Quote
merlin
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.
solid, Merlin.
Thanks for coming back and giving us details about this group.
It sounds, and this is my interpretation that you, too, have some concerns about LG. DeMarco Farr said at the end of the season in recap of the group is that they need a BEAST at guard. I considered that remark, and it rings true, and continues to ring true months later.
Saffold's departure had more impact than most figured on. As the strongest in the group, it seems in hindsight, that's a key ingredient to look for in 2020.
But, Merlin's remarks here about Ravens game, and the 2 Cardinal games sting. It was the last Cardinal game that I am still concerned about. The OL was caved in on run downs; It was hard to watch.
I am thinking that we'll see quite a bit of the group out there for whatever preseason looks like. Minus Whitworth, I would expect to see the entire unit, along with Akers and Henderson getting serious reps. Some version of Corbett and Blythe inside, and Noteboom (if ready) and Evans sharing the LT......
Yep, as of now, not the top tier OL in the NFL.
