Doug Free

[Irvin88_4life]

Just wanted to say that Free has played well. Really liked the fact he took Watt and drove him then turned to seal the edge on some run plays today. He played very well in pass protection and him and Martin seem to play well together. One example was when we were backed up against our goal line and Martin knocked Watt off balance and Free cleaned it up.

I still feel we need a RT in next year's draft but felt that Free deserved credit that since we all bashed him this week before he even played.

I love this OL

 

[COfWaBnOY]

the OL is the strength of this team .....

 

[lane]

free played very well today for sure.

the o-line is the heart and soul of this team...

 

[DandyDon1722]

Yep - he did a solid job today.

 

[DFWJC]

Free is actually a good run blocker.

 

[Derinyar]

I think there's two options. We move Martin outside and draft/sign a guard or we sign Free. I think either way works.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

Zero tackle depth = draft or sign an RT regardless of Free's play.

 

[COfWaBnOY]

I think there's two options. We move Martin outside and draft/sign a guard or we sign Free. I think either way works.

I'm sure we can find a good guard with the 32nd pick .....

 

[xwalker]

Just wanted to say that Free has played well. Really liked the fact he took Watt and drove him then turned to seal the edge on some run plays today. He played very well in pass protection and him and Martin seem to play well together. One example was when we were backed up against our goal line and Martin knocked Watt off balance and Free cleaned it up.

I still feel we need a RT in next year's draft but felt that Free deserved credit that since we all bashed him this week before he even played.

I love this OL

I've been one of Free biggest critics, but I said last year and I'll say it for this year, he is "good enough".

They have helped him with things they do in the scheme and the Zone Blocking Scheme is much better for him than the Man Blocking Scheme.

He does seem to be a little more aggressive in run blocking this season and will pop defenders when they get themselves out of position on running plays. You picked a good example where Watt got himself out of position (or Martin got Watt out of position) and Free took advantage. That play is about knowing what to do and the timing of doing it. Any NFL OT can physically make that play, but Free should get credit for having the knowledge and timing to actually make it.

As much as it pains me to say it, he's worth bring back depending on the cost. There are probably better options in Free Agency, but better options likely cost more and there is some amount of unknown about how an outside Free Agents fits within the scheme.

 

[cowboyz]

Leary also did well

 

[Derinyar]

I've been one of Free biggest critics, but I said last year and I'll say it for this year, he is "good enough".

They have helped him with things they do in the scheme and the Zone Blocking Scheme is much better for him than the Man Blocking Scheme.

He does seem to be a little more aggressive in run blocking this season and will pop defenders when they get themselves out of position on running plays. You picked a good example where Watt got himself out of position (or Martin got Watt out of position) and Free took advantage. That play is about knowing what to do and the timing of doing it. Any NFL OT can physically make that play, but Free should get credit for having the knowledge and timing to actually make it.

As much as it pains me to say it, he's worth bring back depending on the cost. There are probably better options in Free Agency, but better options likely cost more and there is some amount of unknown about how an outside Free Agents fits within the scheme.

If Free is the best player on your line you're in trouble. If he's the worst player on your line you have a pretty elite line.

 

[CF74]

Free did play with some attitude today, B+

 

[xwalker]

If Free is the best player on your line you're in trouble. If he's the worst player on your line you have a pretty elite line.

Yes, that's a good way of looking at it.

 

[Brooksey]

the OL is the strength of this team .....

It is but today we had to hide our running formations? We had to run out of shotgun and pass first? Why? terrible game plan today on offense, IMO.

 

[xwalker]

Leary also did well

Leary might be the most underrated player on the team. He was really good at the end of last season and has continued to play well this season. The media always attributes the success to the "3 first round picks", but Leary is also a big part of the success.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

Props to Free. It's amazing what having talent around you will do.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I'd resign Free if possible.

 

[Frosty]

I think there's two options. We move Martin outside and draft/sign a guard or we sign Free. I think either way works.

Give Free a 2yr deal.....keep the continuity on the OL...and get some quality depth.....this OL will only get better with time.....dont mess with success....

 

[EPL0c0]

Just wanted to say that Free has played well. Really liked the fact he took Watt and drove him then turned to seal the edge on some run plays today. He played very well in pass protection and him and Martin seem to play well together. One example was when we were backed up against our goal line and Martin knocked Watt off balance and Free cleaned it up.

I still feel we need a RT in next year's draft but felt that Free deserved credit that since we all bashed him this week before he even played.

I love this OL

I think having a stronger RG next to him is making a difference. If Martin is legit, maybe we see a switch next season w/ Martin at RT and Free at RG?

 

[kiheikiwi]

I agree with this, would definitely bring him back if cost is OK. Would still draft a 2nd - probably 3rd rounder to sit behind Free for a year/be the depth we are needing as well as bring in a FA. Free does seem to be stronger in run blocking then pass protecting. Also, think this line is def. gelling very well.