O-line props... (1 Viewer)

[rlemieux]

I can honestly say I had less questions about the line than most, but still had my fair share. I knew Faine would be an upgrade over Bentley (I never was high on Bentley) and I thought this would be Stinchcombs year. However, Evans starting and preforming the way he has totally came as a shock to me. I watche the scouting film on him and just couldn't see him transitioning to the NFL, well was I wrong. I also thought Holland would beat out Nesbit, but thought it would be close.

The two keys to the Saints sucess, IMHO, have been the play of both lines. The defense is getting pressure, and the offense is preventing it.

 

[rlemieux]

Does anyone know how us allowing only 6 sacks for the season compares to the rest of the league?

If NFL.com is correct the Saints are #1 in sacks allowed.... However, if I remember correctly, ESPN (maybe sportscenter) said two teams had allowed only 5, making the Saints #3... Anyway here is the link to NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamsort/NFL/OFF-PASSING/2006/regular?sort_col_1=11&_1:col_1=11&_1:col_2=11

 

[Danneaux]

If you're asking me, it was bad coaching... I think Haslett is a great DC and that is where it ends...

I'll bet most didn't know this, but Pittsburgh's defense got statistically worse every year Haslett was DC.

 

[Danneaux]

I'm glad to see people starting to give the OL some love. What was supposed to a huge weakness has proven to be a strength. Their play is the second biggest surprise this season (Colston's first). Alot of credit should go to OL Coach Doug Marrone. He's assembled and has them playing like a veteran unit. But the players are the most surprising -

Jamaal Brown - remember all the worry over his move from RT to LT? I do, according to every TC report he was struggling but like everything else this year he has exceeded expectations. He wasn't supposed to be this good, this soon at LT.

Jamar Nesbit - has proven to be the Swiss army knife of O linemen. Last year he acquited himself well at LT in place of the injured Brown. He moved to OG this year and is playing well. He does lack the upside of the rest of the OL but he's playing well enough to keep his job.

Jeff Faine - losing Bentley was supposed to be the disaster the Saints Offense couldn't overcome. The Saints play at Center actually has gotten better with Faine. Bentley was overrated, Faine underrated. If he can stay healthy through the entire 16 game schedule (plus post season games) he'll prove to be a bargain.

Jhari Evans - I completely missed the boat on Evans after the draft. I openly questioned whether the former Div. II OT could make the transition to NFL Guard. Not only could he, he was ready to start. Evans gets stronger and stronger every week. By the end of the season comparsions to Larry Allen will be everywhere.

John Stinchcomb - One of the very few things Haslett got right. Apparently Haslett was not lying when he said Stinchcomb was ready to play before knee injury last year. This year he's shown very solid technique and good footwork. He may never be a overpowering RT but he kills guys with technique. Like everyone else I was surprised by his play but was truly shocked by just how polished he looks. Remember Stinchcomb is basically a rookie starter. Like all out O linemen he'll get better the more he plays....

Finally how about depth? We currently have Zach Streif a late round rookie who impressed in TC, former decent starter at G Montrae Holland, versatile former Jets starter Jon Goodwin, and former Cowboys starter at OT (I know that isn't saying much) Rob Petitti all as backups. Depth, it's a good thing (let's hope we don't ever have to use it).

Solid post. Don't really have anything to add just wanted to let you know it was one of the better posts I've read in a while.

 

[OneSaintsFan]

Can't argue with success. I think Holland is better than Nesbit - JMO. I see Holland is at least getting a couple of snaps from game to game, but I've missed him, even after watching all games several times - wonder if he's coming in as a specialist or just as a breather... I'm not impressed with individuals but they execute their zone blocking schemes well, plus less penalties. Deuce is living off the cutbacks and Bush will continue to get slaughtered until he learns to do the same.

The pass blocking is breath-taking however, particularly in the 4th Quarter when Brees has that monster QB rating. They are very well-conditioned. Ironic that they are in the kind of shape you want your OL in the 4th quarter, but can't do the one thing you want that shape for - to run the ball and bleed the clock. But who's arguing?

 

[misterbeefy33]

I think you're right bro. Here's to many more games by our great o-line!