OL Position Philosophy

I've been thinking that with the experimentation of Wand at LG and Pitts at LT, maybe that configuration makes sense. Why? Because the outside DEs with more speed could be countered better with a LT with great feet/agility and a lower center of gravity. Additionally, the inside DTs (like Jags) would be better countered with size, long arms and position. So maybe the switch makes more sense, although large OTs take longer to get around, they may be easier to counter than quicker guys--I'm thinking Brad Hopkins type OT.

This is my speculation, but I'd be very interested in comments from folks with more line experience than me. Thoughts?

I've been wondering this: If Pitts is our best linemen (as some people say) then why not put him at the most important spot on the OL?

Well they did invest a draft pick for Wand. And I guess they figured they would give him a shot. Pitts was drafted for Guard.

Im torn on which one should play LT. I like the idea Pitts, or Wand.

wags said:

I've been wondering this: If Pitts is our best linemen (as some people say) then why not put him at the most important spot on the OL?

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That's certainly a valid question. But the biggest skill reqired of a LT is his
pass blocking ability, and perhaps the Texans consider Wand a better pass blocker, atleast potentialy, than Pitts but view Pitts as the best all round
lineman. Purely a guess on my part - there are many on this Board who are
more knowledgeble about Oline play than me.

nunusguy said:

That's certainly a valid question. But the biggest skill reqired of a LT is his
pass blocking ability, and perhaps the Texans consider Wand a better pass blocker, atleast potentialy, than Pitts but view Pitts as the best all round
lineman. Purely a guess on my part - there are many on this Board who are
more knowledgeble about Oline play than me.

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Larry Allen, Bruce Matthews are a couple of many examples of great OLmen that were better suited to play the interior. Certainly Allen could play and did play tackle when needed, but a great guard makes a lesser tackle better. So, even if Pitts is the best OLman on the team, unless absolutely neccessary, it makes sense to play him where he can be HIS best.

Here's my two cents:
Starting with Left Tackle. These are traditionally the big boys of the group. Usually the tallest and heaviest. Pass blocking is critical for this possition.

Left Guards are important in the passing game but they HAVE to be great in the run game. Speed is important here. Guards (especially right guards) pull a lot in the run game with traps and sweeps and power plays so having quick feet and a hard hitting point of attack is very important.

Centers are usually the most knowlagebale of the group. Playing center means that you have to know the job of every other player on the line. They make the line adjustment calls. They need to be able to hold the pocket during the pass and also create holls in the running game. Also, they too pull a lot when running sweeps or power plays. IMO the most important possition on the offensive line.

Right Guards are very similar to left guards. They tend to be a little beefier than the left guard spot and also a little slower. They dont pull as much but they still need to have quick feet for the trap plays. They have to be strong because they are usually going up against the biggest and strongest players on the defense.

Right Tackles are big boys. Usually pretty slow and VERY strong. Most teams run to the right more than the left so being good in run blocking is important. If a team has a left handed QB then the right tackle is crucial in the passing game. It's a MUST to protect the QB's blind side.

Tight Ends are just as important to the offensive line as any other spot. They need to be aggressive enough to be able to sell a run block and then roll off their player to move into running routs. They usually are used to block outside linebackers in the run game so they have to be fast.

With the players we have this is how i see our line shaping up this season:
LT: Wand - has good size and strength. Needs to improve his footwork.
LG: Pitts - Good size, good strength, decent speed. Everything you look for in a guard.
C: McKinney - because we have no one else.
RG: Wiegert - consistant, decent size, strength and speed but has yet to impress me.
RT: Wade - IMO him and Pitts are our two best linemen. He is what you look for in a right tackle.
TE: who knows????? Miller, Bruener and that other guy we just picked up for NY. This is a spot that HAS to be dealt with in the very near future.

We do lack a lot of depth but I think our OL will impress a lot of these nay sayers on this board.

I totally agreebut we dont really run a pulling guard offense here. Especially with a zone blocking scheme. I think the move for want to guard is to take his mind off being the LT. I mean maybe he just needs to get out there and make contact with people and get a feel kind of polish his footwork and such, without having to worry really. I know I would be hard pressed to focus when texans keep shopping for a free agent replacement of me.

also if anything this will build chemistry between Wand and Pitts so they can get an even better feel of what the other person does so they can kinda slide over and help without leaving another gap. I personally think every O lineman should play both guard and tackle, It makes for a great gelling experience to know first hand what your linemates are going to do so you can anticipate.

I expect Wand at LT this Year and to be much improved.
This switch is just a relaxing and learning experience so that he gets a feel for where chester will be. Last year he seemed to move away from the the rest of the line and open a gap between him and chester.

outofhnd said:

I think the move for want to guard is to take his mind off being the LT. I mean maybe he just needs to get out there and make contact with people and get a feel kind of polish his footwork and such, without having to worry really.

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Pitts said the Texans wanted Wand to practice at guard some to get more aggressive with his use of his hands. He also said Wand was improving quickly in that regard.

infantrycak said:

Pitts said the Texans wanted Wand to practice at guard some to get more aggressive with his use of his hands. He also said Wand was improving quickly in that regard.

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Good intel; glad to see the bonding between left side guys.