jdemps
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As much fun as all these doom and gloom threads are :sarcasm_off: , I think we need to look at some reasons for optimism. First, as with all other seasons, the line is making progress throughout the year.
[tweet]https://twitter.com/hawkblogger/status/935581057365110784[/tweet]
Including a 90.4 pass blocking efficiency grade against the Niners (Per PFF), a line that sacked Carson Wentz 4 times in Philly.
Now, sure, the run game wasn't near the level we're accustomed to seeing, but it looked fine when McKissic was running behind it. Seems to me like more of an Eddie Lacy problem. Pete, you tried. It's not working. Mike Davis should be healthy. Time to #FreeMikeDavis. Or get Rawls out of the doghouse. #UnleashRawls
HOWEVER, the biggest point and reason for optimism, is that the San Francisco game was the first time that the line combo Brown, Joeck, Britt, Pocic, Ifedi had taken a single snap together (Per Pete on Brock & Salk Monday). Brown didn't take a single snap of practice last week. Pocic hasn't played hardly any RG since camp (where he was primarily competing at RT, taking snaps as the backup center, then was moved to LG). These guys have almost no experience as a group and yet, there were holes to run through and very few free rushers. The longer we can keep them together, the better they'll be. Let's not forget that practice reps are also important in the run game too. RBs have to learn to read blockers and how they hold blocks while the lineman need to get the feel of their runners. Everything takes time and every rep counts.
The next few weeks will be a gauntlet, but if the line can stay together and healthy (and/or get healthier Brown/Joeck), I honestly believe you can bank on improvement down the stretch. I, for one, will remain optimistic about the run that will begin with the victory over the Eagle Sunday night.
:irishdrinkers:
[tweet]https://twitter.com/hawkblogger/status/935581057365110784[/tweet]
Including a 90.4 pass blocking efficiency grade against the Niners (Per PFF), a line that sacked Carson Wentz 4 times in Philly.
Now, sure, the run game wasn't near the level we're accustomed to seeing, but it looked fine when McKissic was running behind it. Seems to me like more of an Eddie Lacy problem. Pete, you tried. It's not working. Mike Davis should be healthy. Time to #FreeMikeDavis. Or get Rawls out of the doghouse. #UnleashRawls
HOWEVER, the biggest point and reason for optimism, is that the San Francisco game was the first time that the line combo Brown, Joeck, Britt, Pocic, Ifedi had taken a single snap together (Per Pete on Brock & Salk Monday). Brown didn't take a single snap of practice last week. Pocic hasn't played hardly any RG since camp (where he was primarily competing at RT, taking snaps as the backup center, then was moved to LG). These guys have almost no experience as a group and yet, there were holes to run through and very few free rushers. The longer we can keep them together, the better they'll be. Let's not forget that practice reps are also important in the run game too. RBs have to learn to read blockers and how they hold blocks while the lineman need to get the feel of their runners. Everything takes time and every rep counts.
The next few weeks will be a gauntlet, but if the line can stay together and healthy (and/or get healthier Brown/Joeck), I honestly believe you can bank on improvement down the stretch. I, for one, will remain optimistic about the run that will begin with the victory over the Eagle Sunday night.
:irishdrinkers: