nanomoz":31ph2ego said:
balakoth":31ph2ego said:
nanomoz":31ph2ego said:
How about the "Aaron Donald trounces our interior line twice a year so we should invest in a stout center" narrative that's been a concern for years? Is that suddenly invalid because people agree with the star QB (who has a point)?
I think they'll regret not drafting Quinn Meinerz. Eskridge is a fine prospect, but I have a hard time imagining a WR3 in this offense having more impact than a mauler with elite athleticism at center.
If Lockett hadn't just been extended, I'd be a little less surprised by the choice.
Imagine thinking a center would solve that problem.
Mean Donald sucks against everyone else right?
Imagine thinking it's not important to prioritize slowing down your division rival's best player that's pressured your $30 million quarterback about 100 times since he entered the league.
It is undeniable that Donald is a beast. But he does seem to be even more dominant against Seattle than most other opponents. Even if he's not (I'm not admitting this), it still isn't a reason to not prioritize lining stronger dudes up across from him.
The Hawks are one of three teams that have to play that dude at least twice per year. Three times last year. And if that third game didn't leave the taste of weasel $h!t in your mouth--along with the sense that they've got to be more physical against interior pressure--we're seeing the entirety of the world through completely different lenses.
Gabe Jackson is a start. Damien Lewis should get better. But it sure seems like a more powerful center would help and should be a massive priority.
Does a mid-round center really slow down Donald? Seems like bringing a knife to a gunfight. You can't, and won't, beat Donald straight-up.
The way to beat Donald is to limit what he has the ability to do, and that comes down to gameplanning. Get rid of the ball quicker, run concepts that move laterally, and limit what he has the ability to do play-by-play.
A YAC threat that can take sweeps, eats on quick slants, and releases well adds a new wrinkle to the offense led by a new offensive coordinator from Donald's team. Give Waldron what he wants, and stick to the plan of prioritizing tempo. That's gonna slow him down more than a mid-round center likely would.
I don't care if God himself is the center. Have Russell drop straight back and hold the ball for 4.5 seconds, and Donald's probably gonna get there.