Baker isn't a LT

[Billy Ocean]

In the 2008 Draft, all the scouts remarked that Baker had unusually short arms. Against Pittsburgh, Harrison lined up outside of baker and just ran around him to pressure/ sack Ryan. Baker's reach was too short to push/ redirect Harrison, Clady, Joe Thomas, and other good LTs don't have this problem. As long as Baker is our left tackle, Ryan will be vulnerable to speed rushers, especially 3-4 OLBs. In 2011 we need to draft a real LT and kick Baker over to RT. I'm sure he could thrive at RT, if he can manage to stay healthy. In any event, I'm looking forward to a remodeled OL next year.

[millenium falcon]

if we ever have the chance to draft the next ryan clady we should. baker is just fine for now but much like the panthers jordan gross, i think he would be better at RT if we had the luxury of upgrading LT.

if you watched the game, you would also notice harrison getting some questionalbe get offs. he was moving before the snap, something baker is not allowed to do.

[5 to the squad]

that was perfect timing by harrison.

[Billy Ocean]

I get neg'd for pointing out that Sam Baker's T-Rex arms are a liability in pass blocking?!?!? Who neg'd me, Baker's mom?

[Dharma Initiative]

I haven't liked this pick since day 1. It was a reach and Baker is suited for RT.

We should defintiely look into drafting a LT next year.

[Billy Ocean]

I haven't liked this pick since day 1. It was a reach and Baker is suited for RT.

We should defintiely look into drafting a LT next year.

Exactly, we panicked when there was a run on LTs in the middle of the '08 Draft, so we traded back into the first to grab a T that everybody had rated as a second rounder. That pick was the biggest reach of any of the round 1 tackles. Clabo will be gone next year, so lets get a LT, and move Baker to RT where he belongs.

[sporkdevil]

I know everyone says that Baker's arms are short, but his are just as long or longer than other tackles. I actually think his are close to Joe Thomas'. I had a thread on this sometime last year about exactly this when some site had a list of arm length and how many sacks they gave up.

Anyways, arm length isn't what makes a tackle good at speed rush.

Edit: Baker- 1 inch shorter than Joe Thomas. .25 inches longer than Michael Roos.

[Dharma Initiative]

I know everyone says that Baker's arms are short, but his are just as long or longer than other tackles. I actually think his are close to Joe Thomas'. I had a thread on this sometime last year about exactly this when some site had a list of arm length and how many sacks they gave up.

Anyways, arm length isn't what makes a tackle good at speed rush.

It's not the arms that kill him, it's the immobility of his legs.

[sporkdevil]

http://www.profootballweekly.com/2009/04/14/arm-length-hand-quickness-dictate-olt-success

To what I more or less agree with, but basically, arm length is not the deciding factor in a left tackles ability:

To overcome average arm length, offensive tackles must be very smart, understand angles and be technique-sound, which describes Titans All-Pro OLT Michael Roos to a T. That is why he can overcome having a league OLT-worst 32½-inch arms and only give up one sack, according to STATS LLC. Other factors in Roos' success that were cited by evaluators included good coaching and sound protection schemes, with Mike Munchak being regarded as one of the top OL coaches in the game.

Those with long arms, however, continue to excel. For example, Denver's Ryan Clady, who possesses an NFL-best 36¾-inch arms as measured at the Combine last year, allowed a league-best half-sack in 16 starts as a rookie. Clady's combination of length, quickness and athletic ability allowed him to adapt very seamlessly to the pro game.

The ability of quarterbacks to feel pressure, buy time with their feet and get rid of the ball quickly also affects a blind-side protector's success. That is why Philadelphia OLT Tra Thomas, despite really struggling last season and appearing to decline every game, was able to get by, giving up only two sacks. Few coaches help their tackles on the edges like Eagles coach Andy Reid does. And even if Donovan McNabb has shown some signs of aging, he still shows great escapability in the pocket.

Having long arms, however, does not always matter if a tackle has slow hands. Browns OLT Joe Thomas appears effortless with his hands. Seahawks OT Walter Jones is extremely efficient with his hand use. Flozell Adams, however, does not have great hand quickness, but he does have extremely long arms and is generally able to get by using his length.

[1989Fan]

Baker might not be a LT

Baker is def NOT a RT

IMO, Baker is a perfect LG.

[Abe]

Harrison is a monster that beats just about everyone he faces. Not making excuses but I am willing to bet Baker tightens up this week.

[Faithful Falcon]

In the 2008 Draft, all the scouts remarked that Baker had unusually short arms. Against Pittsburgh, Harrison lined up outside of baker and just ran around him to pressure/ sack Ryan. Baker's reach was too short to push/ redirect Harrison, Clady, Joe Thomas, and other good LTs don't have this problem. As long as Baker is our left tackle, Ryan will be vulnerable to speed rushers, especially 3-4 OLBs. In 2011 we need to draft a real LT and kick Baker over to RT. I'm sure he could thrive at RT, if he can manage to stay healthy. In any event, I'm looking forward to a remodeled OL next year.

Harrison is pretty short. I think he's barely 6 feet tall. This was discussed in the NFCC and SB when they went. Going up against tall Offensive Linemen, and they are not able the get low enough. So he uses his lack of height to his advantage. It's not Baker, it pretty much any big ugly.

[Andre5000]

that was perfect timing by harrison.

They knew the snap count.. poor coaching..

[Falcons_own_nfc_south]

I'm really surprised that after one game in season. few or may be more than few people are pointing finger at players or coaches. I understand that everyone was expecting to pull "W" out of Steel Land. But it's "ANY GIVEN SUNDAY".

Good Team learn from their mistake and Falcons consider good about themselves they would show on field tomorrow that 1st game was just a fluke. Steelers D knew about snap count and this is the second time, I've heard from Defense (2008 playoff vs Cardinals).

May be Coaches needs to look at the tape and see what exactly are we doing wrong which catches D eyes..

ANYWAY, Go Falcons..

[sporkdevil]

Baker might not be a LT

Baker is def NOT a RT

IMO, Baker is a perfect LG.

I'm still trying to figure out exactly where Baker would fit, in a perfect world where every spot was open. Heck, he could still be a LT, considering he only has two years under his belt. There's a reason LT is a premium position, because only very few players can come in and dominate like a Joe Thomas or Ryan Clady (to an extent). It takes so dang long for them to develop into the smart and technically sound player. That's why they tend to go higher, because they can't just step in and perform.

So I will withhold my judgment, but LG certainly sounds good.

Harrison is a monster that beats just about everyone he faces. Not making excuses but I am willing to bet Baker tightens up this week.

Great point. Harrison can and has abused the best left tackles in the game. So yeah... he is going to beat out Baker at least once.

They knew the snap count.. poor coaching..

I think Mularkey emails the opposing team our snap count, because they always catch on by the half.

[Billy Ocean]

Theres some feminine emotional type cat catching feelings on my reasoned and respectful OL observations and neg'n me. Since you feel so strongly, get the sand out your vag, homie, then let me know who you are.

[5 to the squad]

They knew the snap count.. poor coaching..

well it's gonna be timed in a loud stadium like heinz.

[mcsupersport]

I have to believe someone is telegraphing our snap because too many teams figure out how to time it. Watch the replays of Pitts and see guys running toward the line to hit it JUST before the snap. I don't know if it is McClure(previously blamed), Ryan(possible) or just poor coaching, but it has happened toooooo many times to be a fluke.

[5 to the squad]

THATS THE BENNEFIT OF A LOUD CROWD that's why everyone needs to be in their seats screaming their heads off at the kick off

[The Falcon Jedi]

Dont you just love how people here so freely throw out unnecessary negs for just posting your opinion? I dont. I +1 you back as much as I could. That's the one thing about this board I hate.

[#1 pick]

Dont you just love how people here so freely throw out unnecessary negs for just posting your opinion? I dont. I +1 you back as much as I could. That's the one thing about this board I hate.

+1 and I plus one all Billy's post that got negged.

[Billy Ocean]

Dont you just love how people here so freely throw out unnecessary negs for just posting your opinion? I dont. I +1 you back as much as I could. That's the one thing about this board I hate.

Wise in the ways of the board, you are Falcon Jedi. The cowardice and insecurity is strong in those that anon. neg those with whom they disagree.

[The Falcon Jedi]

My recomendation is they either need to drop this Rep system entirely, or either allow only posters that have a certain + rep be allowed to - rep someone.

[Billy Ocean]

+1 and I plus one all Billy's post that got negged.

Respek

[KSFALCON]

Isn't Jared Gaither a free agent next year? The kid is 6' 9" tall, 340lbs and only 24 years old. He could take over for Baker or Clabo on either side.