Re: Merlin said: Not so fast on Evans, and agree with Max

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leafnose
that LG sure appears a larger question than what's going on at RT and RG

In fact, I think we're pretty okay at RG. Blythe has been there and succeeded. Edwards had some moments that made me smile.

Merlin wasn't so enthusiastic about Evans return to starting at RT.
Felt that he has some growing to do.

Of course, there's still some sorting to do at center. For me, I not only want the line calls right way around, I want the center / QB exchange clean, too.
In many ways, LG and Center remain the questions for me.

Wouldn't so much of this be solved if either Akers or Henderson are plus runners even without help up front?

Appreciate the mention.

Yeah Evans struggled quite a bit so if we have to count on him it will be one of those deals where we weather his development as a starter. I appreciate what he did coming in as a rook but if you go back and rewatch him vs the Ravens, or either Cards game they were pretty ugly and that last Cards matchup was the last game of the season. I do think the guy has upside btw so if that happens at least we have that. Not hating on him here or anything just trying to be realistic.

Hav I see as the key piece for our season as a result IMO. He's always been a plus run blocking type who survives in pass pro. So he's not a high end type by any means but if the Rams get their run game going again and he is healthy (I am giving him benefit of the doubt here wrt that injury since we don't know and the Rams are so tight-lipped) we all of a sudden we have a very strong run blocking right side with him and Edwards. Which I think is important because the other 3 on the OL who will be returning starters struggled in run blocking in 2019.

The knock on Corbett has always been his physicality. And I do think the Browns mismanaged him a bit, but they also require physicality in their division. In the review of last year's film he was pretty solid in pass pro, not special but he helped us. In the run game however he wasn't all that great. IMO if he wants to start for us this year and if we want a good run game he's going to need to improve in his technique in the run game.

Problem here too is that Whit struggled in run blocking. Which is a significant change in his gameday results, as he's always been a plus run blocker. This is why I have been so concerned with him, IMO there is a good chance we're seeing his age there so it might not get better. If that's true having him next to a guy like Corbett isn't what you want if you want a good run game.

And then there's Blythe. He's not good at either really. He did finish the season reasonably well but he is what he is.

So what I'd like to see is someone step up and either win that LG job (to help out both Whit and Blythe) and maybe Center too and upgrade us in the run game. IMO the run game is the key to this season for our offense. Last year what we saw is a McVay offense without the run game. So they need to get back to at least that top ten range in DVoA and SR.