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

[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.

 

[David Robbins]

Said he’s no longer concerned about LBer position. Pass rush is wait and see.

Man, nick is dead on. He's a much better reporter than a guy like Jeff Duncan.

 

[saint_drago]

For context, let's acknowledge that only one starter (Penning) played that game. It's fair to say our depth looks poor, and unfortunately it's more probable than not that we'll need to rely on depth. But we'll also have the loser of the Hurst/Peat position battle ready to step in at G/T should someone go down (neither of whom played Sunday).

Great point Mamba. Context is absolutely needed here. How many teams in the league can trot out their second team O line and dominate? Probably not many (if any). A backup can step in and do an adequate job if he's surrounded by starters. Over the past decade we've had to rely on the backup LT at some point every season and they've been decent. But when nearly the entire line is made up of backups then yeah, not great. Hopefully our entire backup O line doesn't have to start many games.

 

[mr.t]

For context, let's acknowledge that only one starter (Penning) played that game. It's fair to say our depth looks poor, and unfortunately it's more probable than not that we'll need to rely on depth. But we'll also have the loser of the Hurst/Peat position battle ready to step in at G/T should someone go down (neither of whom played Sunday).

I agree but there will be injuries like every year. Most secondary and third stringers.are weak

 

[sfidc3]

OL is very concerning. People keep talking about we have the QB now and the weapons, but it won’t mean diddly poo without an OL.

This is so very correct.....

I think our starters are fine, I think like most other teams our depth is a bit spotty, the health of the oline starters is going to be key.....

WTF is Underhill talking about? It's nonsensical, only 1 starter played on the oline.....this is a click bait piece......and a plausible deniability line for an analysis of mostly backup offensive lineman of which some won't make the team? Right, it's definitely August.....