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Perine got only 1 touch last night - and for Mixon not only did he trip himself out of big gains twice but at least three times he ran past the hole into his own people. Time to sit Mixon until they are 100% sure he can play full speed.
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Adeniji is fitting nicely into his Dennis Roland role
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I will say that while personally I think the OL has gotten some kinks out as far as pass pro goes and should be decent from now on, this is something we do need to keep in the back of our minds...
2021
Games 1-2: 10 sacks
Games 3-4: 1 sack
At this exact same point in the season last year we thought the OL pass pro had been fixed.
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I think just as we were saying some of the blame is on Burrow for some of the sacks. I think some of the reason for better protection is because of Burrow's play as well. I think the check downs this week was due to tight coverage, getting the ball out quick and probably due to the fact that Buffalo was killing the Dolphins taking check downs. I've also noticed Burrow missing some throws but they always seem to be on the safe side of the play where only our guy can make a play. I wonder if this is due to tight coverage where Burrow maybe normally hangs on to the ball and waits for something better but instead just throws it up but while being cautious with the ball.
I do think the oline is playing better and I hope they can continue to improve. As far as the run game I think Mixon will get it going eventually and in the past if the blocking isn't there it seems to take quite a few games to workout like a mid-season form type of thing. So I really think we need to get all 3 backs involved just to try and keep everyone fresh and healthy for the stretch at the end. I would love to see some designed plays beyond screens to try and get a back open with space so they can catch a ball on the move.
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Yes the OL is getting more in sync and it is obvious from what we seeing. Not just a big drop in sacks but Burrow having more than sufficient time to work the pocket. And yes Burrow himself seems to be getting to be more like his 2021 self in terms of pocket awareness and navigation. Once he gets the pinpoint accuracy back this is going to be special.
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The fact that Joe can drop back, in the pocket, scan the field and throw before being pummeled suggests some improvement.
Starting the season against 2 of the better pass rushers in the NFL was definitely a factor especially after not playing at all in the preseason. It isn't very likely that the FA OL acquisitions aren't any better than the scrubs they replaced. I believe they will improve weekly until they hit their pinnacle (around week 8).