05-01-2022, 09:34 PM
(05-01-2022, 09:14 PM)Stewy Wrote: I don't see it being about raw numbers. They replaced 2 backups and 1 questionable starters with 3 good to excellent starters. They still have a lot of picks from last year that yes mostly looked fair to terrible and mostly questionable, but an OLine is a TEAM in and of itself. It requires leadership and it requires them to recognize assignments and work together pre-snap. We have not had that OLine leader since Whit left. And unlike a chain, an OLine is not just as good as it's weakest link.
Carman will benefit greatly by being surrounded by 4 quality veterans, as opposed to playing beside a bunch of backups. They will point things out he might have missed otherwise, help him recognize stunts and assignments, help him to work together with the LT and C to cover stud DT's and DE's.
Jonah will likely elevate his game for the same reason because the other veterans will increase his awareness, recognition and confidence. Jonah has not had the savvy Vet to help him elevate or refine his game.
There are still several 1 year players from last year that are going to learn dramatically from working inside a quality OLine room. All of the above are the reasons why I am not worried that we have not done more with the OLine. Because it isn't about bodies, but overall all elevation of quality, teamwork, brotherhood with huge chips on their shoulders to protect the franchise.
I think everyone going to be surprised by how good this OLine can be.
I am very happy with the guys we signed, but why settle for just being good when we are a couple pieces away from being great. What happens if Carman doesn't improve or his back injury doesn't get better. We are putting a lot of faith in a guy that hasn't earned it. And we don't really have a great backup plan.
