will perform but it should improve because of all the injuries suffered last season and the addition of Sam Baker should also help. Overall this line will once again be slightly below average in run blocking and it will improve in pass protection but will still be below average.

 
Gil Brandt commented that he was not high on Sam Baker because he has short arms for a tackle and not centered well for a guard...

Phil03 said:
Here's what I have for the Falcons, their line is a mess:2008 Projected Starters:Left Tackle: Sam BakerLeft Guard: Justin BlalockCenter: Todd McClureRight Guard: Tyson Clabo / Kynan ForneyRight Tackle: Todd Weiner / Renardo Foster / Tyson ClaboOverview:The 2007 season was the first for the Atlanta Falcons in the post Michael Vick era and it was not a very good one. The offense ranked 29th in the league in points scored, gave up 47 sacks and averaged only 3.9 yards per carry. The 2007 season was filled with injuries for this offensive line which certainly did not help the team’s offensive performance.At tackle, the Falcons added Sam Baker out of USC in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Baker has great technique and is very agile with quick feet which make him a good pass protector. He is 6’5” and weighs 305 lbs which is pretty light for a lineman his height. Baker will need to get much stronger in order to be an effective run blocker in the NFL and he will also have to be much more aggressive in his run blocking. He will definitely provide some much needed help for this offensive line but he still has a lot of work to do. There will be an interesting battle in camp for the right tackle position between Todd Weiner and Renardo Foster. Weiner has the edge in terms of talent but he suffered a knee injury and missed the last six games of the regular season so he may not be fully healthy when the season begins. Weiner is not particularly strong so will have difficulty pushing back the linemen when run blocking and at 32 years of age he is not as quick as he used to be. When healthy he is still a decent tackle but it remains to be seen if he can recover from the knee injury. Renardo Foster was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Falcons in 2007 and he also suffered a season-ending knee injury halfway through the season. Foster is a very strong and powerful tackle who has the tools to be a force as a run blocker. He obviously lacks agility because of his size at 6’7” and 340 lbs but is still a decent pass protector if he receives blocking help on the outside. Quinn Ojinnaka also provides depth at the tackle position and has an outside chance to be the starting left tackle. Ojinnaka started eight games at tackle last season after Foster and Gandy went down with injuries but was below average. His athleticism allows him to be a decent pass protector but he failed to open holes in the running game like the rest of the line.The Falcons selected Justin Blalock in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and he will return as the starting left guard for the second consecutive season. Blalock is a very strong and powerful blocker at 6’4” and 330 lbs which makes him a solid run blocker. He was a right tackle in college with the Longhorns where he managed to play 51 consecutive games as a starter. There is a slight possibility that he could be the starting right tackle for the Falcons but he does not have the quickest feet and will get beat to the outside too often. Blalock is a much better fit at the guard position and will continue to improve as a pass protector. Starting at right guard will likely be 26 year old Tyson Clabo. Clabo made the jump from the practice squad in 2006 and has since played in 21 games. He has pretty good size at 6’7” and 315 lbs and, similar to Blalock, can also play the tackle position. He is a decent run blocker and although he has slow feet, he did an admirable job in pass protection at right tackle last season. There is a strong possibility that Clabo will continue as a right tackle this season if Weiner is unable to go. Kynan Forney will provide depth at guard once again. Forney played in 14 games last season but struggled in all assets and should not be a starter this season.At center, Todd McClure should be returning as starting center for the seventh consecutive season. McClure is not very big at only 6’1” and 295 lbs but is very smart and tough. McClure has not missed a start in six seasons and at 31 years old still has a few years left. McClure however struggles to get a push in run blocking and would be much more effective with a better guard on his right side. The Falcons added depth at the position by signing Alex Stepanovich. He started four games for the Bengals last season but was disappointing. The Falcons also drafted Doug Datish in the sixth round of the 2007 draft but he missed the entire 2007 season because of a wrist injury. He is not particularly strong but he is a smart player and a hard worker so he should improve this season. He still has a lot to learn so will probably not see much action this season but will likely replace McClure in a year or two.2008 Outlook:The Falcons struggled all season last year and had a lot of holes to fill. Sam Baker was however the only offensive lineman selected in the Falcons in this year’s draft and they did not add any significant names in free agency to improve the line. Paul Boudreau, formerly the Rams offensive line coach, will be in charge of restructuring this offensive line. Boudreau really likes to use a lot of different combinations so it is hard to determine who will start at which positions. It is difficult to predict how this line will perform but it should improve because of all the injuries suffered last season and the addition of Sam Baker should also help. Overall this line will once again be slightly below average in run blocking and it will improve in pass protection but will still be below average.
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[ [ New England Patriots ] ]

PTS - 36.8 per game game (1st)

YDS - 411.2 per game (1st)

PASS YDS - 295.7 per game (1st)

RUSH YDS - 115.6 per game (13th)

The Patriots are bringing back the same five starters who played in the Superbowl last year, a game which all of us fans want to forget happened. They played like crap, something we weren't used to after watching them absolutely dominate everyone all season. However, that game was an anomaly - they are all talented in their own ways (not counting Nick Kaczur) and play very well as a unit.

[ 2008 Projected Starters ]

LT: Matt Light - 29 years old

Matt Light had a great season in 2007, and was awarded his second straight Pro-Bowl, and first All-Pro award because of it. He did a great job last year in pass protection, an area that has always been a strong suit of his. However, he is not infallible, and sometimes has trouble with speed guys - Dwight Freeney, for instance, always seems to give him trouble, but then again, there are few guys who can handle Dwight at all. Other than that, he was very good, and has played at a top level for 8 years and has protected Brady's blindside plenty well for that period of time.

LG: Logan Mankins - 25 years old

Mankins broke out last year, earning a Pro-Bowl berth after absolutely destroying most of his opposition last year. A great pass blocker who is an even better run blocker, Mankins plays with a mean-streak and never seems to let up. In the Super Bowl, it seemed like everyone on the Patriots offensive line was having an off day except for Mankins, who was attacking anyone who came close to him. This guy is one of the top guards in the NFL in only his 3rd year. At the age of 25, Patriots fans should expect perennial Pro-Bowl play for the next 8+ years.

C: Dan Koppen - 28 years old

Dan Koppen is a great center, and finally got some recognition last year with a Pro-Bowl berth. He has consistently played at a Pro-Bowl level for years, but last year people finally noticed his play and said "hey, this guy is great." As a run blocker he is fantastic, and he is also a solid pass blocker. The guy doesn't do anything fancy - he just plays well against everyone.

RG: Stephen Neal - 31 years old

Probably one of the more underrated players on the Patriots offensive line, his play last year was overshadowed by 3 Pro-Bowlers but he was just as deserving as them. A former college wrestler, Stephen Neal is a force to be reckoned with. He too plays with a mean streak and can blow up opposing D-lineman with his awesome strength. In either case, he is very good, and was a big part of the success of the Patriots last year.

RT: Nick Kaczur - 28 years old

The weak links of the Patriots line. I don't know why, but some people consider him to be solid or even good, but he was putrid on more than one occasion. In the Superbowl in particular, he got owned bad by every pass rusher thrown at him. I'm hoping that Ryan O'Callaghan takes this spot next year as he was very solid in every opportunity that he's had so far, and Kazcur makes my heart skip a beat when he drops back to block because I'm always worried that he's going to let Brady smacked in the chest by some angry defensive lineman.

[ Backups ]

RT: Ryan O'Callaghan - 24 years old

Not much to be said about him, other than that he is BIG (6'6", 345 pounds) and played very well in the 6 games he started in 2006. He only started one game in 2007 due to injury but other than that he is an unknown, however I have been very high on him and he has played very well and has great mobility for someone his size. I'm hoping he takes the starting job from Nick.

LG/C/RG: Russ Hochstein - 30 years old

Russ is a great player and would be starting on any other team, in my opinion. He played very well in the Superbowl a few years ago against the vaunted Carolina defensive line, and has been a great backup for years. A total steal, I'm surprised he hasn't left for another starting gig, since he is definitely capable of performing as a starter.

LT: Wesley Britt - 26 years old

Britt is another unknown on the line. Like Ryan, he is HUGE (6'8", 314 pounds) and the Patriots coaching staff seems to like him very much. However, its doubtful he'll be cracking any starting lineups as long as he's backing up Matt Light. Still, there is a hope that he could step in if the opportunity presented itself.

 
Bucs

LT-Donald Penn / Luke Petitguot - Penn did a good job filling in last year, he is great at pass protection. The LT competition should be interesting to watch, as Gruden said it's wide open.

LG- Aron Sears - This guy is a stud, and was a large part of the success of the run game last year. He is on track to become a pro-bowler very soon. He is considered "a deadly puling guard."

C- Jef Faine- the missing link to this line?

RG- Davin Joseph - He played well last year, but I'm not sure if he has lived up to the 1st round grade yet. He needs to dominate, and I expect him to get better with Faine next to him.

RT- Jeremy Trueblood- Dominated at times last year, fizzled out as season went on due to injuries. He has been solid on the right side, unless Julius Peppers happens to return to his 06' form. :unsure:

This is one of the most underated offensive lines in football, and it is deep. I would bump every Tampa player up this year, because this line is going to be sick :thumbup:

 
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QUEZILLA said:
Bucs

LT-Donald Penn / Luke Petitguot - Penn did a good job filling in last year, he is great at pass protection. The LT competition should be interesting to watch, as Gruden said it's wide open.

LG- Aron Sears - This guy is a stud, and was a large part of the success of the run game last year. He is on track to become a pro-bowler very soon. He is considered "a deadly puling guard."

C- Jef Faine- the missing link to this line?

RG- Davin Joseph - He played well last year, but I'm not sure if he has lived up to the 1st round grade yet. He needs to dominate, and I expect him to get better with Faine next to him.

RT- Jeremy Trueblood- Dominated at times last year, fizzled out as season went on due to injuries. He has been solid on the right side, unless Julius Peppers happens to return to his 06' form. :bye:

This is one of the most underated offensive lines in football, and it is deep. I would bump every Tampa player up this year, because this line is going to be sick :construction:
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Duly noted.
 
Packers...I guess...

LT - Chad Clifton...still very good pass blocker...but not as effective in the zone blocking run scheme...but still very good going up against the better DEs.

LG - Hopefully it will be Junius Coston...if he stays healthy and works...he has shown better skills than Colledge who I think is destined to be a future replacement at LT.

C - Scott Wells...nothing flashy...but he has been doing pretty well and getting the job done up the middle

RG - Jason Spitz...started coming around a bit better last year...should be solid this year...but the guard positions are definitely the weakness of this line.

RT - Mark Tauscher...like Clifton...solid vet who is very good in the pass protection.

Overall, both tackles are getting up there in age and have gotten nicked up recently. I think Colledge will eventually move to tackle...but he could still end up starting at guard this year.

Tony Moll did pretty well filling in at tackle last year when some injuries popped up so he will probably be the RT of the future. Also in the mix are Orrin Thompson as a backup at LT...and the two rookies...at least one of them will possibly compete for one of the guard spots.

Overall, not sure if it was the line improving...or finally having a back that was decisive in hitting holes when Grant came along. I think it was a bit of both. This is year 3 of the zone blocking...and Colledge and Spitz's third year in the league. Also basically the 3rd year with this line pretty much intact so that should help them improve some more (hopefully with a young QB back there)

 
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radiohead417 said:
Jacksonville:

LT - Khalif Barnes: He's in the final year of his rookie contract, and could be potentially let go/benched depending on his own development, character and the development of Richard Collier. He was benched last season in the New Orleans game for Collier who is massize, and could be the long-term guy at LT. Very much up in the air, this situation for '09, but the job is likely Barnes' to lose in '08.

LG - Vince Manuwai: Solid contributor last year, perhaps Jacksonville's best offensive lineman the last two years. I think he'd be a pro-bowler if he played in a large market.

C - Brad Meester - Entering his ninth season with the Jags, all as a starter. Seems to have flourished at the center position, though he's had bicep and ankle injuries two of the last three seasons. Still, I believe he's the key to the team's run game (160.5 rushing yards per game in his starts, vs. 125.2 rushing yards when he was out.)

RG - Maurice Williams - After being set aside for Tony Pashos, he sat the bench until Chris Naeole was knocked out for the season. Naeole was released, and Williams surprisingly re-signed with the team to play right guard full-time, after playing time exclusively for his entire career. Now he's the guy, at least for the foreseeable future.

RT - Tony Pashos - Caught a lot of flack early on after signing a large free agent contract, but got into a groove later in the season and arguably was Jacksonville's best offensive lineman down the stretch.

Depth - Dennis Norman filled in at center last season for Meester, and was average. Uche Nwaneri was a fifth-round pick last year, and has gotten rave reviews from practice reports. He could be an eventual starter should something happen to Manuwai or Williams. The group has some nice versatility, in that Williams would likely move to tackle if Pashos were to get hurt, while Norman can play guard or tackle. I mentioned Collier up top, who could be the team's starting left tackle as early as this season.

Overall, the Jaguars averaged 4.6 yards per carry and allowed 31 sacks. I'd rank them collectively as an above average group, maybe around 10th in the league. I think the lack of a dominant left tackle is what's keeping this group from being elite. If Barnes gets his head straight, or Collier develops into a stud this group can be as good as any in the league. The AFC South has a nice group of pass-rushers (Dwight Freeney, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Mario Williams) so it's very important that this group keeps some continuity and keeps David Garrard upright.
Click to expand...
Hi Radiohead

I just got Maurice Williams in a trade and I'm reading this and starting to get nervous. What are the chances he loses his job to Dennis Norman. NFL.com has Norman as the starting RG and M Williams as K Barnes's backup.

Please let me know.

Thanks

 
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Baltimore Ravens

Early this year they hired a new offensive line coach, John Matsko. Matsko is a highly regarded line coach who has had much success in Kansas City and St. Louis among other places. In ’06 he used 5 different line combinations while LJ racked up nearly 1800 yards. He coached St. Louis’s OLine during their glory years and in ’04 used 9 different combinations after having lost Kyle Turley before the season and his starting center on opening day. They won the NFC Wild Card game that year.

The Ravens may lack a lot of experience but they don’t lack talent. It may be that all they need is a better system and a more demanding line coach to turn all that potential into production. Matsko’s 35 year career was built on developing young linemen.

RT – Marshal Yanda/Oniel Cousins – Yanda played pretty well at RT last year and now has a whole year under his belt having started 12 games. He does have short arms and struggles with speed rushers but is a good run blocker and overall played pretty solid and is very versatile. He can play pretty much any position on the line including center.

The Ravens are also hoping 2008 3rd round pick Oniel Cousins can play some RT. Some were projecting him as a guard but the Ravens apparently feel he can play tackle. This guy is a high effort, extremely nasty player who moves well in space. Already been fighting in mini-camps so you can see the guy wants to play.

RG – Ben Grubbs/Jason Brown – Grubbs was the Ravens #1 pick last year, 29th overall. Played RG all last year but his natural position is left guard and he’s been working there during mini-camps. He is very athletic, quick and mobile. Excellent run blocker who consistently reaches the second level. Good quick set in pass protection as well. He is an up and coming star.

C – Chris Chester/Jason Brown - Last year’s starter Mike Flynn is gone. The natural replacement is athletic and talented Chris Chester, a 2006 2nd round pick and last years backup. However, Chester is still felt to be a project and must improve under Matsko. He has trouble recognizing stunts and blitzes and isn’t a powerful enough run blocker.

Jason Brown, who started every game at LG last year, appears to be taking a lot of snaps at center in mini-camps. Even if Chester is the starter, Brown should be ready to step in if he’s injured. Yanda is learning the position as well.

LG – Jason Brown/Ben Grubbs – Brown has dropped some weight to be more mobile in Cameron’s pull-heavy system. He has a thick lower body and packs a lot of power in the run game. Has long arms and is an adequate pass blocker. He was an SI All-Pro last year at LG.

LT – Jared Gaither – If Ogden doesn’t retire he’s the obvious starter. If not, they go with Adam Terry, who is recovering from an ankle injury, or Gaither.

Gaither, taken in the 5th round of the supplemental draft last year, may have been a 1st round pick this year had he stayed at Maryland. He is massive with very long arms and has the quick feet and lateral agility to slide well in pass protection. He played in 6 games in 2007 starting 2.

He has loads of talent but is still a bit raw and immature. His main weakness has been his strength and his run blocking but he’s worked hard in the off-season to improve his strength and bulk in his trunk and legs. If Matsko can develop this guy, they might have a real replacement for Ogden. If Terry can get healthy, they have a serviceable backup at both tackle spots.

Depth – (T) Mike Kracilik, Steve Edwards, © Matt Katula

Draft – In addition to Cousins, they drafted (T) David Hale 6’6’’ 314 from Weber St. Hale is big strong, nasty mauler but needs to work on his feet.

Overall the Ravens look to be solid in at least 3 spots; LG, RG and RT. With their coaching and offensive system, they could have a pretty nice line if Gaither and/or Cousins develop into decent players and, of course, they stay healthy. The biggest question mark is probably Chester.

 
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jgb95 said:
Hi RadioheadI just got Maurice Williams in a trade and I'm reading this and starting to get nervous. What are the chances he loses his job to Dennis Norman. NFL.com has Norman as the starting RG and M Williams as K Barnes's backup.Please let me know.Thanks
Click to expand...
Maurice Williams will start. Norman was very average as a backup center and the line was even better with Williams in the lineup. I think they averaged something like 4.8 yards per carry and allowed 8 sacks in 7 games with the 5 starters who'll be back this year.
 
CBS_OL_rankings

Steelers line gettin' no love. 24th?

Cleveland's ranking is generous.

OL Rankings: The trenches are the first place to find winners

June 2, 2008

By Pete Prisco

CBSSports.com Senior Writer

Tell Pete your opinion!

The New York Giants' run through the playoffs and their upset victory of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII once again reinforced the idea that, despite all the new wrinkles over the years, the NFL game is still won by having good players on both lines.

The Giants' defensive front four rightfully received plenty of hype after they helped shut down the high-flying New England offense in the Super Bowl and limiting Dallas and Green Bay in the playoffs. But the Giants' offensive line was almost as good in the playoffs, but nobody noticed.

That's the way it is for offensive lineman. The only way they get attention is if they're making mistakes.

As we head closer to the 2008 season, with the opening of training camps less than two months away and most teams getting a good feel for what their teams will look like, we thought it was a good time to take a look at the offensive and defensive lines of all 32 teams.

The first column we will rank the league's offensive lines, giving them a ranking of 1 to 32, with one being the best and 32 the worst. The next column will rank the defensive lines 1 to 32 and the final day will be an overall rankings.

The team with the lowest two-line total has the best line play in the league heading into the 2008 season and should be a Super contender.

If you're looking for a surprise team, you might want to look for a non-playoff team from last season that is in the top 15 in the overall line rankings.

It's all about the lines in the NFL.

The New York Giants once again reminded us of that last season.

Arizona Cardinals

Best player: RG Deuce Lutui. Weak link: Center Al Johnson.

The skinny: This is a unit that improved greatly in 2006. And with right tackle Levi Brown now in his second season it should be even better. Lutui developed into a quality guard last season and left tackle Mike Gandy was a pleasant surprise. They do need to block better for the run game.

Rating: 22

Atlanta Falcons

Best player: LG Justin Blalock. Weak link: The right tackle position, whoever starts -- if it isn't Blalock.

The skinny: This is a young group in transition. First-round pick Sam Baker will be the starting left tackle and will be a good one down the road but he is a rookie. This is a unit that might be overmatched early in the season. Blalock, now in his second season, could start at either guard or right tackle, depending where he is needed. Center Todd McClure is a decent player in the middle.

Rating: 32

Baltimore Ravens

Best player: RG Jason Brown. Weak link: RT Marshall Yanda.

The skinny: Brown is a rising star whose best football is in front of him. Left tackle Jonathan Ogden can still play at a high level if he doesn't retire, but not the way he did a few years back. There are some good, young players on this line who should get better in 2008. There will be a lot of competition for jobs. Yanda, the starting right tackle at the end of 2007, could be moved inside if a young tackle emerges.

Rating: 25

Buffalo Bills

Best player: LT Jason Peters. Weak link: C Melvin Fowler.

The skinny: Peters is a Pro Bowl player and the rest of the line is solid, if not great. This is a line that should get better each of the next few seasons as they develop. The Bills spent a lot of money last year to get Walker and left guard Derrick Dockery in free agency -- and it appeared to pay off. Dockery really played well. Fowler needs to play better.

Rating: 15

Carolina Panthers

Best player: LT Jordan Gross. Weak link: The right guard spot.

The skinny: The Panthers won't have one player starting in the same position he started in last season. But the line will be better. Gross moves from right tackle to the left side with rookie Jeff Otah in as the starter on the right side. Ryan Kalil takes over at center. Vincent will try to beat out Toniu Fonoti and Milford Brown at right guard.

Rating: 21

Chicago Bears

Best player: RT John Tait. Weak link: LT Chris Williams.

The skinny: Tait moves from the left side to the right side, his natural position, and rookie first-round pick Chris Williams will start on the left side. Center Olin Kreutz isn't the player he once was and the guards are average. Right guard Roberto Garza is average at best, and John St. Clair moves from tackle to left guard.

Rating: 26

Cincinnati Bengals

Best player: RT Stacey Andrews. Weak link: C Eric Ghiaciuc

The skinny: The Bengals had problems on their line last season with injuries to starting tackles Willie Anderson and Levi Jones. Andrews stepped in and played well in place of Anderson, which is why the team re-signed him before he hit the free-agent market. Ghiaciuc struggled with big power players last season.

Rating: 17

Cleveland Browns

Best player: LT Joe Thomas. Weak link: C Hank Fraley.

The skinny: The addition of Thomas last year as a rookie and free-agent guard Eric Steinbach really improved the line, especially the left side. The right side isn't as good, but the addition of guard Rex Hadnot might help the run game. Fraley is solid at center, but he has trouble with the big nose tackles.

Rating: 6

Center Andre Gurode anchors the Cowboys' outstanding offensive line. (Getty Images)

Dallas Cowboys

Best player: C Andre Gurode. Weak link: LG Kyle Kosier.

The skinny: This is an outstanding line from tackle to tackle. Picking out a weak line is tough, but Kosier is the choice. Gurode and right guard Leonard Davis are both coming off outstanding seasons. It will be interesting to see how left tackle Flozell Adams plays with his new contract.

Rating: 1

Denver Broncos

Best player: LG Ben Hamilton. Weak link: The right tackle spot.

The skinny: The Broncos line, which has been a strong point in recent years, wasn't so good last season. That's why Denver picked Ryan Clady in the first round. He will start at left tackle. The rest of the line will see a lot of competition for jobs. At right tackle, Erik Pears should battle Chris Kuper for the starting job. Getting left guard Ben Hamilton back from injury is huge. Center will be a battle between Tom Nalen and Casey Wiegmann.

Rating: 19

Detroit Lions

Best player: C Dominic Raiola. Weak link: RT Gosder Cherilus.

The skinny: The Lions had major problems at right tackle last season so they will turn to rookie first-round pick Cherilus. Starting a rookie is always dicey. Raiola is the best of this line, with left tackle Jeff Backus second best. The guards are just OK. Left guard Edwin Mulitalo is a good run blocker.

Rating: 27

Green Bay Packers

Best player: RT Mark Tauscher. Weak link: Both guard spots.

The skinny: In Tauscher and left tackle Chad Clifton, the Packers have a good combination. Center Scott Wells is a good player, but isn't powerful. It's the guard play that worried the team last season. They need to get better play from both guard spots in 2007 if this line is going to make strides.

Rating: 10

Houston Texans

Best player: RT Eric Winston. Weak link: LT Duane Brown.

The skinny: The Texans have had problems at left tackle their entire existence, but Brown steps in as a rookie and will likely start. That's a risk in a division with Dwight Freeney. Winston is underrated at right tackle. The interior will be better with the acquisition of center Chris Myers from Denver. Adding Alex Gibbs to coach this group will help.

Rating: 18

Indianapolis Colts

Best player: C Jeff Saturday. Weak link: Whoever starts at right guard.

The skinny: The Colts always have a quality line, and this year's group is no different. Saturday is a Pro Bowl player and second-year left tackle Tony Ugoh can get there. Look for rookie Mike Pollak to possibly start at right guard ahead of Charles Johnson. The line had a lot of injuries to deal with last season, but came through them well.

Rating: 4

Jacksonville Jaguars

Best player: RT Tony Pashos. Weak link: LT Khalif Barnes.

The skinny: This is one of the best lines in the league. There are no real weak spots. Barnes' only troubles have been focus. If he's focused, he's a heck of a player. The team is moving Vince Manuwai from left guard to right guard and look for second-year player Uche Nwaneri to push Maurice Williams at left guard.

Rating: 5

Kansas City Chiefs

Best player: LG Brian Waters. Weak link: C Rudy Niswanger.

The skinny: The Chiefs were really bad last season up front, a big departure from recent seasons. Age and retirements set them back, so they are looking to improve. Rookie first-round pick Branden Albert will start at left tackle, which will help. Waters is still a top-flight guard. The rest of the line is so-so at best. Niswanger is a first-year starter at center, but he has potential.

Rating: 31

Miami Dolphins

Best player: RT Vernon Carey. Weak link: The right guard spot.

The skinny: This is a line in rebuild mode. The drafting of left tackle Jake Long with the first overall pick in this year's draft will help the improvement. He will be a good one. That move allows Carey to go back to the right side. They overpaid for left guard Justin Smiley in free agency, but he will be an upgrade. The other guard spot is open to competition with rookie Shawn Murphy in the battle. Center Samson Satele is a young player to watch in coming years.

Rating: 29

Minnesota Vikings

Best player: LG Steve Hutchinson. Weak link: RT Ryan Cook.

The skinny: Hutchinson and left tackle Bryant McKinnie are very good on the left side, but the right side is a concern. Center Matt Birk is getting up in the years, but he can still play at a high level. Right guard Anthony Herrera is good in the run game.

Rating: 8

New England Patriots

Best player: LG Logan Mankins. Weak link: RT Nick Kaczur.

The skinny: This is a unit that took a beating for the way it played in the Super Bowl loss. They struggled in pass protection. But Dante Scarnecchia, the best line coach in football, should get this unit back on track. Mankins is one of the game's best and center Dan Koppen went to the Pro Bowl last season. Left tackle Matt Light needs to play better. Right guard is a concern.

Rating: 3

New Orleans Saints

Best player: RG Jahri Evans. Weak link: C Jonathan Goodwin.

The skinny: Evans plays at a Pro Bowl level and left tackle Jammal Brown is a good player as well. The biggest concern is center, where Jonathan Goodwin takes over for the departed Jeff Faine. Right tackle Jon Stinchcomb needs to revert to his 2006 form. He could be pushed for his job this summer.

Rating: 13

New York Giants

Best player: RG Chris Snee. Weak link: LG Rich Seubert.

The skinny: The Giants' line exceeded expectations last season, especially the tackles. Right tackle Kareem McKenzie and left tackle David Diehl played good football in the Super Bowl run. Center Shaun O'Hara is underrated. Snee is a Pro Bowl player who hasn't gone yet, while Seubert is a fighter.

Rating: 7

New York Jets

Best player: LG Alan Faneca. Weak link: RT Damien Woody.

The skinny: They added Faneca and Woody in free agency. The Woody move will be one to watch because he's moving from guard/center to full-time tackle. Does he have the feet to handle the speed out there? The key for this group will be if left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold show better than they did last season.

Rating: 14

Oakland Raiders

Best player: RG Cooper Carlisle. Weak link: Right tackle spot.

The skinny: The Raiders bypassed the chance to take an offensive tackle and instead picked running back Darren McFadden in the first round. So who blocks for him? The best of the weak group is Carlisle, who played well last season. Left guard Robert Gallery was a bust at tackle and pretty good inside. Adding John Wade isn't the answer at center. Kwame Harris is an upgrade over Barry Sims at left tackle, but not by much. The right tackle will be either Cornell Green or Mario Henderson or Paul McQuistan.

Rating: 23

Philadelphia Eagles

Best player: RG Shawn Andrews. Weak link: LG Todd Herremans.

The skinny: This was the unit that helped the Eagles to the playoffs in 2006. But it didn't play as well last season, giving up 49 sacks after 29 the year before. Andrews was clearly the best of the group, but the others didn't play as well as they did in 2006. Tackles Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are getting up in years, and that's a concern. Center Jamaal Jackson needs to play better.

Rating: 9

Pittsburgh Steelers

Best player: LT Marvel Smith. Weak link: LG Chris Kemoeatu.

The skinny: They've traditionally had one of the better lines in the NFL. But with the loss of guard Alan Faneca and the poor development of players like tackles Willie Colon and Max Starks, the line isn't what it used to be. Smith had back surgery in the offseason that needs to be watched. Justin Hartwig will be an upgrade over Sean Mahan at center.

Rating: 24

St. Louis Rams

Best player: LT Orlando Pace. Weak link: The center spot.

The skinny: This line was terrible last season because of injuries. They get Pace back from injury, which is huge. He has missed big parts of the past two seasons. They also will have right guard Richie Incognito back, which is important to the run game. At center, Brett Romberg will try to fend off Mark Setterstrom. The problem is neither is good enough.

Rating: 28

San Diego Chargers

Best player: LG Kris Dielman. Weak link: RT Jeromey Clary.

The skinny: This line opens a lot of holes for LaDainian Tomlinson. The left side, with Dielman and tackle Marcus McNeil, is very good. Center Nick Hardwick and right guard Mike Goff are above-average players as well, although Goff is getting older at 32. Clary took over as a starter midway through last year and did OK, but he needs to be a better run blocker.

Rating: 2

San Francisco 49ers

Best player: LT Joe Staley. Weak link: C Eric Heitmann.

The skinny: They will move Staley from right tackle to the left side. He played the right side as a rookie, but is more of a left tackle. Look for rookie Chilo Rachal to start at guard, although he has worked some at right tackle. The inside people are average at best. Rookie Cody Wallace could challenge Heitmann.

Rating: 30

Seattle Seahawks

Best player: LT Walter Jones. Weak link: RG Rob Sims.

The skinny: Jones is the best in football. He continues to play at a high level. Right tackle Sean Locklear is solid. The interior is made up of a center Chris Spencer, veteran (Mike Wahle) at left guard and Rob Sims at right guard. Wahle was signed as a free agent. Spencer needs to play better inside than he did a year ago for the line to improve. Sims moves over from left guard.

Rating: 11

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best player: LG Arron Sears. Weak link: LT Luke Petitgout.

The skinny: The Bucs have worked hard to improve their line and it's showing. In Sears and right guard Davin Joseph they have two guards who should be starters for a long time. Acquiring center Jeff Faine in free agency will help. He isn't strong in the run game, which can hurt. Donald Penn could push Petitgout.

Rating: 20

Tennessee Titans

Best player: LT Michael Roos. Weak link: LG Eugene Amano or Leroy Harris.

The skinny: In Roos and right tackle David Stewart, the Titans have one of the best tackle duos in the game. Roos has Pro Bowl ability right now. Amano or Harris will move in as a full-time starter for the first time, which is a concern. Center Kevin Mawae is still playing at a high level.

Rating: 12

Washington Redskins

Best player: RG Randy Thomas. Weak link: C Casey Rabach.

The skinny: The Redskins line was hurt last season when Jon Jansen was lost for all but one game with an injury and Thomas missed most of the season. If Jansen and left tackle Chris Samuels can stay on the field, the Redskins have a solid line. Thomas and Pete Kendall give them two veteran guards who get the job done. They have some quality depth in Jason Fabini and Stephen Heyer, two players forced to start last season because of the injuries to Thomas and Jansen.

Rating: 16
Click to expand...
 
sho nuff said:
Packers...I guess...LT - Chad Clifton...still very good pass blocker...but not as effective in the zone blocking run scheme...but still very good going up against the better DEs.LG - Hopefully it will be Junius Coston...if he stays healthy and works...he has shown better skills than Colledge who I think is destined to be a future replacement at LT.C - Scott Wells...nothing flashy...but he has been doing pretty well and getting the job done up the middleRG - Jason Spitz...started coming around a bit better last year...should be solid this year...but the guard positions are definitely the weakness of this line.RT - Mark Tauscher...like Clifton...solid vet who is very good in the pass protection.Overall, both tackles are getting up there in age and have gotten nicked up recently. I think Colledge will eventually move to tackle...but he could still end up starting at guard this year.Tony Moll did pretty well filling in at tackle last year when some injuries popped up so he will probably be the RT of the future. Also in the mix are Orrin Thompson as a backup at LT...and the two rookies...at least one of them will possibly compete for one of the guard spots.Overall, not sure if it was the line improving...or finally having a back that was decisive in hitting holes when Grant came along. I think it was a bit of both. This is year 3 of the zone blocking...and Colledge and Spitz's third year in the league. Also basically the 3rd year with this line pretty much intact so that should help them improve some more (hopefully with a young QB back there)
Click to expand...
Revision...Looks like Coston will be the backup to Scott Wells at Center.Colledge and Barbre are in competition for the starting LG.Rookies Sitton and Giacomini are doing well and will be slated as backups at guard and RT.Moll and Orrin Thompson are possibly on the outside looking in right now.
 
This has been a great thread so far. I'm sure Chris Smith is loving it too since he usually handles the OL for FBG...we rarely have this much info so early on in the summer.

Keep it coming everyone, can never get enough info.

Pete Prisco by the way is way off in some of his analysis. Seattle is #11? Walter Jones is the best at the moment? I guess Julius Jones = Value???

 
Ministry of Pain said:
This has been a great thread so far. I'm sure Chris Smith is loving it too since he usually handles the OL for FBG...we rarely have this much info so early on in the summer. Keep it coming everyone, can never get enough info.Pete Prisco by the way is way off in some of his analysis. Seattle is #11? Walter Jones is the best at the moment? I guess Julius Jones = Value???
Click to expand...
This is a great thread. First time I've seen it but I'll definitely be reading through it and digesting everything within. One of the many reasons why the Shark Pool is the best resource of them all. :goodposting:
 
A lot of teams hired new OL Coaches during the off-season as well, which could be taken into account.

Atlanta Falcons: Paul Boudreau (St. Louis Rams OL Coach 2006-2007)

Baltimore Ravens: John Matsko (Kansas City Chiefs OL Coach 2006-2007)

Carolina Panthers: Dave Maguzu (Boston College OL Coach 1999-2002)

Miami Dolphins: Mike Maser (Carolina Panthers OL Coach 2003-2006)

San Francisco 49ers: Chris Foerster (Baltimore Ravens OL Coach 2005-2007) *Assistant OL Coach?*

St. Louis Rams: Steve Loney (Arizona Cardinals OL Coach 2006)

Do these additions bump/downgrade any of these teams?

 
QUEZILLA said:
BucsLT-Donald Penn / Luke Petitguot - Penn did a good job filling in last year, he is great at pass protection. The LT competition should be interesting to watch, as Gruden said it's wide open. LG- Aron Sears - This guy is a stud, and was a large part of the success of the run game last year. He is on track to become a pro-bowler very soon. He is considered "a deadly puling guard." C- Jef Faine- the missing link to this line?RG- Davin Joseph - He played well last year, but I'm not sure if he has lived up to the 1st round grade yet. He needs to dominate, and I expect him to get better with Faine next to him.RT- Jeremy Trueblood- Dominated at times last year, fizzled out as season went on due to injuries. He has been solid on the right side, unless Julius Peppers happens to return to his 06' form. :XThis is one of the most underated offensive lines in football, and it is deep. I would bump every Tampa player up this year, because this line is going to be sick :lmao:
Click to expand...
The kid from Rutgers (Zuttah) may surprise some Bucs fans this year with his play and versatility. He can play all of the OL positions though they seem to want him to be Faine's backup at Center to begin. If Joseph takes a step back in his progress or there are injuries at other OL positions I can see Zuttah stepping in and providing much needed quality play.
 
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