Very, very impressed with the play of our first string offensive line in this second pre-season game. A few things stuck out to me.
This is the toughest defensive front we will face in the pre-season, and probably one of the top 3-5 we will face all year. The Vikes really brought it last night and our offensive line did a really nice job standing up to them.
I was impressed with how well the line played as a unit despite minimal history together. This was best typified at 7:46 in the first quarter on the play where Russ was sacked the first time. Everson Griffin puts a beautiful vet spin move on Sowell giving him a clear shot at Russ. Glowinski recognizes this and breaks off of his double team on Shamar Stephen and picks up Griffin perfectly. Britt follows Glowinski's lead adjusts to keep Stephen well blocked. Gilliam, working against Robinson, seals the right side nicely creating a perfect pocket. Ifedi does a nice job holding off Linval Joseph who ultimately gets the sack when Wilson, inexplicably, squirts forward out of the pocket. That was beautiful line work, communication, and working as a unit. I also like how Ifedi is sure to let Jospeh know he isn't welcome in the backfield after the play is over.
Another interesting observation was how well the line picked up the unbalanced pressure. Unfortunately, Collins wasn't on the same wavelength, or lacks the vision to see what is happening. at 11:37 in the second quarter, Minny brings the unbalanced heat from the right side. Gilliam, Wilson, and Ifedi identify and communicate it pre-snap. Gilliam is left with a 2 on 1 and clearly indicates which guy Collins is supposed to take. Collins is on another planet which gives Barr a free run at Wilson. Wilson pops up after the sack and clearly points at Collins "That was your man dude"
There is still some work to do though. At 1:28 in the second, Wilson's last play when it becomes clear that Minny is out to send him a message, the Hawks fail to pick up the unbalanced pressure on the right side. For some reason, both the line and Wilson are focused on the left side where the play is going, but seemingly ignore the FIVE GUYS lined up to the right of center. (It's possible Russ sees it, and if so he should have called a time out). After the snap, I'm left shaking my head as Britt, Ifedi, and Gilliam all team up on Hunter leaving poor little Zac Brooks all alone against 3 rushers. (Audie Cole dropped back into coverage) This was Gilliam's biggest screw up of the night, and I don't understand what he was thinking here. He was just standing around, scratching his ***, blocking air while three defenders run behind him. Most disappointing play of the game. I was happy to see Ifedi, once again, hustling back to clear the trash off of Russ.
The other sack was really just one of those ones we will have to accept as the cost of doing business with Wilson. Everyone but Gilliam sets up a perfect pocket for Wilson, but Gilliam gets bull rushed, gets off balance, and is driven into the QB. Most QB's would either throw it away, or step up into the remnant of the pocket to take the sack. Wilson hooks out of it and starts looking downfield. 9 times out of 10 this results in a big play. 1 out of 10 he gets caught from behind. Last night he got caught. Really he had plenty of time, but the coverage was too good.