Doc Walker.

[Art]

Funny listening to Doc on the offensive line.

He says everyone knows we're passing, and we're not giving up much pressure. He says this line is a pass blocking line. That's what it is. It'll run, but it'll do so differently than we are used to. He says we're not going to get anything done in the running game right now. That takes time to come around. But, we won't be the steamroller type of line.

What he knows after these two games is that these guys (the offensive line) can play. Other teams are blitzing us and can't get to us. Teams are trying to stop us from passing and can't. That tells him all he needs to know about this offensive line in this system.

While I think he's a bit more optimistic than is proper, it is interesting to see an honorary Hog talking almost word for word stuff some of us on this board have been saying. We are going to pass block better than most teams, though we'll give up sacks because we'll be passing a lot. We are going to do a lot of zone blocking. Use momentum to get guys out of a hole and do a lot of seam running and the like.

We're probably never going to run against an eight man front. If we do, it'll be under a fistful of times all year. Eight men in the box means to Spurrier that you throw. A dime defense means to Spurrier than you run. Spurrier targets a defense so his offense has the advantage. It's a different line than we've ever had. And early on, it's been a big part of nearly 1000 yards of offense and 38 and 30 points scored. It's very difficult to seriously take criticism of the line at the moment.

[Om]

Someone needs to post the league-wide rushing stats for preseason. Any recent year will do. I can't quantify this right now without them, but I'm thinking you rarely really see ANY team establish any kind of running continuity in preseason. Or much offensive success at ALL, for that matter (can't say that, here – not this year).

Teams don't scheme the run in preseason; they drive-block to see who can push and who can't. They don't trap, they don't pull, they don't target specific holes and/or guys on the other side of the ball to attack. They don't run in the context of a game-plan built to attack a certain defense and/or a certain defensive scheme.

I agree with the assessment that the SS Redskins (that ship is sailing, my brothers) will not likely ever be a power team in the classic sense; we're going to be a finesse offense that passes first, runs strategically with draws, traps, etc., and occasionally sneaks in a right cross when the D is on its heels. May not be the traditional NFC recipe for success, but based on the early returns, I'm more than willing to give Mr. Spurrier the benefit of the doubt for now.

Oh ... and I'm pretty sure Doc Walker actually saw both games.

[bulldog]

it may also be the competition

the 49ers didn't let Bryant Young play but one series in the Japan Bowl and Sean Gilbert was out of the Carolina lineup on Saturday night, so the Skins first teamers were going against backups inside even at the beginning of those two games.

and there is more to pass protection than merely the line. the backup running backs and the tight ends have been horrid so far in making their blocks.

Betts and Cartwright got steamrolled on protections that cost the team sacks.

Flemister missed a guy completely in the Carolina game. You could have called it an 'air' block :laugh:

Royal also is a poor blocker.

Now, we know Bryan Johnson is a capable blocker and Davis is fine in the backfield in protection, but if we have to use our younger players they are going to have to step up and learn they can't allow the quarterback to take a straight on shot from a guy coming full speed :mad:

the backups on the line to me are also poor, the vets that is.

Sure, it is going to take awhile for Reggie Coleman and Tucker to find their spots even if they have the upside to do so.

But Loverne and Vickers to me add up to less than zero :laugh:

I sure hope they prove me wrong or the team proves me wrong by getting a vet or two before September 8 and relegating these guys to the back of the rack :laugh:

[Charlie Murphaaay]

How do we know Bryan Johnson is a good blocker, he's played probably a handfull of plays in his skins career.

[@DCGoldPants]

he played in every game last year and even started in at least one.

[redman]

The most bothersome aspect of the state of the run game to date this preseason has not been that we've neglected it somewhat in favor of reps for the passing game (that's a good trade-off so far in my book). What bothers me is that most o-linemen tend to like to run block more than pass block.

I recall statements by many o-linemen that, against a blitzing defense for example, they prefer run blocking because it gets them back to the basics of their job- taking on the guy in front of them. Plus, it lets them feel like they're going on the offensive, and dealing out punishment to the other team. They become the hammer instead of the anvil. They take the initiative.

For the first time I can ever recall, I'm seeing a Redskins offensive line apparently preferring finesse and passivity over strength and agression. And I don't like it one bit. I mean, how is it exactly that we're going to hold our lead late and run out the clock late in games (as has been explained to us as Spurrier's favored run situation - duh!) when everyone in the stadium knows Davis will get the ball? And don't give me the trite "Spurrier will just pass it" garbage either. Have we abandoned power running altogether?

It's not like a run-blocking line has to be a poor pass blocking team, right Coach Gibbs? So I ask you, what the heck is it that we're doing here?

[Beaudry]

That would be one big hand then, Bufford.

[RiggoDrill]

I hope that Art is correct in his optimism, namely that Spurrier is going to have a more developed running attack than he did at UF.

However, there's no evidence right now that that will happen. If anything, there have been a few articles (already posted here) which state that Spurrier only had a few running plays at UF: mostly draws, pitches and sweeps.

Both Grossman and Zauenbrecher (the new UF OC) have made several statements about how the new UF attack will take the run more seriously.

Frankly, I'll remain concerned until I see SS play smashmouth on occasion.

As I'm in Seattle, I didn't see the Carolina game. For those that did ... when Davis was running, how were they running him? Did a FB lead him through the hole, or was it just draws and tosses?

[SkinsThug]

I'm still a nervous nellie about our line; I hope I have nothing to worry about.

[RF4L]

No offense 'dog, but I think SOS was brought here specifically to prove you wrong.

I remember once upon a time when the drums were beating that Wuerful and Doering couldn't play a lick.:laugh:

I guess it's about time for the TE's and O-line to step up.

[codeorama]

I have been saying that the running game is not going to be the Stephen Davis running game Skins fans are used to. Will Steven fit in........ that is the question.

[The Sisko]

I had similar thoughts Redman. I really love traditional smashmouf NFC East football. However, if SOS can beat the cowgirls once or twice a season, reliably make the playoffs, and win a Super Bowl or two, I'll be more than satisfied. That those things didn't come in the traditional manner I can live with.

[NavyDave]

Smashmouth is the mother's milk of the NFC East and seeing my skins suddenly on the 2% stuff does have me apprehensive.

But its early and we may find out that are fears were unjustified.

[Om]

Pretty funny, Dave.

Let's hope this doesn't all turn into some lactose-intolerance deal.

Or, God forbid, cottage cheese.

[fansince62]

spot on redman!!!

[GURU]

Frankly, I wouldn't care if the Skins passed every down the rest of the preseason. That's the aspect of the offense that needs the most work.

I think it's too soon to start lamenting the extinction of the running game. Spurrier's history suggests more balance than what we are seeing, so far. I have a feeling that Stephen Davis could end up being a big-play terror once defenses are back on their heels defending against the pass. If you've got seven or eight defenders in coverage going backwards and defensive linemen charging upfield, all it takes is one well-timed trap or draw play to spring Davis deep into the secondary or into pay dirt.

My biggest concern about this line is finding a group who works best together, not the talent level. Frankly, the talent level is probably better than the last two Super Bowl champions, even without adding anyone.

[Larry]

I also suspect that most of the recent additions to our ranks don't understand why those with more seniority here seem to cringe when they say that our new coach doesn't think smashmouth is important, and we won't need it anyway, because our new coach is a recognized offensive genius.

I think now I understand how the pilots felt when the engineers said the Phantom didn't need a gun because all it's combat is going to be with missles, now.

And, no, I'm not convinced that SS's going to completely abandon the run. (Insuffecient evidence. Right now, he's working on the part that needs the most work). All I'm saying is that I'm wondering if I should be getting Norvous.