O line changes, what it means to RBs, WRs.... (1 Viewer)

[matttyl]

Quite a few big name OL have either changed teams, or most recently, had injuries which will likely cause them to miss the season. I'm wondering if someone with more OL type knowledge than me can help me understand how these changes may effect the rest of their offense around them.

I read today everyone say that losing Peters will dramatically impact the upside of McCoy and Vick. I don't disagree.

But can't we say the same for Grubbs leaving Baltimore, or Wells leaving Green Bay? What O lines have made the best improvement this offseason (Tampa), and which have taken the biggest steps back (Philly now?). How will this effect the guys around them?

 

[Shutout]

Winston leaving Houston (and joining KC).

They say it all starts up front, on both sides of the ball. I couldn't disagree with that. Teams that seem to have lines that stay healthy and play together for long periods of time likely have a lot more flexibility.

 

[Grahamburn]

The free agent additions in Tampa definitely help whoever is carrying the ball. It's going to be tough to stop that rushing attack.

 

[Shutout]

The free agent additions in Tampa definitely help whoever is carrying the ball. It's going to be tough to stop that rushing attack.

I agree and, you know what would be a great experiment to kind of test that?If the Bucs did NOT draft Richardson and then became a top-shelf running team, using Blount and whoever else (Mosis Madu). That would be a strong statement.If TRICH (again...why doesn't this guy have a nickname yet? I think I will call him TRENCH)goes down there and tears it up, people will give too much credit to him instead of the line.But, if the line adds Nicks and comes back with the same guys and suddenly becomes very good, then you could make the case of how effective those guys were, given some more time together, some better players and coaching, etc.

 

[GregR]

Houston lost Winston at right tackle, Mike Brisiel at right guard, and also lost Joel Dreessen as the TE2, but who got a lot of snaps.

Likely filling in will be Rashad Butler at tackle and Antoine Caldwell at guard. Not sure about what they'll do at TE. Jame Casey and Garrett Graham are the options, but how they'll use them is tough to predict. Casey could move back to TE full time and they bring in a FB, or Graham could move in full time, or they could do a TE2 by committee. Not to mention drafting a tackle, guard, or TE.

Butler played pretty well at left tackle during Duane Brown's suspension two years ago, but was injured last year. I feel more comfortable about him than I do Caldwell. Caldwell has had some time as a starter as well, starting 3, 7 and 3 games his last 3 seasons. I just don't think I personally have a good feel for him right now.

I think it would be wise to project a little drop off at RB for the Texans as a result, though I wouldn't make it too drastic. With the return of Schaub and hopefully a healthy AJ, the net gain of the offense improving in that fashion over lats year, and giving more TD opportunities might make up or overcome the loss due to the O-line.

 

[FF Ninja]

The free agent additions in Tampa definitely help whoever is carrying the ball. It's going to be tough to stop that rushing attack.

Excuse my ignorance, but who have they added along the O-line?As for Houston, I am clearly in the minority but I'm completely down with them going OL early in the draft rather than WR. I hate listening to the radio here and everyone expects us to draft a WR late in the 1st that is an immediate impact opposite AJ. Sorry, but just because a few WRs have been good as rookies doesn't shake the fact that WRs are not usually impact players as rookies. We need to replenish our OL and sign a vet WR. I still like Kevin Walter as a serviceable WR2 anyway.

 

[GregR]

The free agent additions in Tampa definitely help whoever is carrying the ball. It's going to be tough to stop that rushing attack.

Excuse my ignorance, but who have they added along the O-line?As for Houston, I am clearly in the minority but I'm completely down with them going OL early in the draft rather than WR. I hate listening to the radio here and everyone expects us to draft a WR late in the 1st that is an immediate impact opposite AJ. Sorry, but just because a few WRs have been good as rookies doesn't shake the fact that WRs are not usually impact players as rookies. We need to replenish our OL and sign a vet WR. I still like Kevin Walter as a serviceable WR2 anyway.

I'd be fine with a vet, but I don't think getting an early WR is just about this year, it's a long term need.

 

[FF Ninja]

I'd be fine with a vet, but I don't think getting an early WR is just about this year, it's a long term need.

No doubt, which is why I'm not opposed to grooming a 2012 3rd or 4th round pick in the years to come. But for 2012, any WR needs should be addressed via free agency or trade.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Butler played pretty well at left tackle during Duane Brown's suspension two years ago, but was injured last year. I feel more comfortable about him than I do Caldwell. Caldwell has had some time as a starter as well, starting 3, 7 and 3 games his last 3 seasons. I just don't think I personally have a good feel for him right now.

I think it would be wise to project a little drop off at RB for the Texans as a result, though I wouldn't make it too drastic. With the return of Schaub and hopefully a healthy AJ, the net gain of the offense improving in that fashion over lats year, and giving more TD opportunities might make up or overcome the loss due to the O-line.

Looks like Foster has confidence in Caldwell.

Foster noted the importance of guard Mike Brisiel, who recently signed with the Oakland Raiders. "I'm really happy for Mike Brisiel," Foster said. "He's been a big part of my success. I'm happy for him and his family. But people forget Antoine Caldwell started the entire 2010 season, which was my best year as a pro."

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Tampa upgraded however I want to add that the Bucs OLine had been intact since Gruden was in charge, very underperforming group IMO...there is at least a chance that they might need much more than just Nicks to become elite. That said I am squarely on the side of the Bucs improving in this off season.

 

[Bri]

Free agency often puts fast linemen blocking for plodding RBs and road grader linemen blocking for scat back speed RBs.

I don't know what's what here yet, but every year we goof predicting because a team doesn't have the right man (or men) for the job.

 

[Grahamburn]

The free agent additions in Tampa definitely help whoever is carrying the ball. It's going to be tough to stop that rushing attack.

Excuse my ignorance, but who have they added along the O-line?

Carl Nicks, Guard, Pro Bowl two seasons in a row and All-Pro in 2011.

Tampa upgraded however I want to add that the Bucs OLine had been intact since Gruden was in charge, very underperforming group IMO...there is at least a chance that they might need much more than just Nicks to become elite. That said I am squarely on the side of the Bucs improving in this off season.

Blount averaged 5.0 yards per carry in 2010 behind this line without Carl Nicks. They'll certainly add another RB in the draft, and possibly a cheap veteran as well. There was absolutely no depth on this team at the RB position in 2011.Jeremy Zuttah moves to center to replace the underperforming Jeff Faine. Two time Pro-Bowler Davin Joseph at the right guard. LT Donald Penn is underrated and can be dominant if he keeps his weight down. Jeremy Trueblood is the weakest link on the line.With Vincent Jackson on the outside and this line it's going to be tough to stop this team from running the football.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

The Houston situation is most concerning I think. Last year, their experienced line was the reason to draft Foster and Tate really. The cohesiveness was a great positive. With McCoy/Vick losing Peters as well, the first round just got interesting.