Nick Underhill’s concern with Saints O-Line might be “heightened” (1 Viewer)

[kennydfresh]

I wish we'd sign a guard or two for depth.

We did, he is out for the year remember!

 

[WxM]

Put me in the category of people that thinks the reaction to this particular preseason game is way overboard. We had exactly one starter on the offensive line who barely played, and the rest of the guys with him were the second team. 3/4 of the game was comprised of people who will either be on the practice squad or the couch. Any offensive lineman that's any good won't make it to the practice squad anyway, so it doesn't matter much that they didn't do so well.

 

[Taker597]

This is scary because Underhill generally knows more than the public and the public knows this:

Ramczyk: 77.9
Ruiz: 56.6
McCoy: 61.2
Peat: 50.6
Hurst: 63.2
Penning: 73.6

That is a very weak interior line, and Penning is still developing/unknown.

He is concerned, I am terrified.

The interior been weak the moment Evans retired and we haven't ever been able to get to that level in quite some time.

 

[sammymvpknight]

Can we just start the season already? These hyperbolic threads based on one dude’s opinion are getting old.

While yes...Underhill is typically a Saints fanboy that doesn't say anything too negative about the Saints. Love him or hate him, Underhill's opinion is respected and he is among the most well connected to Saints organization. If he is concerned...we should be concerned. Granted, it is what it is and there is very likely nothing we can do about it.

 

[Deuuuuce]

While yes...Underhill is typically a Saints fanboy that doesn't say anything too negative about the Saints. Love him or hate him, Underhill's opinion is respected and he is among the most well connected to Saints organization. If he is concerned...we should be concerned. Granted, it is what it is and there is very likely nothing we can do about it.

I understand it’s his job to weigh in, but is it supposed to be news that back up offensive linemen aren’t that good?

 

[sammymvpknight]

I understand it’s his job to weigh in, but is it supposed to be news that back up offensive linemen aren’t that good?

He didn’t speak of the backups…he is referring to the OL on the whole. He’s seen the Saints OL
more than anyone so I’m inclined to believe him. I also think he understands the importance of Penning, and though I haven’t done a detailed assessment, he has looked pretty bad at times this preseason.

 

[Deuuuuce]

He didn’t speak of the backups…he is referring to the OL on the whole. He’s seen the Saints OL
more than anyone so I’m inclined to believe him. I also think he understands the importance of Penning, and though I haven’t done a detailed assessment, he has looked pretty bad at times this preseason.

Yeah Its a huge year for Penning. I’m not sold yet.

 

[Saint Spud]

He didn’t speak of the backups…he is referring to the OL on the whole. He’s seen the Saints OL
more than anyone so I’m inclined to believe him. I also think he understands the importance of Penning, and though I haven’t done a detailed assessment, he has looked pretty bad at times this preseason.

He said he just finished the rewatch of the preseason game. Penning was the only projected starter who played.

 

[sammymvpknight]

He said he just finished the rewatch of the preseason game. Penning was the only projected starter who played.

Underhill wouldn’t go out of his way to voice concerns about practice squad OL…it was about the starters, very likely with Penning being a big motivator.

 

[Saint Spud]

Underhill wouldn’t go out of his way to voice concerns about practice squad OL…it was about the starters, very likely with Penning being a big motivator.

Which other starters played in the game?

And two scouts who watched Penning had a higher opinion of his play after watching that game.

Our starters will be fine. But yeah, the depth is an issue. The dropoff is significant.

 

[liveoakh]

I think the fate of the whole O-line will rest on how Penning plays, which is a little scary.

No big surprise, when you draft a run blocking LT you have to teach to pass block.

 

[liveoakh]

Ruiz can play center fairly well if needed.

No he can't. When has that been decided? Ruiz has been an abject failure at center. He is a guard only option.

 

[St. Geezy]

I think we just need to wait to see who gets cut and bring in a solid veteran. I think even just one guy would make us all feel better.

Weeks ago when we thought we’d have Trai Turner in the fold, just that one extra quality guy, we were all feeling great.

 

[BooBirdSaint]

I think the depth issue really comes to light when Peat misses time and if Penning continues to struggle. Hurst is solid but not spectacular as I don't think he's athletic enough at either Guard or Tackle positions. That leaves Young at Tackle who started one game last season before going on IR and Throckmorton who is a statue and clearly isn't athletic and Saldiveri the unproven rookie.
Garcia and Kidd didn't look very good in either game.
I tend to think the team will be active on the waiver wire come cutdowns. But, I don't think they would make a splash move unless there is something a foot with Penning.