BWahlberg said:bgbigdog said:Unless the offensive line is actually productive, not just better than last season, there aren’t 8 wins on the schedule. Keep Sneed healthy, (he took a terrible pounding last season & it impacted his passing) consistently generate an actual running game, and they’ll more than hold their own offensively. Think about how much better Rosey’s game plans will be if they can get production from the o-line. Colter is right, any productivity on offense in the second half in the losses could have turned it into a playoff season.
Not that I'd expect anything different from the summer tour stuff but the staff is suggesting the 2019 OL will be light years better. Good blend of returning players, young guys that are ready to go, guys that are back and healthy. They have their minds right, their bodies/strength right, and have been putting in extra time to be ready. We'll see, I have my reservations... and maybe it's just the staff using the power of positive thinking here, but I have a feeling these guys will be better... but not great (yet).
D line... no clue.
Deming & Alford played a lot last season. Gubner is a big guy who, from what I recall reading here, more than looked the part this spring. All due to the departing seniors, but I keep saying the defense is predicated on the backers & safeties making the majority of the tackles. The three guys up front are primarily block eaters. I’m not counting the rush end as a part of the D-line because their responsibilities are split between holding the point, pursuit and rushing the passer. I honestly think they have three better options than the kids they force fed into that spot last season. I also expect Baer to put the best four pass rushers on the field @ the appropriate times this season to help with keeping more guys in coverage.
The o-line will be better. We’d all love “light years” better. But as you said, it’s all just coach-speak until they start lining up against the schedule. If there’s playoff run in this team, it will be because the o-line comes into its own & the injury bug doesn’t bite hard.