Center Is The Root Problem On The OL...

[CaptainAmerica]

...Parcells said he always had OL problems with the Giants, Pats and Jets until he got the center position solidified. Now we see Johnson being pulled from the game every week because he can't handle big bodies over him on a consistent basis. Gurode is bigger but let's just say he isn't a "student of the game"; therefore we have more blown assignments when he's in the game.

My question is why did Parcells draft an undersized center in the 2nd round if he wouldn't be able to handle big bodies? Why did we think Gurode could handle the mental challenges of the position when he's struggled playing guard which was a simpler position in terms of assignments and calls.

We've talked about all our off-season needs, but it's beginning to look like the center position is an area we should have addressed.

 

[Zman5]

Maybe he thought Johnson could bulk up and get stronger in a year or two.

 

[TruBlueCowboy]

Tell Rob Petitti that his problems yesterday were because of Al Johnson.

 

[Hollywood Henderson]

Yep, it didn't sound like any of the Oline played well...

 

[canters]

Rob is entitled to a bad game. We do need help at center. Rivera got away with 2 holds yesterday as well. LA is dominate at times,,,looks bored at others. Flo' is the same way. We lack leadership in the Oline right now.

Al must get bigger and stronger, or we must look elsewhere in the offseason.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'm not saying it's the ONLY problem on the OL, but I do believe it's a basic, root problem.

 

[percyhoward]

It's more than just center. Go back and watch what LA and Hotel do on Julius' 2nd-down run from the 5-yard line (when he was stuffed by Kelly).

It isn't much.

I just wanna see two consecutive successful run plays for once.

 

[Vertigo_17]

I know Nors will correct me, but I did notice an improvement in the running game when Gurode came in. I know part of it is just having a fresh set of legs, but having the size helps too. If Dre could just get the mental part - we'd be talking about how much better Al looks coming off the bench

 

[TruBlueCowboy]

I'm not saying it's the ONLY problem on the OL, but I do believe it's a basic, root problem.

I wish someone could find the #'s when Gurode and Johnson are in the game and how the inside running is going. I think one big mistake, besides that Johnson isn't playing so hot, is Julius is a better outside runner. Look at the stats from last year. He dramatically improved the Cowboys rushing yards when running off tackle, but when running into the interior of the line, his numbers were almost the same as Eddie George.

 

[Next_years_Champs]

I wish someone could find the #'s when Gurode and Johnson are in the game and how the inside running is going. I think one big mistake, besides that Johnson isn't playing so hot, is Julius is a better outside runner. Look at the stats from last year. He dramatically improved the Cowboys rushing yards when running off tackle, but when running into the interior of the line, his numbers were almost the same as Eddie George.

This was posted this morning by AdamJT13 to a different thread, perhaps it will answer some of your questions.

I just re-watched every offensive play, focusing on the center. And center WAS NOT a problem today. If anything, Johnson AND Gurode were borderline dominant. Either that, or Ted Washington is just a big bag of nothing these days, because he never once pushed either Johnson or Gurode backward on a running play. He spent more time on the ground -- either on his back or being driven face-first into the dirt -- than he spent near the ballcarrier.

I didn't count a single negative play by Johnson, and the "worst" plays by Gurode were on a 4-yard run (Gurode's guy made the tackle), a 14-yard run (Gurode whiffed on a linebacker, who ended up tripping up Julius at the 12-yard line) and a 2-yard run (when Gurode didn't get any push and his guy reached out and grabbed Julius).

Honestly this probably was the best game so far by both centers. Johnson has been playing well (and has been unjustly criticized, for some reason), and he played great today. Gurode was terrible against Washington, when he barely played, and he didn't even get to play center against San Francisco. But he bounced back with a very good game today and actually ended up with more snaps than Johnson did.

Here is the thread.
http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36640

 

[TruBlueCowboy]

This was posted this morning by AdamJT13 to a different thread, perhaps it will answer some of your questions.



Here is the thread.
http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36640

Thanks.