The fact that our o line was so bad and theres already questions

[*wildcats forever*]

(02-20-2017, 01:24 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Man, it sure would be stupid to not replace Zeitler with a Guard with atleast SOME experience playing in the NFL.

This would not be a top tier O-line if we brought in Leary, it would just cover up a hole. Sounds more likely to me
than the team just letting the entire O-line disentegrate. Say what you want about how this team has handled things
in the past but this would be WAY worse.

Even in my scenario we would still have Bodine at Center and Fisher at RT. Not a top tier O-line by any standards.

No doubt, but the possibility exists that Fisher performs better at RT after a focused camp and preseason. At least that alone should flush out whether he should be there or not. As it looks now, I think it's probably Fisher's job to lose. Getting a competent/experienced backup is likely the best we'll see there. Which could still be Winston, if his body can be counted on to deliver.

I don't know how much better Bodine can improve, or if that's a possibility. Boling and Zeitler have provided enough stability for him to grow at C, and we've all seen the results. What are those 'little things' he needs to work on to improve? Can he learn and actually do them? And if he can't, when will the staff look to upgrade? 

Like Whitworth and Boling, Zeitler has proven to be a keeper. Beyond his talent, I'm thinking about the value of continuity and chemistry for the line as a unit. In my previous post, I was projecting what I thought the staff might do - not what I was hoping they would do. TJ Johnson showed some competency late in the season that was a relief to see, kinda/sorta. It solidified his value to the team at a minimum. But does he have the talent to move up to starter? Dunno. Westerman and Hopkins (to a lessor extent) are unknowns to some significant degree, at least in 2017 terms. And a "Leary" might just be a patch.

However it all shakes out though, 2017 will likely start out as only marginally better at best. The correction to '16's woes will not happen quickly, but keeping Whit and Zeitler seems to be the best chance of keeping 2017 from being a long and unsuccessful season for sure. Time of possession has to improve, points per game have to increase, etc - all to minimize exposing the weaknesses on defense, should we fail to improve pass rush and maintain secondary play.