A couple people have talked about this at time but I felt it deserved it's own thread. We have seen rather significant improvement in this group - especially when you consider some of the injuries (e.g., Gates). Run blocking has been good and pass protection was solid yesterday. We missed a few blocks on screens but you can't win them all. We get some depth build into our line in the next few years and these guys could be nasty. Cav seems to be doing a really good job with these guys. Other thoughts from folks on this topic?
OL Improvement
- Thread starter Archie Graham
- Start date
There were a few missed assignments but overall there was major improvement yesterday. They look more cohesive and much more aggressive.
I want consistency above all else considering we've been down this path before only to end up disappointed and back at square one. If we can perform weekly then I'll feel comfortable in praising their improvement but after only one game I'll have to hold back on that for now. They would look much better on some of Newbys runs if he wasn't hesitant on choosing his lane and allowing the hole to close in the process. We were definitely more crisp on the line though and hopefully those guys stick to that level of play..
Agree that they have improved. One thing that I've noticed is that we run almost exclusively to the right except for jet sweeps. I haven't rewatched the 2nd half but it jumped out at me while watching the first. If I noticed it, then you know other teams will too.
I think I read that walk-on Chris Long is ahead of Gerald in the depth chart. The reason I remember it is that Gerald asked about it and he was so gracious about the fact that Chris had earned the spot.
It was very impressive.....
It was very impressive.....
YES the lb coach talks how important it is too rotate for the 4th quarter with big bodied db's; must be more so with linemen ( + development ). Maybe more rotation if we keep some leads.
Still looks like we are in pass block mode on a lot of running plays. Is this due to disquise or bad techniques? I would think by now Foster knows the play book and can be the starter, he won't be pushed back and thrown around like a rag doll.
Not all run blocking is a straight push em back technique. You can redirect your guy up the field away from where the play is designed to go at times. We're not running down the line of scrimmage with a option play now for the most part that requires that your O line collapse a whole side of the defense. On top of that, we play some pretty stout D-lines in the B1G that aren't generally going to allow you to just push them where you want them to go. We did a pretty good job of running the ball against a pretty good Minnesota defense.
How did TCU's high octane offense fair against that overrated D-Line?