Offensive line was awful

by Dawk on Jan 20, 2009 12:02 PM EST

I missed yesterday's blog fest as I was traveling. I am pretty surprised that no one is pointing at the offensive line from this game. The defense was horrendous in the first half and the offensive line has honestly been pretty bad for each of the games in the playoffs.

McNabb had way too much pressure when the Cards rushed more than 3. As for everyone who wants the big back, when there is ALWAYS 3-4 players in your backfield before your running back even gets the ball, it is hard to put the onus on Buckhalter/Westbrook. Finally, everyone is clamoring for the the #1 wideout again. While that would be great, I truly feel this team wins that game with better play from the O line. When you consistently cannot make 3rd and 1, it is not likely a problem that your running back is too small. Not in the NFL and not with Westbrook. It is a problem with blocking. When you cannot generate any kind of running game but you have one of the premier backs in the league, albeit hobbled, it is a problem with blocking.

Not saying a big back would not be nice but big backs are generally one dimensional. The only exceptions that keeps popping up is Brandon Jacobs but we know that is not happening. What other big backs do you know of that co-exist on a team with a Pro Bowl back? And of those big backs, how many of them are the reason that their team always gets a first down when they have a 3rd and short?

As for the #1 wideout dilemma, again, this would be nice. Crabtree is not going to happen. No chance whatsoever. The Eagles would have to give up a lot more than their two late round picks to land him. And don't throw in Reggie and Lito. No one will want to trade anything of significance for them. Boldin? Maybe. I'd be elated to get him. At the same time, I think this team has bigger problems and it begins with the bigger boys. The O line needs some changes. Tra looked awful against Bertrand Berry. Runyan looked awful against Tuck. (It pains me to say that about Big John Runyah). As boring as it is, I want to see this team go after the best lineman available in FA and draft another early. If we can get the big back and stud WR as well, perfect! I just don't see it happening and I think O line needs to be the higher priority.

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i didnt pick on anyone in particular

i stated the whole team messed up , you could point your finger at every person on the field …. so if one of the failing groups ie secondary , lb , o line , wr , qb etc were to succeed in every aspect you would have a whole lot less finger pointing about who really lost that game … which is why i blamed everyone … i completely agree we need our offensive line to be addressed… but there are 4 quality offensive linemen in free agency that if can be nabbed can make going for crabtree a possible reach … we can only hope he drops back far enough or that whoever picks him up will want something on top of our pick come our 2 mins … i dont think crabtree is an impossible reach by any means … i would like to reassess my statement after seeing the draft order but we are at 21 i believe right now … and if he can drop to 10 i think we have an amazing shot to grab him …but if we cant address our oline needs in FA then yes we do need grab 2 o linemen and possibly try for a boldin trade , or tj sign

If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !

by NorthPhillyKid on Jan 20, 2009 12:12 PM EST reply actions

Run blocking has been a problem

for the birds all year. Pass protection not so much…

If I were to distill your argument to it’s essence: The birds need help on offense in general.
No argument here.
My ranking of “need” goes something like this (it’s fluid too depending on how much coffee I’ve had)…
1) O line in general – the push wasn’t there this year, but Thomas and Runyan can contribute for a year or 2 more as we develop younger talent. Wouldn’t they be nice backups?
2) Playmakers. I realize that there is an infatuation amongst many with Michael Crabtree, but I can’t get over the fact he’ll be a rook. I want help next season – Boldin would be my top priority as Eagles GM. Go strong after him. Our first (21), Lito and Reggie Brown would be my opening offer, and I’d be willing to throw in my 3rd rounder this year too. Boldin would be perfect in this offense. He was second in the league this season in yards after catch. He played with a broken face.
If Boldin can’t be had for any price, then a careful consideration of TJ Hous would be my next priority with Shaun McDonald also needing exploration. Weigh the pros and cons of each then bring one of them in.
3) In the draft, Offensive line, TE, Running back (2nd round maybe), FB, WR, Corner, Safety, Will…
Anyway…

by cavortingEagle on Jan 20, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions

During the regular season and certainly during moments of the post season, McNabb had time. Thus your comment about pass protection has some merit. But take a hard look at the post season and you will see McNabb is under pressure much more than the opposing QB’s….even against the Cardinals defense. Blitzes up the middle were problematic and both Runyan and Tra were often beaten one on one. McNabb avoided pressure or got rid of the ball to avoid pressure in many instances and that leaves the offensive line less exposed.

You’ll also notice that the RB’s and tight ends stayed back to block a lot which is also why McNabb had some time.

Not saying this is the worst O line in the NFL, I just think the play of the O line was the biggest flaw for the Eagles this post season.

I think I would try to keep Runyan and let Tra go….assuming we can find some stud to replace him in FA. That may be a pipe dream for me. If you cannot find someone better, you gotta sign him and draft a replacement.

by Dawk on Jan 20, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions

i know

you were not specifically calling me out and i apologize if i was aggressive … i have just been in the trenches here fighting all the neigh Sayers / mcnabb haters / and walrus callers for the past couple days so pardon my adrenaline rush

If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !

by NorthPhillyKid on Jan 20, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

I honestly think the problems with the eagles offensive line are more scheme then personnel. Over the years ive noticed weve always struggled with pressure up the middle.

our coaches also do not know how to call running plays/teach run blocking. our running game is based mainly around zone blocking, letting Brian westbrook use his cutting ability and patience to let the natural holes develop. the problem is when westbrook is less then healthy those cuts aren’t nearly as precise and holes close up much faster. also, zone blocking requires linemen that are quicker and can get out on linebackers, all of our offensive linemen are of the big mauler variety. that being said I think the #1 reason our running game struggled this year was the absence of Shawn Andrews. hopefully that isnt an issue next season.

by njh3293 on Jan 20, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

That's been my feeling all year too.

I’m not sure Andrews specifically is the problem, I think that there was an over emphasis on run blocking in training camp. Last year the Birds got torched by opposing pass rushers so they focused on pass blocking in training camp to the detriment of their run blocking.

The football outsiders keep a stat called adjusted sack rate this year the birds were 6th in the rankings after being 21st last year. The Adjusted Line yard statistic showed the exact opposite trend 4th last year dropped to 16th this year. Take a look at the stats (2007, 2008 FO)

by cavortingEagle on Jan 20, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

I meant...

I think that there was an over emphasis on run blocking in training camp

…on pass blocking…

by cavortingEagle on Jan 20, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

thats a good point, but I think if Andrews is able to make a full recovery it will instantly elevate our running game. behind Westbrook Andrews is probably the best overall player on this team at his respective position. before his injury he was considered to be the best Guard in football, you just dont replace a player like that. I for one cant wait for the big kid to make his return.

by njh3293 on Jan 20, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

you’re assuming andrews wants to play football again… i wouldn’t do that just yet

"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel

by foos05 on Jan 20, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions

I am taking the stance that we do not have Andrews next year. Which is why we need to sign at least one of Tra or Runyan. We can’t afford to lose 2 starting Tackles and 1 starting Guard in the same year.

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Jan 20, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions

Hey N Philly, I was not calling out your post by any means. You are not alone on this blog or others in making the call for the big back and #1 WR. There are also articles from sportswriters saying the same thing. I’m just throwing out my 2 cents that I feel the O line was a much bigger problem than Westbrook/Buckhalter or even the receivers as a whole. The Lewis drop was pathetic but the DB did make a good play. Not excusing Lewis, I want him gone, but it was not a Hixon kind of drop where no one even touches the ball. So my point is that I think the O line is the biggest difference for this team and where we have the biggest problems and I am surprised we are not seeing more concerns there.

You are right, the team as a whole was problematic. I thought McNabb played pretty well, all things considered. He did not throw perfect passes on a few plays but he did throw some beauties. And he was again under pressure all day. And he was not the one who did not make the play on 4th and 10. It was a bad non-call and even with the PI it was still a catchable ball.

As for Crabtree, he does not make it past the 6th pick. No chance in Hades. And I cannot figure how the Eagles would have the 21st pick. That makes no sense, although I know a site published it that way. Even with 21 and 28, you are not moving up to pick #6. So, I’ll pin my hopes on Boldin. For some reason I don’t feel Whosyomomma would fit in with this offense.

N Philly, who are the O lineman that are FA’s?

by Dawk on Jan 20, 2009 12:25 PM EST reply actions

Footballs Future

by cavortingEagle on Jan 20, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions

dam you

cavorting

If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !

by NorthPhillyKid on Jan 20, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

Matt Birk, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
Birk is a Pro Bowl center who has gotten the job done for the Vikings for the last decade. He’s fairly athletic for a lineman and is playing alongside another great lineman, guard Steve Hutchinson, making Birk’s life even easier on the field. He’s grounded in Minnesota, so the chances of him choosing to leave seem slim at the moment. However, Minnesota is grooming John Sullivan in hopes that he will eventually replace Birk.

Marc Colombo, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
Although he was injury prone early in his career, Colombo has become a solid tackle in Dallas. He allowed just a single sack in his first go round with the Cowboys and he has since been a big reason for the success of the running game and the protection afforded to Tony Romo. At 29, teams will consider the fact that he probably has several seasons left in him.

Mike Goff, UFA, San Diego Chargers
While the Chargers would probably prefer to keep Goff, the franchise has been effective in drafting and developing linemen and might look for Goff’s replacement at a better price. Goff has been a leader who simply goes about his business and players like running back Ladainian Tomlinson have benefited from his level of play. Goff has played for a quality line for some time and he’s a big part of the equation when it comes to success.

Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina Panthers
A first round pick in 2003, Gross earned a starting role in his rookie season and held that role as a tackle for the entire season. His ability to step in and play well right away paid off for the Panthers, as the team put together a run to an NFC Championship. He’s continued being a starter since that rookie season and is a solid player. Carolina slapped the franchise tag on him for this season, and chances are he will be another team come ’09.

If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !

by NorthPhillyKid on Jan 20, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

lol whats up

cavorting havnt said whats up in a while

If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !

by NorthPhillyKid on Jan 20, 2009 12:35 PM EST reply actions

Kept quiet because

I was afraid to jinx the run

by cavortingEagle on Jan 20, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

Hilarious

N Philly, thanks for fighting the good fight. I find it hilarious that anyone would blame McNabb for that game. I saw those comments too about McNabb and Reid and just chose to ignore. And you know me, I have been a McNabb naysayer in the past. I thought he played a very good game against the Cards though. It may not have been perfect but it was pretty damn good all things considered. The G-Lew pass was a thing of beauty. Baskett dropped a pass in his gut. Curtis dropped a couple. McNabb got hit on almost every play where Warner never seemed to get hit (legally). Warner’s game was not perfect either and no one is complaining about him.

None of those FA’s really get me going. Maybe Matt Birk. I have always thought highly of him but isn’t he pretty old now? I do think Jackson is the biggest flaw on the O line. Or at least it seems that there is always way too much pressure up the middle.

by Dawk on Jan 20, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions

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