LT: Left behind

[LoneWolf]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

And that's the thing: teams are constantly switching their elite pass rusher to both sides in an effort to maximize matchups. It's no longer about DT, LT, Andre Tippett type guys who are on the right side 97% of the time just pinning their ears back to beat a single left tackle on third down. Guys are flipping sides, dropping into coverage, stunting, etc. all over the place in order to get into the backfield as soon as possible to disrupt the quicker pass oriented offenses on any down.

It's why you've got to spread out the capabilities of all the offensive linemen, just not put all your money into a blindside protector and four roadgraders.

It's why the term "blindside" doesn't have as much meaning as it did 10-15 years ago.

And why I really like the offensive line that we have. Pissholi deservedly got a lot of shit for what he did, but I seriously think that he put together the building blocks for establishing a very solid offensive line unit that has the potential to be one of the best in the league. The only guy he missed out on was Zane Beadles when he drafted McCluster instead, but otherwise, the pieces are in place to have a pretty darn good O-line, especially if they can re-sign Albert.

But even if they trade him, I'm not too worried about a line consisting of:

LT: Stephenson
LG: Asamoah
C: Hudson
RG: Schwartz
RT: Allen

especially if Lilja comes back for depth on the interior and they pickup a guy from someone's camp or draft a good tackle prospect this year. (KU's Hawkinson, Wisconsin's Ricky Wagner or Virginia's Oday Oboushi would all be ideal in that 5/6 round range. All have plus athleticism and have been very good pass protectors for their entire careers.)

How often do players like Jared Allen, Tamba Hali, or Von Miller switch sides. I know Von rushes from the right side, but the QB is almost always looking at that side. That is why the LT is the most important position on the line.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

How often do players like Jared Allen, Tamba Hali, or Von Miller switch sides. I know Von rushes from the right side, but the QB is almost always looking at that side. That is why the LT is the most important position on the line.

A lot actually. You see Tamba on the right side a lot. Not so much now that Houston is there, but he used to switch up a lot.

Allen, not so much as he's operating out of a 43, but he flips as well.

Miller is all over the field.

It's still an important position, but it's not the absolute cornerstone of a team as it once was. Teams are looking for more balance on the line versus sinking a huge contract into one guy and having run paving road graders at the four other positions.

It's rapidly turning from a run-run-pass league (which mandated a high quality blindside protector) to a do whatever you can to move the ball downfield offensive game plan. Pulling guards and centers and tackles capable of quickly getting to the second level are just as important as that blindside protector.