O-line play?

[acer941]

Agree, we saw last week a commitment to the run. It seems when Romo is in they forget the run (I know Witten penalty negated a nice run), then as soon as Orton or another QB comes in they go back to the run consistently.

We now have Callahan calling the plays and he is a run guy, but it is like these coaches no matter who they are get so enamored with Romo's passing ability the run becomes a after thought. I just hope they realize the best way to help Romo and slow him down is a consistent running game.

I know I am making a snap judgement off of a couple of series, because we could not run the ball last year. But it appears we can this year and I think we need to do it consistently to be good.

I think it's more on the fact that they want to get Romo and the WR's alot of time in the game to work out the kinks.

 

[boysfanindc]

I think it's more on the fact that they want to get Romo and the WR's alot of time in the game to work out the kinks.

I hope your right.

 

[Deep_South]

Just speculating, but I think playing Frederick at guard is a result of our lack of depth on the offensive line and Costa's inability to effectively play guard. It's a long season, and if we have injuries down the road, the best line we may be able to put on the field may include Costa at center and Frederick at guard.

 

[Biggems]

Leary has looked great. He has the most power we've had from a guard and a mean streak to match in a long time. Frederick looks night and day better than Costa has to the point where I don't understand how anyone ever thought Costa was a quality starter. That said, I haven't seen Fred bull rushed one on one with a power nose tackle yet, so I remain cautious with my optimism. Benny looked good, but he is usually fine one on one; stunts and blitzes are what worry me.

My absolute favorite thing to see is how seldom our starters are ending up on the ground. I am seeing them keep their feet more and more and embrace that zone blocking isnt about beating your man, but moving the gap and using the opponent's leverage.


Much as I'm happy with the above paragraph, I WOULD like to see a little more power running plays as well. I think with Leary and Fred we have some personnel to run some wham plays.

Finally Arkin. Yeah, not nearly as good as against the dolphins. I think I've learned that the expression "he has to be perfect in his technique" is a backhand. The guy whiffed a few times in the second level and just doesn't look like a starter to me.

Oh and Costa got bull rushed back. Again. By a second or third teaser. I'll try to find the play. Dude is a backup at best.

Leary is the closest thing we have had to a Nate Newton or Larry Allen in a very long time. He looks the part of a mauling grizzly bear. He has me super excited. If Bernie can stay healthy and Free can find his game again, our OL should be beastly this year.

I just worry about the health of our line......it isn't very deep, so health is of the utmost concern. I am really worried about backup G and T. I wonder if Waters would consider signing on as a reserve, cause he would be outstanding insurance in case of an injury.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

That said, I haven't seen Fred bull rushed one on one with a power nose tackle yet, so I remain cautious with my optimism. Benny looked good, but he is usually fine one on one; stunts and blitzes are what worry me.

Supposedly, Fred's best attribute is one on one against a power nose tackle so if you like him right now then you will probably like him more when that happens. A key to running against a 3-4 is controlling that nose, so if Fred can do that we have a real advantage when we play the eagles and skins this year.

As for the stunts and blitzes, hopefully Fred's presence will help Berny in that area. Hard to blame Costa for so much, but with a guy like Fred at center it should help Berny just a bit in this area.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

As a whole, the o-line looked good. However, I'd caution that Oakland had one of the worst pass rushes in football last year and did nothing really to improve it. But we did ok running the ball.

 

[dmq]

Fred at Guard is a worse case scenario for the boys. We are just giving Costa some work at Center along side Frederick at Guard in case it ever comes up.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

As a whole, the o-line looked good. However, I'd caution that Oakland had one of the worst pass rushes in football last year and did nothing really to improve it. But we did ok running the ball.

Agreed.

Brake-tapping is suggested.

But, I know what I was feeling about the oline last year after two preseason games... And "good" wasn't in the mix.

 

[xwalker]

Doesnt hurt to give him some position flexibility experience though. If we had two guards go down he may be our best bet at guard at that point with Costa at center.

To be honest, he might end up being our best lineman this year, period. He's looked excellent.

Also, Frederick said that taking snaps at Guard helps him to better understand how to work with the Guards when he's playing Center.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Also, Frederick said that taking snaps at Guard helps him to better understand how to work with the Guards when he's playing Center.

That makes a lot of sense.

 

[acer941]

Just re-watched the game and the starting O-Line played the whole first half.

Nobody ever got within 3 yards of touching Kyle Orton...

 

[Rack]

Yeah, no complaints. Couple of dumb penalties in the red zone killed us. Romo had plenty of time all game. We ran the ball reasonably well.

That crap is getting old. We has a penalty on the first 3 drives (I think) that crossed into raiders territory. Kind of hard to freaking score if you move backwards. Witten, love the guy but that hold penalty was dumb. Though I blame Murray for that one too cu Murray SHOULD have cut it inside Witten's block on the play. When you're blocking and your man runs away from you (in the direction you're blocking him) your natural reaction is to grab him. If Murray runs inside that block like he should have, the holding doesn't occur.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Just re-watched the game and the starting O-Line played the whole first half.

Nobody ever got within 3 yards of touching Kyle Orton...

Debbie and Nancy thought Doug Free was terrible, what happened?

 

[Fredd]

As long as Fred is seeing time at G ONLY to teach him about blocking schemes in general, then I am fine with it in the 3rd quarter of a pre-season game...as far as the first unit, they looked pretty good (the OL)...as others have mentioned, on the sack, Romo held the ball too long...he knows better to toss it into the seats if needed...

Lee had a good game as well...he seemed to be in on everything...on the fumble, Hatcher tipped the ball away from the QB, but Lee SMASHED him on the play anyway...

 

[Gemini Dolly]

It was so weird seeing Romo stand there not knowing what to do with all the time he had. Good problem to have.