Caserio can draft all the premium offensive linemen believing that will fix everything (talent does make a difference) but just throwing draft/FA capital alone isn’t enough. You need coaching. Ok Culley brought in Chargers OL coach Dave Campen.
Difficult to coach and build continuity when starting from scratch. I’m sure effort and experience upgrade over Devlin but what I focus on is growth & development of group as a whole. Tunsil injury has really stunted group and Howard is still playing Guard instead of Tackle. Really believe Howard should immediately moved there when Tunsil went down. He is Texans next best OL but in 3rd season still not entrenched.
Switching quickly to Chargers, they invested heavily into offensive line past offseason add to that Chargers went to Pittsburg OL coach Shaun Sarrett then pairing him up with RB Coach Jay Rodgers from Chicago Bears. LG Feiler should have made Pro Bowl as Rashawn Slater did as rookie. Then free agent signing Corey linsley also made pro bowl. Oday Aboushi who was killing it RG before tearing acl was another outstanding and cheap signing.
Here is where it gets interesting, showcasing coaching and adapting to injury, replacement and growth. Bulaga played one half of first game and that was last time he played down for Chargers. Had two OT’s on roster Trey Pipkins (3rd rd. 2019) and Storm Norton (undrafted free agent 2017). Pipkins has been a draft bust and couldn’t even play special teams without committing a penalty. So it was quite concerning last week he was starting LT for Slater out on covid protcal. His play had improved so much and allowed only one pressure while making some great run blocks. Now he has value, proven growth and probably extension instead of being released end of season.
Norton, was forced into starting line-up soon as Bulaga went down and it was ugly. They adjusted to bring him help, he kept working and by week 8 he was given game ball, after his best performance and his wife giving birth. Rest is history, been starting RT, still weak point of line but very serviceable and tribute to coaching.
This week vs Texans Corey Linsley tested positive so dipping into reserve Center Scott Quesenberry. There will be a drop off for sure, how much will probably not decide game, but it has to be said coaching staff has had to earn their paycheck and you don’t need to have elite lineman, but it sure helps.