Bengals Vs. Browns 2004. This could be our offense

[Essex Johnson]

(07-30-2021, 09:07 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Looking back, here is the starting offensive line for the 2005 season:

Levi Jones, 3rd season, 10th overall pick
Eric Steinbach, 2nd season, 33rd overall pick
Richie Braham, 11th season, 76th overall pick
Bobbie Williams, 4th season, 66th overall pick
Willie Anderson, 9th season, 10th overall pick

Now, the obvious stud on that line is Willie Anderson, and Riley Reiff, although also a first round pick, is not a viable comparator to Willie.  Reiff is a solid veteran presence at a very important position, though.  I view him as a bit of the Bobbie Williams of the line.  A solid veteran that was signed in FA.

Levi Jones was a very good LT for several years before an odd disappearing act.  Jonah could be every bit as good as Levi, if he can stay healthy.

The LG position, with Steinbach, has to look better than anything we have right now.  Everyone seems to like Spain, but he didn't grade out near Steinbach's consistent performances.  If you compare Carman to Steinbach, though he will be playing the other side, he was also a 2nd round pick and has a ton of upside.  I think Carman is going to be a real find and I liked him a lot when I found he played through that herniated disc to try and win a National Championship, rather than opt for surgery and be ready for the combine/Pro Days.  There is no doubt he is bigger and stronger than Steinbach.

At Center, we have the warrior vet known as Richie Braham.  Hopkins is a solid, slightly above average center, but Braham was a tough leader in the middle.

RG was the previously mentioned Bobbie Williams who was big, road-grading veteran that was a great addition to the line.  Here is to hoping Carman can be that addition.  

No doubt 2005 was probably the best line we had under center for the last 3 QBs..  I think 2015 which was weaker but very successful might give us a bit more hope with this line

 Reiff 30 plus vet, similar to Whit:  advantage Whit but Reiff is solid
Hopkins vet vs Bodine rookie:  Big advantage to Hopkins
Spain vet vs Boling vet:  advantage Boling but hoping Spain can return to Buffalo form level
Smith 6th year vs Williams 3rd year  Smith was up and down performance and injuries.. Williams same but he is younger
Zeitler vs ??  This is probably the biggest advantage with each comparison.

So if Pollack is that much of an upgrade as our line coach, we should see marked improvement with this line and with the offense weapons we have, it gives us hope when we look back at what we did in 2015 

The key to duplicate 2015 line is stay healthy.. only Smith missed any games and that was just 2 of them.