Pride
02-21-2005, 08:39 AM
Ok... alot of you are very concerned about the state of our offensive line... and rightfully so!
But I have been thinking alot recently about whether or not we will actually take a step back this year by having JP in there.
While he still has a learning curve to go through, I feel just as strongly about this team now as I did prior to DB being released. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I believe that JP could possibly make our OLine better!
Last year, when teams would line up to defend us... they KNEW that if they sent 7 guys after DB... he would fall into their trap. He would make bad throws, bad choices, and eventually help us lose the game. DB wasnt the guy you could throw the rest of the team on the back and have him win it (like favre, kelly, or young in their prime).
This year... when teams line up... they cannot stack the line hoping to sack a statue. The line got MUCH better last year at protecting the statue... and it is even easier to protect a QB with pocket presence. Who knows how to step up to avoid an outside rusher, or how to step left to avoid a DT.
That could significantly change the way the defense plays us. And therefore, could open up larger holes in the defense for the running game. Yes, Willis had a good year last year... but I think it could have been better. While defenses were constantly blitzing DB, it also hurt the running game! By having a QB who can move around, and still make a play using his arm... it should make the D drop more into coverage.
Anyone have any other thoughts?
But I have been thinking alot recently about whether or not we will actually take a step back this year by having JP in there.
While he still has a learning curve to go through, I feel just as strongly about this team now as I did prior to DB being released. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I believe that JP could possibly make our OLine better!
Last year, when teams would line up to defend us... they KNEW that if they sent 7 guys after DB... he would fall into their trap. He would make bad throws, bad choices, and eventually help us lose the game. DB wasnt the guy you could throw the rest of the team on the back and have him win it (like favre, kelly, or young in their prime).
This year... when teams line up... they cannot stack the line hoping to sack a statue. The line got MUCH better last year at protecting the statue... and it is even easier to protect a QB with pocket presence. Who knows how to step up to avoid an outside rusher, or how to step left to avoid a DT.
That could significantly change the way the defense plays us. And therefore, could open up larger holes in the defense for the running game. Yes, Willis had a good year last year... but I think it could have been better. While defenses were constantly blitzing DB, it also hurt the running game! By having a QB who can move around, and still make a play using his arm... it should make the D drop more into coverage.
Anyone have any other thoughts?