Really stupid question.....

[GloryDawg]

Why do they still have 320 pounds offensive tackles? It's not the old days. They are all going up against 240 pounds guys who can move. Keep the guards and center big and match the rushers with smaller offensive tackles that can move. At least have one or two on the team when you need them.

 

[Dawgbite]

Have you ever tried to get around a 320lb human? Just the fact of circumnavigating something that large is chore enough but if he tries to stop you it makes it double hard.

 

[MaxwellSmart]

If the 300lbs+ lineman can move, I'm all for them but the ones that can move are probably making more than we are paying.

 

[GloryDawg]

Have you ever tried to get around a 320lb human? Just the fact of circumnavigating something that large is chore enough but if he tries to stop you it makes it double hard.

Those edge rushers seem to make it easy. Our left tackle probably has more penalties yards by himself then most other teams.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

NFL linemen average about 6 ft 4 or 6 ft 5, and weigh 315 plus.

 

[OopsICroomedmypants]

I wondered if our big tight end at 6'7" could do better? Probably not, but dang I might have tried lining up another defensive end at left tackle for a play or two. Match speed for speed. I realize it probably wouldn't work, but it was a thought. The easiest thing to do to a twitchy DE is run right at him.

 

[PBRME]

Have you ever tried to get around a 320lb human? Just the fact of circumnavigating something that large is chore enough but if he tries to stop you it makes it double hard.

They sure can block the Walmart aisles.

 

[Pookieray]

I think I have heard Coach Lebby say, paraphrasing, that the LT has the agility and footwork but isn’t putting it together for whatever reason. He seems to just kinda lean and reach and then just grab and hold on. Very frustratin.

 

[champdawg.sixpack]

Why do they still have 320 pounds offensive tackles? It's not the old days. They are all going up against 240 pounds guys who can move. Keep the guards and center big and match the rushers with smaller offensive tackles that can move. At least have one or two on the team when you need them.

Wouldn’t you like for #58 to weigh 350 with a wing span of more than 3 feet?

 

[GloryDawg]

Wouldn’t you like for #58 to weigh 350 with a wing span of more than 3 feet?

I just wish he could move fast enough to block without holding call.

 

[skip dog]

there is a video out there on a 330+ pound left tackle, and his short explosive first moves are scary fast! So what I have always taken from that was in a running situation, mass and strength wins out......but in a pass block situation, his footprint is alot to get around so defender has a longer path to travel, and with most left side (blind side tackles) having unbelievable first moves/steps, they can disrupt and redirect that pash rush defender, and give the QB the seconds that matter........

 

[OopsICroomedmypants]

Basically the LT has a two yard head start to get to a spot before the DE does. Our LT has some chunky legs and is knock kneed. He looks fat. If we run behind him he’s awesome. Does he really have a quick first step? Doesn’t seem like it.

 

[OopsICroomedmypants]

Find a guy built like Derek Sherrod.

 

[bulldognation]

That's why the QB stands in the pocket instead of behind a wall. Those guys ought to be able to leverage size to slow down a DE enough or keep them on the perimeter for a route to develop. But you need the same guy with the same size to open a hole for a RB to punch through to the next level.

Even Kang Jackie knew having a massive O line was key to MSU's run heavy offense during his time.

Did we have that size under Leach with the air raid?