The Oline last night

[SoCalCowboyFan]

My observations of the oline (specifically the 2 rookies and costa) form watching the game video hairic posted. I think they didn't do too bad of a job. Only thing I'd like to see is getting a better push up front on the run plays.

Smith - He's a rookie, he got out of his stance late a couple times but his strength and athleticism helped him out. Looked like he'd get beat on inside moves. Couple plays where it looked like his man was gonna beat him badly but damn he's so strong that once he got his hands on the lineman they were pushed into the pile and stopped. Only saw one play where he blew an assignment and was blocking no one when Mcgee got sacked. But he's gonna be a good one for sure.

Arkin - Thought he did a good job also didn't get beat and didn't look confused out there. Held his own in passing situations and didn't get beat. Had a pancake block that I noticed and wouldn't let his defender back up so he's got a little mean streak which I like. He's listed at 6-5 307 don't think he needs to add bulk just needs more strength to get a better push on running plays.

Costa - Wasn't that bad, only play where he looked like bad was the first play of the game for the offense. He helped Arkin then came off that block to take on the Denver's MLB and was knocked back 3-4 yards and the LB got to Jones for a short gain. After that he looked OK wasn't lost or look like he had any blown assignments. No way he'll take Gurodes spot anytime soon, but I think he'll be a good back-up. Atleast we wouldn't have any slippery shotgun snaps because Costas palms are sweaty.

All in all having 2 rookies on the line, back-up center and the short camp I'd give them a passing grade. We'll see how they do the rest of the preseason.

 

[Future]

Usually I hate rookies, particularly on the OLine. But for some reason I feel comfortable with both Smith and Arkin starting if need be.

 

[shmee]

My observations of the oline (specifically the 2 rookies and costa) form watching the game video hairic posted. I think they didn't do too bad of a job. Only thing I'd like to see is getting a better push up front on the run plays.

Smith - He's a rookie, he got out of his stance late a couple times but his strength and athleticism helped him out. Looked like he'd get beat on inside moves. Couple plays where it looked like his man was gonna beat him badly but damn he's so strong that once he got his hands on the lineman they were pushed into the pile and stopped. Only saw one play where he blew an assignment and was blocking no one when Mcgee got sacked. But he's gonna be a good one for sure.

Arkin - Thought he did a good job also didn't get beat and didn't look confused out there. Held his own in passing situations and didn't get beat. Had a pancake block that I noticed and wouldn't let his defender back up so he's got a little mean streak which I like. He's listed at 6-5 307 don't think he needs to add bulk just needs more strength to get a better push on running plays.

Costa - Wasn't that bad, only play where he looked like bad was the first play of the game for the offense. He helped Arkin then came off that block to take on the Denver's MLB and was knocked back 3-4 yards and the LB got to Jones for a short gain. After that he looked OK wasn't lost or look like he had any blown assignments. No way he'll take Gurodes spot anytime soon, but I think he'll be a good back-up. Atleast we wouldn't have any slippery shotgun snaps because Costas palms are sweaty.

All in all having 2 rookies on the line, back-up center and the short camp I'd give them a passing grade. We'll see how they do the rest of the preseason.

Funny i just was watching a replay of the game and saw that first play with Costa and i came over here to see if anyone had talked about it yet. That was horrible. he got smashed.

 

[Doomsday101]

My observations of the oline (specifically the 2 rookies and costa) form watching the game video hairic posted. I think they didn't do too bad of a job. Only thing I'd like to see is getting a better push up front on the run plays.

Smith - He's a rookie, he got out of his stance late a couple times but his strength and athleticism helped him out. Looked like he'd get beat on inside moves. Couple plays where it looked like his man was gonna beat him badly but damn he's so strong that once he got his hands on the lineman they were pushed into the pile and stopped. Only saw one play where he blew an assignment and was blocking no one when Mcgee got sacked. But he's gonna be a good one for sure.

Arkin - Thought he did a good job also didn't get beat and didn't look confused out there. Held his own in passing situations and didn't get beat. Had a pancake block that I noticed and wouldn't let his defender back up so he's got a little mean streak which I like. He's listed at 6-5 307 don't think he needs to add bulk just needs more strength to get a better push on running plays.

Costa - Wasn't that bad, only play where he looked like bad was the first play of the game for the offense. He helped Arkin then came off that block to take on the Denver's MLB and was knocked back 3-4 yards and the LB got to Jones for a short gain. After that he looked OK wasn't lost or look like he had any blown assignments. No way he'll take Gurodes spot anytime soon, but I think he'll be a good back-up. Atleast we wouldn't have any slippery shotgun snaps because Costas palms are sweaty.

All in all having 2 rookies on the line, back-up center and the short camp I'd give them a passing grade. We'll see how they do the rest of the preseason.

I agree. Given this was their 1st outing and have had about 12 days to learn the offense I think Arkin and Smith did a fine job. Lot of work to do

Costa as well young player with little experiance who I think is only going to get better.

 

[StanleySpadowski]

With the lineup they used last night, screen plays would be a staple of the offense.

The issue with Davis and Gurode last year isn't that they couldn't move as well, but rather they had problems locating in space. OL oftentimes don't have to block anyone on a screen as the back can just use their anticipated movements to beat the defender. Davis especially, but Gurode to some extent, would react to the defender late so the back couldn't anticipate as well.

The biggest issue with that incarnation of a line though is going to be short yardage unless they perfect a short trap as they aren't the strongest OL we've seen.