CanesSkins26 wrote:The offensive line was TERRIBLE last season. It is absurd to think that it will automatically get better as our already old players get older. Jansen, by the way, is not an excellent tackle anymore. At this point he is below average and has no business being a starter in the NFL. Go back and watch how badly he got abused in pass protection last season. It was an embarrassment. I really do love posts like this that proclaim that the o-line will miraculously get better despite only one change being made, and that to a part of the line that wasn't really a problem.
This is just drivel.
Despite just one change being made? What if I said we changed our o-lin by 20%? That do anything for you?
The offensive line was injured. Randy Thomas had a career ending injury, our stud left tackle was on IR. Pete Kendall was old and worn down. Jon Jansen was pretty much on his own at RT with no support.
I don't think it's going to be "miraculous" for the offensive line to play better. I think they are healthy and have netter depth. There's a huge difference. Also, your amateur scouting report on Jon Jansen is completely irrelevant. Fact is his pass protecting skills are eroding but many around the league say he's still a great run blocker. With help and depth to keep him fresh we'll see improved play. Everyone on the line is healthy and we have Williams, Heyer and Rinehart for depth.
Also, we added Dockery who is one of the better guards in football and was once rewarded with the 3rd highest contract in history. So it's not like the difference between he and Pete Kendall is marginal. It's huge. Derrick Dockery is a far better player.
The defensive line was the real problem, especially at the end position and we solved it with Orakpo.
"Guess [Ryan Kerrigan] really does have a good motor. And is relentless. And never quits on a play. And just keeps coming. And probably eats Wheaties and drinks Apple Pie smoothies and shaves with Valvoline." -Dan Steinberg DC Sports Bog