Maybe I am the only one who is really happy with how our O-line looks compared to what I expected. Admittedly, the pass protection stats are about what I expected, there is a lot of room for improvement, and I would be happy to switch with Denver or Philly, but AS A UNIT, this line is showing signs that, before the end of the year, it is going to be much better than I expected. They are already giving us better run blocking than I expected. No, I don't think they will be a top ten unit, but if they stay healthy I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the top 50%, maybe just outside the top ten.
There are some rookie mistakes from Britt, and a lot of rust on Okung, but I expect these issues to get better throughout the year. To me, it looks like these guys are really starting to do exactly what Cable is scheming. Generally, they are playing disciplined and the unit is showing flashes of absolute brilliant blocking.
My frustrations with last year's line were that they looked to be playing more as individuals and less as a unit. That is especially problematic in a ZBS. With all the injuries and issues last year, I suppose that was to be expected.
I think that, barring injuries, the O-line play will be a major upgrade for this team by the latter third of the season, and I expect our offense to open up more and more of the long game as the season progresses and the line gels.
- bsd