🏈 O-line concerns

[MDBtrumpet04]

Is it just me or are we just polar opposites from last year? Our run blocking has not been very stellar until late in the game, but our pass blocking has vastly improved. Is that just the simple fact that our O-line is much smaller than last year? I really do hope our run blocking becomes more consistent, but I could just be a worryer.

 

[FLTidefan]

Well, it's not easy replacing 2 All Americans and an All SECOND. We are not as dominant as last year, but we are more athletic. I think we will continue to improve, but I doubt we will be as dominant. This line's forte seems to be pulling. They are quicker and more mobile than last year's line.

 

[TerryP]

IMO, it's all in how you define success.

I've got an in-depth breakdown on the OL coming in the next 24 hours or so...if you can hang tight, I'll get into some details and how I see the line so far.

 

[capooth]

well we are running the ball just as well as last year:

There seems to be a growing swell of people stating the Alabama offense isn’t running the ball as well as they did in 2008. That’s in spite of the fact Alabama has faced better defensive fronts this season including the season opener versus Virginia Tech. There is an iota of truth in those statements. Currently, the Tide’s total rushing yards is lower in 2009 versus last year—a glaring difference of 10 yards. I find that of interest considering the Tide offense is well over 400 yards ahead of the total number of passing yards after four games last year. It’s an easy assumption to think a lot find it easier to criticize than compliment.

 

[TerryP]

well we are running the ball just as well as last year:

There seems to be a growing swell of people stating the Alabama offense isn’t running the ball as well as they did in 2008. That’s in spite of the fact Alabama has faced better defensive fronts this season including the season opener versus Virginia Tech. There is an iota of truth in those statements. Currently, the Tide’s total rushing yards is lower in 2009 versus last year—a glaring difference of 10 yards. I find that of interest considering the Tide offense is well over 400 yards ahead of the total number of passing yards after four games last year. It’s an easy assumption to think a lot find it easier to criticize than compliment.

When you get down to it, there is very, very little difference in how we are running our offense this year as compared to last year—statistically, that is.

Just as an example, Greg isn't throwing the ball anymore than JP was. But, everyone wants to point to the team and say "they have more faith in Greg than JP."

In a word, that's "crap."

Greg has only thrown five more passes than JP did at this point. Hell, he's only completed 12 more passes than JP.

The difference is Greg has been able to hit a few longer passes than JP did. And, therefore, the result gives you over a 400 yard difference between the two in terms of passing yards.

 

[kc]

I think the Oline is fine. They are very physical and talented.That will prove a big plus later in the year and during the tough SEC stretch. I just do not see from watching game film that this line is not as good as last years. The pass blocking is a plus and MUCH better than last year so far.