Yeah, I am. I feel confident with the OL players on the team right now. I still think the reward is greater than the risk. Backup plans are pretty good based on the overall talent on the offense and defense. The offense could weather the potential loss of an OL much better this year than previous years.
I also believe the play of Collins and Smith has peaked and they are on the downside. How fast they slide is unknown right now. I believe Collins will slide quicker. Smith is still playing well but that could change on a dime with injury which can't be predicted.
I also think Alarcon and Braylon Jones on the PS are going to be good backups next year. One site has Alarcon listed as an OT even though he played exclusively at guard during camp. I like the potential of Alarcon. They even have OT Aviante Collins on the PS. Don't know anything on him other than he has 4 years of experience out of Texas Tech.
I think Philbin is a good OL coach and I think he has a very good blocking scheme and is really coaching up the players. Philbin knows what type of players he needs and McClay and Team are finding them.
the only reason we can weather the storm this year than previous years is because we have McGovern and Steele...none of the others are proven. yes, steele was a rookie last year. got thrown in there. we saw him grow, learn as the year went along and how much he improved. but lets not forget it was a 6-10 season. it cost a season to get him that experience....so do we want to go through that with ball faronik two rookies if they have to play extensively, in a year where we are 4-1, looking to go to playoffs and make a run. ready to throw the year away?
and the play of smith and collins has peaked...Smith is still a top 5 LT....what else you want? the best LT in football? any of the guys on the team at Smith's level or have potential to reach that...Collins is one of the best right tackles in football. he is probably a top 5 RT....anybody else a top 5 RT potential? I am sure you will say steele, which if you do, it tells me you really don't know a whole bunch about OL play.....
none of those guys are ready this year. I don't care about next year. we are in the midst of a potential run. I and along with 99% of the folks on this board, coaches, etc. are not ready to gamble for next year.....we cross that bridge when we get there.....