Offensive Line
 

Since we're back into taking polls I have one of my own. I, personally, think our offensive line leaves a bit to be desired. It has been said by Whodat, specifically, that our offensive line "excels" in pass blocking. Of course he uses Deuce's 1600 yards last year as proof that our run blocking is excellent as well. While I admit that the scheme involved plays heavily, I disagree with his assesment of the overall ability of our offensive line, in both run AND pass blocking. I say this mostly because I think (a) Deuce made a lot of his yards on his own and (b) Brooks runs for his life WAY too often for me to even consider using the word "excel" as a way to describe our o-line.

Are they better than average? I think so, at times, but it is my opinion that they hardly "excel"...at anything...other than getting flagged for false starts and holding (Props to BMG for that one).

Thoughts? Opinions? Personal attacks? LOL

Offensive Line
 

Do you agree that Brooks holds onto the ball a bit longer than the average? Because he does...
The line has been a disappointment this year. I\'ve never been a Riley fan, always thought he underachieved. Gandy had a bad game, but overall he\'s been excellent. I\'m still questioning the move of Bentley to center, it doesn\'t seem to be working. Which leads me to a question- for those that love the draft as much as I, and spend an excessive amount of time evaluating college talent, should Ben Wilkerson be on our radar for the draft next year? The guy is a flat out stud. 1st rounder, easy. That is, of course, with the stipulation that Johnson, Mitchell, Webster, Jackson, and Rolle are off the boards.

Offensive Line
 

Yes, I would agree, but his holding on to the ball doesn\'t matter when he gets the snap, looks up, and is instantly on the run, and that happens far too often for me to say this line \"excels\".

Offensive Line
 

True enough. The o-line has underachieved this year, there\'s no denying that.
So, nothing on the Wilkerson idea?

Offensive Line
 

They\'re plain\' like poo, and their line is a great big piece of that poo. LOL.

Do we really want Brooks dealing with another new center tho? Even if he is from LSU. :shrug:

Offensive Line
 

I do think another center is necessary, as Bentley was better at guard than he is a center. So move him back...

But with regards to a rookie center, sure, draft one, as the O-line has looked pretty dismal in my eyes this year. But if we draft one, don\'t start him. The center calls the blocking schemes, and that means a year in the system before he could reasonably complete at the pro level.

Tell me more about Wilkerson.

Offensive Line
 

Senior at LSU...good player, but I think he has benefited from the players around him...IMO

Offensive Line
 

I\'ll keep an eye on him in tonight\'s game.

Offensive Line
 

How \'bout you Whodat...what do YOU think?

...or are you skirting this post too?

Offensive Line
 

The offensive line has been somewhat disappointing this season. Their run blocking was weak in the first two weeks... real weak. I think when Deuce got hurt, they bucked up in that category. I saw some nice holes being opened for Stecker against the Rams. Last week, they simply didn\'t try to run, so I can\'t say how they played in the run game.

Generally, I think up until last week they have done well in pass protection. Considering how often the Saints have thrown the ball and the predictability of the play-calling, they\'ve held their own. Certainly there have been break downs and mental mistakes. Last week in AZ was the worst they\'ve played, and I truly hope it was a one-time thing.

I think more than anything else, the line play this year has proven that Fontenot should not have been let go. Bentley is in charge of working out the blocking assignments at the line, and he simply isn\'t anywhere near as capable of being the QB of the line as Fontenot was. IMO - you put Fontenot back at center and Bentley back at G this line immediately improves a lot. I also think our tackles are questionable, but then I said that last off-season when the Saints got rid of a guy who was, at least, a solid RT and replaced him with Wayne Gandy.

Overall, the Saints line is pretty average. They are inconsistent right now, but there are definitely worse O-lines in the league right now.


(Hey SF - notice how when you direct questions at me I answer the question? I don\'t talk about Carolina\'s line or suggest that you\'re making implications for some ridiculous agenda? Amazing how that works. Still, I bet your next post will try to use something i just posted to support your feelings on AB, or suggest I have an agenda. Just remember, I didn\'t say a word about the guy, Casper).

Offensive Line
 

Interesting, since you were all over me recently proping up this line using the word \"excels\".

You crawfish professionally. ;)

Offensive Line
 

Yes, I said they had, at the time I made the statement, \"excelled\" in PASS PROTECTION. At the time, they were below average in run blocking. Above average + below average = average.

I know that math and logic haven\'t ever been your strong suits, but that one is pretty easy.

Quick question , why do you believe in Haslett again? Just seems like a fitting question after today\'s game... or was this one yet again all the players\' fault except for AB\'s of course? Haslett continues to get really UNLUCKY with the players that HE brings in here, doesn\'t he? LMAO.

[Edited on 10/10/2004 by saintfan]

Offensive Line
 

Still think so?



[Edited on 10/10/2004 by saintfan]

Offensive Line
 

I think they make a lot of mental mistakes, mostly presnap. I think they are pretty good right now in pass coverage. They are up and down - one series Brooks may have 7 seconds every time he drops back, the next he has 2. Also, they have improved in the run blocking category quite a bit.

Think you might answer any questions any time soon? Or will you continue to only ask them and point the agenda finger ?

[Edited on 10/10/2004 by saintfan]

Offensive Line
 

This is how you define \"Excels\"? NOW I understand. LMAO

Offensive Line
 

Transparent.

Hey Saintfan - you think the play of anyone on the team has been consistent. What\'s sad is that you have to harp on this and suggest that I will think a statement that I made at one time about the team will always be true. But keep responding to this thread - God knows you can\'t defend yourself in any other one.

Offensive Line
 

What I find most interesting is that you just can\'t say you were either wrong or full of it. In 3 years you never have. If you think the line excels then say it.

Let\'s make it easier for you. Forget run blocking for a moment and focus on the pass protection. You STILL think this team excels in pass protection? You call up the number of sacks as proof...at least you tried to before. I suggested that perhaps having a QB that can run a little has something to do with it...but ever that stat man you refuse to acknowledge that.

Heck man, even the annoucer during yesterday game said it.

I say \"Excels\" is hardly the word to use for the teams Pass blocking...or ANY blocking for that matter. Are you backing off that original statement or not? Did you make that comment during the heat of a Deuce debate? Were you trying to deflect attention away from Deuce? I haven\'t re-read the thread, so I forget just how we ended up discussing pass blocking... ;)

Offensive Line
 

I stand behind that statement AT THE TIME. Since then, the line\'s play has, IMO, gotten worse. Does having a QB that can run help the line in terms of sacks? Sure, but no more than having a QB who holds onto the ball too long hurts.

The play on the field is the only thing that has made me change my mind, and I still think the line is better than you give them credit for. It\'s hard to pas block when your o-coordinator makes it painfully obvious that a pass is forthcoming.

I don\'t remember where all of this started either, but I think it had something to do with me saying that the run blocking was worse than the pass blocking. That was certainly the case after the first 2 or 3 games. I don\' know what\'s worse now, this team is just bad all around, but the defense is flat horrible.

Offensive Line
 

Victor Rikey and wayne Gandy, need to play with more discipline.

you can not consistently continue every game to produce those freakin penalities. Its hard enough for us to get 1st downs by going 10 yards.