mrt144":go6dei2f said:
dogorama":go6dei2f said:
I keep hearing the word "continuity" splashed around the board like it is something you dare not abandon. I will grant you that some players and even coaches sometimes get better with experience but continuity really means more of the same. Typically the players given college scholarships were the best not just on their team, but probably their conference too and that holds true for the pros as well. Granted there those exceptions who don't live up to their expectations but just take a look at who the great players are and they typically were always great throughout their careers and that plays true down the line of competence. In fact, if continuity were such an essential element to success no one would ever get fired. Ask Kodak, Blockbuster, Nokia, Polaroid, and Borders how well "continuity" worked for them.
Continuity is the by product of a good line, not a prerequisite of a good line.
mrt, I think you're using a "chicken or egg" postulate there. I happen to think that the two go together. IMO the best lines are those that play 14-16 games a season together. Now that doesn't mean you can take any fat guys off the street, suit them up and suffer through their growing pains and voila, they'll be great in a couple of years. :laugh:
However, given even the most talented players, it takes some time playing together to develop that unity that "elite" o-lines display, where everybody knows what to do in every situation. Even then, breakdowns occur as DC's scheme and plan ways to surprise and deceive o-linemen to get through to the QB.
I certainly agree that we need a talent upgrade on the o-line. From Pete's recent comments, I'd have to say he agrees, and it sounds like he and JS will be strategizing to do that. However, some of the comments around here suggesting willy-nilly trades, drafts, and shuffling of players to different positions smacks of panic, and Pete and John don't panic.
We've been to the playoffs 5 straight years, and to two super bowls, and I might add, had wins in every one of those trips IIRC. That's not bad. It does not mean I think everything is "fine." It does mean that I think we have some pretty smart football minds that will be focused on this problem and I'll expect improvement. However, and here's where the 'continuity' thing come in in my mind. It may take a year or two to actually reap the benefits of the work done, depending on how extensive the changes are and how good the talent is that we bring in, plus whatever improvement current players that stay around might show.
So, IMHO, continuity may not be a prerequisite of a good line, but it sure as hell helps.