Jump to content

Maybe The O-Line Wasn't The Problem..


Recommended Posts

The O-line started off the season on a rocky start by giving up more than enough sacks to opponents and letting Matt Ryan get hit more times than a Mexican kids Pinata but over the course of the season after several changes were made they played ligitimately better IMO. Matt reached 4,000 yards for the first time in his career, broke the Franchise passing record and threw for 30 touchdowns. Michael Turner had another 1,000 yard rushing season. Roddy also added another 1,000 yard season plus led the league in receptions. Our rookie sensation WR Julio Jones also added another 900 + yards after missing a few games. All those accomplishments don't sound like the work of a completely horrid O-Line like everyone is making our's out to be. If you think about it, what are we actually missing from the 2010-11 season? Harvey Dahl? In this offseason, I would focus more on the defensive side of the ball and less on the offensive side seeing as how our defense is gonna take a huge hit in the offseason. With Grimes most likely on his way out along with Abe, we should focus more on filling those spots in FA & the draft because if we don't then who is gonna step up in they're place? Dunta Robinson & Ray Edwards? I know my opinion is different from everyone elses but I just thought this would be something to think about..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The team had enough talent in White, Jones and Gonzo to overcome the glaring weaknesses on the line (left tackle and right guard), when we played against teams that didn't have a good to great defensive line. When we went to the no huddle and started getting rid of the ball quickly, the offense opened up, which also made it easier for Turner to run behind our line. We were able to do this against poor to average teams, but not good to great teams. Yes, it was the oline. At LT and RG we had two of the weakest starters in the NFL.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There has been alot of talk about building the middle of opine like saints. What if we shifted clabo to RG. He originally played guard. Then move baker to right tackle. When healthy, baker did good job except against speed rushers. Then we can draft a good/big center in round 3 and bring in depth at tackle through draft or low end free agent. There aren't many left tackles out there this year. would like to extend McClure for another year.

This improves the line, buys some time and allows us to focus mostly on defense this offseason.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't believe that the OL was THE problem, I don't even think it is accurate to say it was most of the problem, but it certainly was part of the problem and part that needs to be fixed....FINALLY. It has been a known weakness for far too long.

I agree. It was one of many problems.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the falcons beat up on jacksonville, tampa, tennessee, minnesota, indianapolis...who am i leaving out? see any trend? all of those teams are lower rung football teams. go look at the statistics against green bay, new orleans, chicago, new york giants.

the defense did a fine job in the first half against new york and for that matter for the majority of the season. the offense never lived up to their end of the bargain against better teams. what matters is how the team performed against quality opponents seeing as how new orleans is in our division, good teams make the playoffs and that it's doubtful we have such a soft schedule next year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The passing yards, reception, etc. increased due to the uncharacteristic pass attempts increasing. Ryan couldn't air it out for the big plays needed and had to dump it down a lot. Anyone who thinks Hawley is doing a good job isn't paying attention and no offense to Svitek but he's not exactly the blue chip LT we have been looking for. Nice gap stop player for Baker unraveling but definitely not the answer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just think that once the OC gets in and makes the changes they see fit, you'll see a big difference with the O-Line players that we already have. They had an off year and literally no offseason training or time to get adjusted to playing together before the season started, bad seasons happen to the best of um.

They have to be replaced. OC's can't make you tough. Or maybe hire that strength guy down in Arizona to make them respectable and not the ****** of every defensive line in the league.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turner had 1,340 rushing yards and 11 TD's this season and averaged 4.5 YAC. In 2010 (when the line was "good") Turner had 1,371 yards and 12 TD's and average 4.1 YAC. Not too much of a difference if you ask me. And we can't run the ball? Please!

That just shows you how much of a bull of a running back Turner is.

Edit: The line has never been good. They've overachieved(maybe) but they've never been good.

Edited by ltstorm2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turner had 1,340 rushing yards and 11 TD's this season and averaged 4.5 YAC. In 2010 (when the line was "good") Turner had 1,371 yards and 12 TD's and average 4.1 YAC. Not too much of a difference if you ask me. And we can't run the ball? Please!

Most running backs in the league would be able to put up comparable stats, if they were sharing an offense with White, Gonzo and Jones.

We couldn't run against teams with good defensive lines. That was clear to anyone who watched the games.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What I saw was Turner not being used that often against teams with good defensive lines. I saw MM relying on the pass game instead of pounding the football like we've been so successful doing.

What team were you watching?

Did you watch the playoff game, by chance? Pretty good indicator of what we are discussing right now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...