Offensive Line Improvement
Anyone else noticed that we have been actually running the ball really well the last three games? I'm pretty excited about our rushing attack next year. I think it is going to be dominant.
The offensive line has gone from horrible seive-like thing flailing around to an actual unit that will on multiple occasions during a game create a huge crease like a friggin runway into the secondary for the running backs.
I think C. Brown was rusty but otherwise would have broken a couple more huge runs and possibly TD's if he had busted it up and 'trusted his speed' to borrow a rodriquez phrase.
I think I want a T-shirt with 'Trust Your Speed' on it
November 19th, 2008 at 11:34 AM ^
While I think the OL has definitely improved in run blocking, you have to remember that the teams we played the last few games haven't exactly had stellar defenses. I don't know much about OSU's DL but I have to guess they are somewhat better than Northwestern's and will probably be mostly trying to protect against the run and won't be too worried about our passing game. Not to rain on your parade or anything...
November 19th, 2008 at 11:35 AM ^
when we were desperately trying to go for the tying score.
So yeah, the jury is still out on the OL.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:07 PM ^
They do look to me improved on run blocking. Whether it is enough to deal with OSU in run-stuff mode, we'll see. As for the sack on the 3 man rush, is it just me, or does it look like some of the kids think pass blocking is supposed to feature backpedaling toward their own QB? I'd like to hear from someone who actually knows something about OL techniques. Jim Brandstatter? Dan Dierdorf?
November 19th, 2008 at 2:04 PM ^
it depends of the coverage technique. with a dropback guy like henne and a executionally imbalanced line (AKA, Jake long on the left and scrubs on the right) the last few years, M several times created not a pocket, so much as a wall for henne.
in other pass pro schemes, the line needs to create passing lanes ...for the quick slant for instance.
i think generally, the tackles give ground to the fast DEs but the inner OL tend to hold their ground to allow the QB to step up into a pocket.