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How do we fix our o-line?

B

blockhead83

Rookie
Seriously, how are we gonna fix it? I understand it's a new line, with a new line coach, and a new scheme, but it just isn't doing what we need it to do, particularly in the running game. As far as personnel goes, just who would you recommend replacing? Wand is our project LT, Pitts is our young up and coming LG, Wiegert and Wade are both expensive FA acquisitions. I hear alot of complaints about McKinney, and I don't think they're unfounded. Maybe we should look into getting a new center, I don't know. Maybe I'm just being impatient, or maybe our line isn't making DD look bad, but DD is making the line look bad. Once again, I know Pitts changed positions, we have two new additions including basically a rookie LT, and it's a new scheme. But what do you propose: patience, change, or a little of both? If we could just combine our defense of '02, our running game of '03, and our passing game of '04 we'd be playoff contenders, no problem ;).
 
Ahhh..the million dollar question. It's hard to answer that because I don't know what good it would do to bring in new players when you know that it will take them time to learn the schemes. I just don't think we have athletic o-lines men to implement the zone blocking scheme. Last year we were good not great, but we could count on our running game by blocking man-to-man, but now all of a sudden we can't run the ball. I think Wand and Wade have played well, but like I said in another thread I don't think Weigert and Pitts are playing all that well.
 
We have 4 of the 6 line blockers in new spots. The only guys playing in this line last year in the same positions are McKinney and Weigert. Sometimes these things take time. Wand is a new addition at LT. Pitts is new at LG, Wand was just brought in and now has a few games under his belt and so does Bruenner.
 
I agree with you Vinny. Everyone is down on the O-line, which is a definite area that takes time to develop. Besides the Qb, no individuals on the field will see more looks, and schemes to work against. My only objection, if the line is playing better in one area, than another, run what has been best and gives you the best chance to walk out with a victory. That has been pass protection. Sometimes your passing game can set up the run, making things go a little bit easier on the line during run plays! :hmmm:
 
I think we will need patience. This line has helped us to be a #11 offense in the league. I am sure more time playing together as a unit will help, also the penalties and false starts have come down quite a bit so there is improvement. I think just playing together will work out. Maybe an addl TE to cover both sides of the ball when we go two TE set would be nice.
 
Not sure where I heard it, but someone said it takes a o-line 2-3 years of playing together to get it together. Given that, assuming no radical changes in personell, we should see a marked improvement next year.
 
i'm not gonna say we should trade up in this years draft for this kid...but he deserves one hell of a long look by casserly...alex barron...when you have bobby bowden saying he is the best tackle he's ever coached you know you're damn good...previous LT bowden has coached being walter jones...another O-lineman we should be looking at is Elton Brown out of virginia guy is a man-child...but those are the top two o-lineman in the this years draft as of right now...again i think the main problem to our o-line isn't personal exactly as it is scheme...i don't think the zone blocking scheme is right for this team and these players
 
Our o-line was headed in the right direction last year--- a 1000yd rusher
and far fewer sacks--- so what does Capers do? First, the personnel is
rearranged so only a couple players are in the same posisition and then
second, the whole scheme is changed. How many other teams have jumped
to this new scheme?...now, factor in the 2 or 3 yr adjustment period for
the new scheme to work and we are back to square one.

I have a hard time understanding why a coach would make such a major
change in mid stream with an expansion team that already has a plate
full of learning,maturing,executing to learn and do...is there a hidden
agenda in this scenario?...stay tuned :hmmm:
 
back to square one but on a better road.

we had a 1000 yard rusher that theoretically will be even better behind an effective zone blocking line.

we had less sacks because Carr was limited to 3 step drops. Already Carr has alot more time in the pocket this year.

we are fine.. we are going the right direction.. it is just going to take time and healthy linemen so they can mesh.
 
the line has been inconsistent more than just plan poor. Has anyone taken a look at the performance of the line with wade out versus when he has been in the game?

Also, it seems to take longer to build an OL than any other position. whether it is new or has to be rebuilt. The Browns have had poor Ol for their entire existence. The Dolphins and Giants have had at 2 years of bad Ol play.
 
Yeah just a little messed up. Hopefully we can figure out a way to put everything together and work better as a team. I'm not sure if it's just me but we could work better as a team. But maybe that's just me...it could be. We do have some work for our O line though. Let's just hope they get it done sooner than later:)!
 
Caught the tail-end of the 9-11 radio show on 610 this morning and heard Dan Pastorino making some comments 'bout our O-line. I think he is knowledgeable and very candid, though I'm sure he's not above pulling some punches now & then. Anyway, he said they've lacked intensity but seemed to be saying it might have to do with the new blocking scheme - they are still trying to get it down. Also implied it might be coaching (not the head coach, but the line coaches).
In terms of pure ability, aren't all of the starters considered to be @ about the same level, except for McKinney, who brings the average down ? Or
is one or two of the starters considered clearly superior to the others ?
 
Best to worst:

Pitts - best lineman on the team. Above average run and pass blocker.
Weigert - Solid run blocker, average to decent pass blocker
Wade - Same as Weigert
Wand - Still developing. A bit passive. Good balance and technique. Will cover his man more than drive him at this point in his development.
McKinney - Decent pass blocker, has trouble with the ultra large DT types. Average run blocker.
 
Maybe its just me but I see Carr running for his life out there. Nothing changed for pass blocking since zone blocking is for running plays so we should be improved in pass blocking. We certainly are not. You can watch opposing QBs time in the pocket compared to Carr and it is clearly lopsided in favor of our opponents. If Capers wanted the zone blocking scheme implemented on this team then he should have done it from day 1 not beginning our 3rd year. Now we can't pass or run block. What an offensive mastermind Capers is. He should have stayed a defensive coordinator.
 
If you get a chance, go back and look at McKinney v. Starks on the play that should have been called a safety.
 
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