Arizona Cardinals Preview: 2010 - Part 4: Offensive Line

[RugbyMuffin]

Offensive Line:

The offensive line itself, is an enigma. I do not know what to make of our offensive line as a whole. I am personally not sold on Lyle Sendlien, Reggie Wells seems to be inconsistent at times, Deuce Lutui is what I would consider a bit of a head case, and Levi Brown is first round pick playing like a 3rd rounder. Yet, in the same breath I cannot dispute the success we have had with this personnel. Can you really bash an offensive line that brought this club to the Super Bowl two years ago, and to the final eight last year ? For me this is a year where the offensive line can obtain an identity, and make no mistake about it, it is a make or break year for our two guards. Not to mention we will get to see to if Herman Johnson and Brandon Keith are all hype or not.


Offensive Tackle:
The Cardinals usually carry three tackles on their roster, and I believe those three tackles are set already. Brandon Keith is slated to be the right tackle next year, but I guarantee they are going to make him beat out Herman Johnson who is a lock to be on the active roster next season regardless. Finally, there is our whipping post, Levi Brown. Levi is slated to be our left tackle, and I just don’t know what to say about this guy. Will he succeed in a more run based offense? Does that even matter since his run blocking has been questionable? Is the fact he is playing left instead of right tackle going to make that much of a difference? I don’t know, the coaches have faith in Levi Brown, so it is a 100% “In Whiz we trust” situation with me.

Because of the youth at the position for the Cardinals I am going out on a limb to say the Cardinals will carry an extra offensive lineman next season. For the sake of LSH, whom I say makes Sean Morey the 6th WR expendable, it will probably be either a tackle or utility man. The Cardinals will bring a player into camp like Jeremy Bridges, or maybe even Elliot Vallejo to compete with other UDFA’s whom would be labeled as “tackles”, As for a high draft pick I would expect a guard prototype to be chosen, and I will address that next. But as for tackles I don’t expect to see any high or even mid priced free agents brought in.

Free Agent Possibilities:
- Jermon Bushrod [RFA]/Jammal Brown [RFA]
- Jeremy Bridges
- Mark Trauscher
- Chad Clifton
- Jon Jansen
- Tra Thomas

Again, all eyes are going to be on the Saints roster. They have a lot of decisions to make and one of them will concern their offensive line. Brown and to a lesser extent Bushrod are pretty good tackles, and if they hit free agency one could be brought in to compete for a starting spot, yet it would seem unlikely. As for the possibility of bringing in an aging vet, there are a lot of options that will be available. Bridges was with the team last year, so he might be brought back at the right price.

Draft Possibilities:
- Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale - 6’9” 321lbs - (Round: 3-4)
- Chris Scott, Ten - 6’5” 341lbs - (Round: 5-6)

There is no arguing that our coaches like to draft monsters. If the Cardinals were to draft a tackle in the draft this year, it would be because that player was unique, or special. Jared Veldheer is from the small school of Hillsdale, but he will be at the combine. Needless to say the kid is huge. Chris Scott is a player the Cardinals could look at in the later round, but if drafted I could see the Cardinals starting him out at the guard position.


Guard:
Again guard is a place where the Cardinals carry three players on the active roster. I expect Deuce Lutui to receive a high tender as a RFA. I see Deuce as a bit of a mental situation. His focus seems to be questioned, not outright but almost implied. He seems to have a lot of penalties where he loses focus more than anything. Yet, the good with that bad, is he plays with fire, and aggression. He is our instigator, he is the guy you want up against the big nasties on the opposition’s defensive line. He has the size and the tools to be an absolute mauler but I think it is going to take Lutui realizing he can be more than what he is for him to be a big time guard. If Lutui was not a RFA this season it would be interesting what the Cardinals would have done with him in free agency and what other teams would have offered him. Reggie Wells will be back next year. Two years ago he was our best lineman, and this year he was dubbed, inconsistent. I will say this about Wells, he was not blown into the backfield this season like in year’s past. But with a year left on his contract Wells will have to show something to hold off the youth that is coming through our offensive line. Wells is not the prototypical run blocking guard, that you want for a power running game, so he is going to have to show something special to the Cardinals or he will not be back in 2011.

Wells and Lutui are locks to make the roster this year but this leaves open a roster spot for a guard. The Cardinals have two players signed to future contracts in Jonathan Palmer and Tom Pestock. Jonathan Palmer, by the way, has been listed at both guard and tackle, but since the last I saw on the Cardinals website he was a guard I am putting him here. Regardless, both players are young and lack any experience in the NFL. I will say the Palmer has prototypical size to be an NFL lineman, and could prove to be a good project for the Cardinals. I doubt either Palmer or Pestock will make the final roster, but both have a shot to be on the Cardinal practice squad next year.

I do not expect a guard to be brought in be the Cardinals during free agency, but I guarantee the Cardinals will come away from the draft with a guard. My assumption is that in the middle rounds of the draft we will pick up a monster of a guard to groom for the future. Speaking of the future, I don’t think that it would be a huge surprise if Herman Johnson is tried at guard at some point over the next season, as well.

Free Agent Possibilities:
-Rob Simms
-Rex Hadnot
-Harvey Dahl [RFA}
-Kendrick Vincent

There is some solid UFA talent at the guard position this off-season. Rob Simms, and Rex Hadnot have both been starters in this league. Kendrick Vincent is a player that the Cardinals were sorry to see go, and it was at a time where Deuce Lutui and Reggie Wells were both on the team, so there is something about Vincent that our team likes. Finally, I put Harvey Dahl up there for wishful thinking. Love me some Harvey Dahl on this team. The guy is ferocious and a competitive monster. If by chance he was allowed on the open market the Cardinals would be crazy not to bring him in.

Draft Possibilities:
- Vladimir Ducasse, UMass - 6’5” 336lbs - (Round: 2-3)
- John Jerry, Ole Miss - 6’5” 335lbs - (Round: 4-5)
- Brandon Carter, Texas Tech - 6’7” 344lbs - (Round: 5-6)
- Reggie Stephens, Iowa St - 6’3” 334lbs - (Round: 6-7)
- Jaques McClendon, Ten - 6’3” 324lbs - (Round: 7-FA)

While I think this is Reggie Wells’ last year with the Cardinals, and the fact I think the Cardinals are going to draft an interior lineman this year, it not would surprise me for the Cardinals to go after a lineman early. Vladimir Ducasse is about as high as I see the Cardinals going for a lineman, who is a big guy who can play guard and tackle. In the middle and later rounds there are a handful of big bodied brutes for the Cardinals to choose from. Though I am not big on face paint and all that jazz, Brandon Carter is a monster of a human being and is crazy as the day is long. There is some good value at the bottom of the draft with Stephens and McClendon.



Center:
I do not know why, but I just don’t like Lyle Sendlien. I like veterans at this position. I was extremely angry when Matt Birk signed with the Ravens for nothing last year. The centers are supposedly the “QB” of the offensive line, and are responsible for all the coverage calls, and seeing what is going on out on the field. Not to mention I have seen Sendlien blown off the ball just as much this year as I did last year, and there is no “bad shoulder” excuse this year. Not to mention the infamous San Fransisco game where the conspiracy theory is that Sendlien has a “tell” for when he snaps the ball. That all being said, it seems every time Sendlien is talked about, the coaches like what they have in Lyle. If I were the Cardinals I would give a mid-tender to Sendlien, since I would be surprise to see another team give up draft picks (even lower ones) in order to sign this guy.

The Cardinals always keep two centers on the active roster so some one will be brought into camp to “compete” for the center position. Yet, year after year nobodies are brought in to “challenge” for the position. The word is Ben Claxton was nothing impressive and will not be brought back this year. Trevor Canfield might be brought in again, but it matters on what the Seahawks will do with him. I would personally like the Cardinals to bring in a veteran at this position, but I would expect the standard UDFA, or nobody free agent will be brought in.

Free Agent Possibilities:
- Kevin Mawae

There is just not much of anything there at the center position this off-season when it comes to free agency. So, I don’t want to hear about Kevin Mawae’s walker because that old man still ben gay’s himself up and plays the center position about as good as anyone in the league. His experience and leadership is top of the line, and helped anchor a line had an explosive 2,000 yard rusher last year. But……let’s face it, the guys is old, 40yrfan old. So, old he went to dirt’s 1st birthday party, and was driven there by 40yrfan. LOL.

Draft Possibilities:
- Maurkice Pouncey, Florida - 6’5” 318lbs - (Round: 2)
- Erik Cook, New Mexico - 6’6” 315lbs - (Round: 6-7)
- Chris Hall, Texas 6’4” 300lbs - (Round: 7-UDFA)

Maurkice Pouncey. I would not put it past the Cardinals taking this kid in the 2nd round. He has the size, and the skill. He plays all five offensive line positions. What else can you ask from a prospect? Lyle Sendlien is getting a 1 year contract, and I would like some serious (non-Ben Claxton) competition brought in to challenge Sendlien. The best thing about Pouncey is that if Sendlien keeps his job at center he can be used elsewhere. Later in the draft or even as UDFA Erik Cook and Chris Hall are good prospects at the center position, and Hall is another player with experience at all five offensive line positions.

Part 1: Offense, Coaches and QB's - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...10-part-1-offense-coaches-and-qbs-148519.html
Part 2: RB, FB, TE - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...-preview-2010-part-2-rb-fb-amp-te-148518.html
Part 3: Wide Receiver - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...preview-2010-part-3-wide-receiver-148517.html
Part 4: Offensive Line - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...review-2010-part-4-offensive-line-148516.html
Part 5: Defense & Defensive Line - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...part-5-defense-amp-defensive-line-148515.html
Part 6: Linebackers - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/arizona-cardinals-preview-2010-part-6-linebackers-148514.html
Part 7: Defensive Backs - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...eview-2010-part-7-defensive-backs-148513.html
Part 8: Special Teams & Summary - Link:http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb...-part-8-special-teams-amp-summary-148512.html

*** A full copy of the entire post is available as an attachment to Part 1: Offense, Coaches and QB's

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Thanks, for all of this Rugby...

But... where is it said beyond banter on this forum that Levi B is "slated to be our left tackle" ?.

Also, you haven't considered, it would seem, that the team will attempt to re-sign Gandy.

 

[Chopper0080]

I would offer Kevin Mawae a coaching contract if he doesn't find a fit somewhere. This guy knows how to run an offensive line and seems to develop players around him everywhere he goes. It would be nice to groom someone behind Grimm.

 

[Chopper0080]

Another thing to think about is that many of the NFL guards where college tackles. So when we look for mid round prospects at guard, we need to focus on college tackles potentially more than guards.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Another thing to think about is that many of the NFL guards where college tackles. So when we look for mid round prospects at guard, we need to focus on college tackles potentially more than guards.

According to the NFL Network that was once true, but no more.

College tackles today are tall, long armed and relatively lean. They don't have the weight in the butt to move inside. Want a guard, they were saying - pick a guy who has played the position.

 

[Early]

Sandlein is better this year than the last. He has 2 sacks, 12 hits and 15 pressures allowed in his first year as starter, and this year he had 1 sack, 8 hits and 13 pressures allowed, despite us passing the ball less.

Improvement, sure, but not that big as some rumours say. That's actually not great stats for a center. Besides, i think these stats are much more comparable from center to center than for other positions, as they face much more similar situations, more evenly distributed. The problem lies in the fact that centers are often involved in double teams. But that again is same for all centers.

To me, it was very hard to see Alex Mack go to Cleveland. He is already a raising superstar at the position, has played amazing football as season went on. He is 1-3-10 for the above numbers, respectively. Most of them coming in first games of the year. In addition, he is just huge in the rungame and on screenpasses, in fact even alot better than in pass protection. Jeff Saturday is 1-1-7 and Nick Mangold 1-2-5. These numbers are awsome. It means alot to be able to step up confindently in the pocket.

Against 4-3 teams, a double team by the center on the NT is common, and these stats make less sense, but as more and more 3-4 is played, the more meaning these numbers give. Against 3-4, center is much more likely to end up in single coverage, than against 4-3 alignments.

I truly believe that the guards and center definy your whole offense. What type they are and what they can and can not do. If they are light and good passblockers, a zone scheme is a guarantee. it shapes your plays. It means you can pass the ball alot more and longer, and it means that your runblocking changes from mauling to finesse and IQ. It changes your requirement for the RB, now he suddenly needs even more vision and cutback ability on the edge, lanes are harder to read suddenly. If your guards are heavy, you run a power scheme and it can change your route tree and preference to shorter ones. Everything starts from the middle of the O-Line. Not from the QB, the recievers, RB and the tackles. That's not to say it is the most important position, it is not, but it is the one that defines the gameplan of your offense.

I like what NO did. They drafted and moved a big tackle, Carl Nicks, inside on the guard position because the pass is so important in their gameplan. He had the feet and experience to passblock faster guys, and he also had the size and strength to potentially keep his stance with the big NT's. Now size and strength does not prove anything. There is plenty of evidence of that. But this guy i'm talking about is really hard to bullrush as evidence by his tape. 330 for sure helps somwhere. I think as NFL moves on to be more of a passing league, more and more of tackles will be moved inside to be able to hold the pocket longer, even on expense on some run blocking.

The complete opposite is Mike Iupati. An insane mauler, that can't hold his man in pass protection for longer than 2 seconds without holding.

Ducasse could be a similar story as Nicks. A big strong guy with amazing feet. Strong to hold his own on he bullrush and great feet to make some dance inside. I haven't seen much of him, but he looked good in senior bowl. A guy i have watched much much more, and a guy i would love to see playing guard is Bulaga. When he puts hands on you, he holds you for a very long time, and bullrush is very hard to deal with. He struggles sometimes with speedrushers, that on that first step beat him. However, as for Nicks, this would never be a problem inside. He is a very nasty runblocker as well. As guard, he would excel in our scheme.

I also truly believe that your inside protection is more important than your outside. The outside can be managed more easely with RB's ad TE's, sliding etc. Heck, a guy playing that bad as Bridges gave no major problems. But a major problem inside is impossible to deal with. It requires attention from the tackles, and it just changes all your plays considerably. As long as you have average tackles that dont get beat every play, and amazing inside protection, you can pass all day long. Indy, NO are all proof of that. Our interior is not even close in quality.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Thanks, Early.

Good stuff!

 

[lobo]

Sandlein is better this year than the last. He has 2 sacks, 12 hits and 15 pressures allowed in his first year as starter


Early your posts are outstanding...non-emotional, thoughtful and make me think. Got you in the family photo for best poster...and we have some outstanding ones I might add. Thank You

 

[Chopper0080]

According to the NFL Network that was once true, but no more.

College tackles today are tall, long armed and relatively lean. They don't have the weight in the butt to move inside. Want a guard, they were saying - pick a guy who has played the position.

In the 2009 draft here is the breakdown:
Herman Johnson: OT in college, listed as OG in pros
Trevor Canfield: OG in college, cut in pros (on Seahawks PS)
Andy Levitre: OT in college, OG in pros
Duke Robinson: OG in college, OG in pros
Seth Olsen: OG in college, OG in pros
Jaime Thomas: OG in college, cut in pros
Kraig Urbik: OT in college, OG in pros
Louis Vasquez: OG in college, OG in pros
Ryan Durand: OG in college, cut in pros
Tyrone Green: OG in college, OG in pros
Matt Slauson: OG in college, OG in pros

Breakdown
3 college tackles were drafted to play guard in pros
8 college guards were drafted to play guard in pros
Of the 3 college tackles, all 3 are still on their drafted team
Of the 8 college guards, 5 are still on their drafted teams

I will concede to you in this, but it looks like tackles drafted to play guard have a higher stick rate.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

In the 2009 draft here is the breakdown:
Herman Johnson: OT in college, listed as OG in pros
Trevor Canfield: OG in college, cut in pros (on Seahawks PS)
Andy Levitre: OT in college, OG in pros
Duke Robinson: OG in college, OG in pros
Seth Olsen: OG in college, OG in pros
Jaime Thomas: OG in college, cut in pros
Kraig Urbik: OT in college, OG in pros
Louis Vasquez: OG in college, OG in pros
Ryan Durand: OG in college, cut in pros
Tyrone Green: OG in college, OG in pros
Matt Slauson: OG in college, OG in pros

Breakdown
3 college tackles were drafted to play guard in pros
8 college guards were drafted to play guard in pros
Of the 3 college tackles, all 3 are still on their drafted team
Of the 8 college guards, 5 are still on their drafted teams

I will concede to you in this, but it looks like tackles drafted to play guard have a higher stick rate.

Double check on Herman Johnson. I believe he played guard in College. They had him take snaps at tackle at the Combine, and he didn't look very good, but was about 20, 25 lbs heavier than he was at the end of camp.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Sandlein is better this year than the last. He has 2 sacks, 12 hits and 15 pressures allowed in his first year as starter, and this year he had 1 sack, 8 hits and 13 pressures allowed, despite us passing the ball less.

Improvement, sure, but not that big as some rumours say. That's actually not great stats for a center. Besides, i think these stats are much more comparable from center to center than for other positions, as they face much more similar situations, more evenly distributed. The problem lies in the fact that centers are often involved in double teams. But that again is same for all centers.

To me, it was very hard to see Alex Mack go to Cleveland. He is already a raising superstar at the position, has played amazing football as season went on. He is 1-3-10 for the above numbers, respectively. Most of them coming in first games of the year. In addition, he is just huge in the rungame and on screenpasses, in fact even alot better than in pass protection. Jeff Saturday is 1-1-7 and Nick Mangold 1-2-5. These numbers are awsome. It means alot to be able to step up confindently in the pocket.

Against 4-3 teams, a double team by the center on the NT is common, and these stats make less sense, but as more and more 3-4 is played, the more meaning these numbers give. Against 3-4, center is much more likely to end up in single coverage, than against 4-3 alignments.

I truly believe that the guards and center definy your whole offense. What type they are and what they can and can not do. If they are light and good passblockers, a zone scheme is a guarantee. it shapes your plays. It means you can pass the ball alot more and longer, and it means that your runblocking changes from mauling to finesse and IQ. It changes your requirement for the RB, now he suddenly needs even more vision and cutback ability on the edge, lanes are harder to read suddenly. If your guards are heavy, you run a power scheme and it can change your route tree and preference to shorter ones. Everything starts from the middle of the O-Line. Not from the QB, the recievers, RB and the tackles. That's not to say it is the most important position, it is not, but it is the one that defines the gameplan of your offense.

I like what NO did. They drafted and moved a big tackle, Carl Nicks, inside on the guard position because the pass is so important in their gameplan. He had the feet and experience to passblock faster guys, and he also had the size and strength to potentially keep his stance with the big NT's. Now size and strength does not prove anything. There is plenty of evidence of that. But this guy i'm talking about is really hard to bullrush as evidence by his tape. 330 for sure helps somwhere. I think as NFL moves on to be more of a passing league, more and more of tackles will be moved inside to be able to hold the pocket longer, even on expense on some run blocking.

The complete opposite is Mike Iupati. An insane mauler, that can't hold his man in pass protection for longer than 2 seconds without holding.

Ducasse could be a similar story as Nicks. A big strong guy with amazing feet. Strong to hold his own on he bullrush and great feet to make some dance inside. I haven't seen much of him, but he looked good in senior bowl. A guy i have watched much much more, and a guy i would love to see playing guard is Bulaga. When he puts hands on you, he holds you for a very long time, and bullrush is very hard to deal with. He struggles sometimes with speedrushers, that on that first step beat him. However, as for Nicks, this would never be a problem inside. He is a very nasty runblocker as well. As guard, he would excel in our scheme.

I also truly believe that your inside protection is more important than your outside. The outside can be managed more easely with RB's ad TE's, sliding etc. Heck, a guy playing that bad as Bridges gave no major problems. But a major problem inside is impossible to deal with. It requires attention from the tackles, and it just changes all your plays considerably. As long as you have average tackles that dont get beat every play, and amazing inside protection, you can pass all day long. Indy, NO are all proof of that. Our interior is not even close in quality.

Wow. That was one of the best posts I have read in awhile. Completely agree with the interior of the offensive line being critical.

 

[Chopper0080]

Double check on Herman Johnson. I believe he played guard in College. They had him take snaps at tackle at the Combine, and he didn't look very good, but was about 20, 25 lbs heavier than he was at the end of camp.

I just checked it, and you are correct sir. Apparently you are correct in the guard trend in the NFL.

 

[Chopper0080]

Sandlein is better this year than the last. He has 2 sacks, 12 hits and 15 pressures allowed in his first year as starter, and this year he had 1 sack, 8 hits and 13 pressures allowed, despite us passing the ball less.

Improvement, sure, but not that big as some rumours say. That's actually not great stats for a center. Besides, i think these stats are much more comparable from center to center than for other positions, as they face much more similar situations, more evenly distributed. The problem lies in the fact that centers are often involved in double teams. But that again is same for all centers.

To me, it was very hard to see Alex Mack go to Cleveland. He is already a raising superstar at the position, has played amazing football as season went on. He is 1-3-10 for the above numbers, respectively. Most of them coming in first games of the year. In addition, he is just huge in the rungame and on screenpasses, in fact even alot better than in pass protection. Jeff Saturday is 1-1-7 and Nick Mangold 1-2-5. These numbers are awsome. It means alot to be able to step up confindently in the pocket.

Against 4-3 teams, a double team by the center on the NT is common, and these stats make less sense, but as more and more 3-4 is played, the more meaning these numbers give. Against 3-4, center is much more likely to end up in single coverage, than against 4-3 alignments.

I truly believe that the guards and center definy your whole offense. What type they are and what they can and can not do. If they are light and good passblockers, a zone scheme is a guarantee. it shapes your plays. It means you can pass the ball alot more and longer, and it means that your runblocking changes from mauling to finesse and IQ. It changes your requirement for the RB, now he suddenly needs even more vision and cutback ability on the edge, lanes are harder to read suddenly. If your guards are heavy, you run a power scheme and it can change your route tree and preference to shorter ones. Everything starts from the middle of the O-Line. Not from the QB, the recievers, RB and the tackles. That's not to say it is the most important position, it is not, but it is the one that defines the gameplan of your offense.

I like what NO did. They drafted and moved a big tackle, Carl Nicks, inside on the guard position because the pass is so important in their gameplan. He had the feet and experience to passblock faster guys, and he also had the size and strength to potentially keep his stance with the big NT's. Now size and strength does not prove anything. There is plenty of evidence of that. But this guy i'm talking about is really hard to bullrush as evidence by his tape. 330 for sure helps somwhere. I think as NFL moves on to be more of a passing league, more and more of tackles will be moved inside to be able to hold the pocket longer, even on expense on some run blocking.

The complete opposite is Mike Iupati. An insane mauler, that can't hold his man in pass protection for longer than 2 seconds without holding.

Ducasse could be a similar story as Nicks. A big strong guy with amazing feet. Strong to hold his own on he bullrush and great feet to make some dance inside. I haven't seen much of him, but he looked good in senior bowl. A guy i have watched much much more, and a guy i would love to see playing guard is Bulaga. When he puts hands on you, he holds you for a very long time, and bullrush is very hard to deal with. He struggles sometimes with speedrushers, that on that first step beat him. However, as for Nicks, this would never be a problem inside. He is a very nasty runblocker as well. As guard, he would excel in our scheme.

I also truly believe that your inside protection is more important than your outside. The outside can be managed more easely with RB's ad TE's, sliding etc. Heck, a guy playing that bad as Bridges gave no major problems. But a major problem inside is impossible to deal with. It requires attention from the tackles, and it just changes all your plays considerably. As long as you have average tackles that dont get beat every play, and amazing inside protection, you can pass all day long. Indy, NO are all proof of that. Our interior is not even close in quality.

First and foremost, great post. Secondly, as far as upgrading the unit, where do you start? Is Lutui worth resigning?

 

[Crazy Canuck]

First and foremost, great post. Secondly, as far as upgrading the unit, where do you start? Is Lutui worth resigning?

Lutui is restricted, so I don't much of an issue there.

 

[Chopper0080]

Lutui is restricted, so I don't much of an issue there.

I was going for a more long term outlook. As in does he think that Lutui will be worth keeping long term or does he think that we should start looking for his replacement now.

 

[Catfish]

I respect what you said about the O-line being an enigma here. The only fire is saw at all was from Lutui occasionally. Other than that they seem almost robotic, (and not in a good way).

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they almost always had to pass protect. That has to get old, constantly taking on the brunt of the D-line, smothering the rush, and shorring up to form the pocket. It would seem to me to get old real fast. Maybe the best thing for this line is to run block some, and take some aggression out on the defense. If so, then maybe we will see some of that spark that has been lacking in this unit.

It might also be that we have a somewhat weak link at center. Smallish, and unintimidating. While he seems to be smart enough to make the calls, he doesn't really command the leadership on this line that I feel we lack. I still would like to see a real take charge guy in center who asks no quarter and gives none. One who has the fire to push the middle of the D and even get to the second level occasionally. I am just soooo very ready for this unit to jell and take all the pent up bad talk that they have gotten over the past several years, and make the D pay severely.

 

[stretchthefield]

Toughen up the lines -

If Maurkice Pouncey is there at our second round pick, he should get consideration from the front office.

Nose tackle with our first pick!

 

[kerouac9]

I think you're being unfair to Deuce here. He had 4 penalties this season, and none of them were personal fouls. He also had his lowest sacks allowed in his career. I think he's really beginning to come into his own as a player.

Really, this offensive line would be pretty solid if it wasn't for our 6th overall pick and his 10 penalties and 7 sacks allowed last year. For comparison's sake that's one less penalty and one more sack that Leonard Davis allowed at the more difficult LT position his final year here.

I like our interior line. I do think that Keith will get a legit shot at LT come training camp. If he doesn't, then we should all stop listening to Wolfley's evals.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I think you're being unfair to Deuce here. He had 4 penalties this season, and none of them were personal fouls. He also had his lowest sacks allowed in his career. I think he's really beginning to come into his own as a player.

Really, this offensive line would be pretty solid if it wasn't for our 6th overall pick and his 10 penalties and 7 sacks allowed last year. For comparison's sake that's one less penalty and one more sack that Leonard Davis allowed at the more difficult LT position his final year here.

I like our interior line. I do think that Keith will get a legit shot at LT come training camp. If he doesn't, then we should all stop listening to Wolfley's evals.

5th overall IIRC

 

[joeshmo]

Really, this offensive line would be pretty solid if it wasn't for our 6th overall pick and his 10 penalties and 7 sacks allowed last year. For comparison's sake that's one less penalty and one more sack that Leonard Davis allowed at the more difficult LT position his final year here.

Levi is so wierd. Of the 10 penalties I think 8 of them came in the first 8 games, of the 7 sacks I think 6 of them came in the first 8 games. He does that every single year. For some reason he just does not start the season well then the last half he looks better then average almost good in fact.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Levi is so wierd. Of the 10 penalties I think 8 of them came in the first 8 games, of the 7 sacks I think 6 of them came in the first 8 games. He does that every single year. For some reason he just does not start the season well then the last half he looks better then average almost good in fact.

solution= play him the entire preseason