Interesting Guard Talk by Kubiak

[Ibar_Harry]

From his presser:

(on Chester Pitts playing tackle) “ Chester is going to stay at guard. Chester needs to play guard well for us if we’re going to win. He’s in a battle right now to start with (G Seth) McKinney and (G Fred) Weary. He has to continue to get better as a guard for our football team. I don’t see him going out there. If anything else, you may see (T) Ephraim (Salaam) getting a few reps at left tackle. You may see (T Eric) Winston at left tackle. The experimental stage is over. We have to stand pat, and we have to get better at what we’re doing.”

(on the starting guards) “Yes, I think we have three starting guards with him (Chester Pitts), (G Fred) Weary and Steve McKinney. Between those three, two of them are going to start on opening day. That’s a competition, I think I’ve said that since day one. Chester has done a good job, he did some things better this week, he has to continue to get better for us. Who those two out of three will be, I don’t know. I think there’s two starters there, but they only let you line up with two on opening day. Who those two will be, we’ll wait and see.”

(on Fred Weary’s play last night) “He played well again, but it’s very much expected because that’s the way he’s practicing. He has played well, and he was solid once again. With Chester , don’t get me wrong, but he was better this week than he was last week, but there’s still some more stuff to take. He can play better.”

(on Steve McKinney’s injury) “He twisted his ankle pretty good about a week and a half ago. He struggled with that and came back. He had a slight groin pull on Wednesday or Thursday of last week. Had it been a regular season game he would have played. We made that decision Friday night to hold him because we think it would have set him back. He will play a ton this week. He’ll make up all his reps and all that time this week, so it’s just a hard decision not to press the issue.”

Is it possible Pitts won't be the starter come the 1st of the season? I think its interesting given some of the heat I have taken since I've been critical of Pitts. I hope he does get better as Kubiak wants. I simply think he has been a bigger problem than most people understand or think and I think Kubiak is eluding to that. Pitts is in a competitive match with Weary and McKinney. I find that interesting.

I still firmly believe Pitts belongs on the right side of the line, but I'm certainly not going to argue with Kubiak and Sherman. What I see, however, is a recognition that he may have started 4 years like Carr, but he too has some things to learn. Its also interesting another also ran - Weary - has caught the eye of this staff. Apparently they saw things on tape that they liked. I believe Pitts, just like Carr, is a product of the previous coaching staff. I don't think they did him any favors just like the rest of the players.

[Vinny]

Pitts has never played on the right side of the line, Pro or College. Tell me what sends you to this conclusion other than just making a statement that he should play there.

[AFD1717]

Originally Posted by Vinny

Pitts has never played on the right side of the line, Pro or College. Tell me what sends you to this conclusion other than just making a statement that he should play there.

I actually thought Pitts should be on the right side too because i was under the impression that the right side of the line was the bigger/stronger side while the left was the quicker side. That doesn't appear to be the case with this system though because Spencer and Wand are bigger than Winston and Wiegert. I'm assuming that this is because we roll our right handed QB out to the right so much that we want our most athletic (I know they are ALL athletic) linemen on that side. Somebody smarter than me tell me if I have this right.

[Honoring Earl 34]

If anyone on the OL is worried its McKinney not Chester . OK I'll say it Pitts is a better gaurd than Carr is a QB at this stage . I did not want to do that but you made me Ibar .

[nunusguy]

I think IBar believes Pitts should be on the right side because he somehow believes Chester is not a good mentor, or is not helpful and supportive of one of the younger, mores inexperienced guys playing next to him at the all important LT position. But I'll let him speak for himself.

[Honoring Earl 34]

I think Ibar wants Mary Poppins playing left gaurd to properly nurture Carr . wink wink

[BradK10]

What's funny is, Kubiak is using that same tough love on Pitts that he's using on Carr. He knows that potetnially, those two guys can be GREAT players, but they need some prodding.

I'm all for it.

[Ibar_Harry]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I think IBar believes Pitts should be on the right side because he somehow believes Chester is not a good mentor, or is not helpful and supportive of one of the younger, mores inexperienced guys playing next to him at the all important LT position. But I'll let him speak for himself.

Hmmm, guess you read my mind. In addition I think Pitts like to play aggressively down field. He wants to go forward and engage. I just think he is better suited to the other side of the field where his aggression would be of more value.

[the wonger need food]

What's the link to the post-game presser???

[Ibar_Harry]

Originally Posted by the wonger need food

What's the link to the post-game presser???

On this Web Site. You can find them all if you press multimedia....

[jdog]

I think this shows how Kubiak is great at player development. He is creating as many position battles in preseason as possible to make the starters and depth better.

I only worry a little about the possibility of disgruntled players later. When it seems like such a close battle and someone loses, they might be sitting on the pine thinking they should be on the field somewhere.

However, I am sure it is better to have competition and a few disgruntled players than to have starters that think they are a lock to be in the lineup.