Isn't Justin Blalock a cheaper alternative? Is he healthy? Is he decent? I know this is a super DL, but our division is filled with DL's that are similar. So last night was a decent indication (although early) at potential. I don't think a good argument is that our DL isn't a norm. Bills and Jets will play us 4 times.
Bottom line is he a better fit? I would still pick up Mathis before Justin. You need quality rather than saving a few dollars.
just go easy and don´t start a thread about everything that crosses your mind, there are threads in place where this question could have been asked
What still irks me is that we could have not traded up to get Billy Turner and drafted both Trai Turner and Martavis Bryant with those picks. We needed a Guard, and to this day I think that Turner would have been a great understudy to Branden Albert at the position he came from, Left Tackle. Just look at the feet- D'Brickashaw Ferguson quality. He's floundering at Guard, and LG, RG, whatever G, we need to sign Mathis. With Albert still uncertain as to the timing of his return, this current OL could fall apart in a hurry and RUIN what looks to be a promising season. To quote Mike Tyson, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. I'm concerned that this OL could unravel after a few shots to the mug. We need starters, we need depth, we need run blockers and OG who can pick up the blitz on a regular basis. Billy Turner would probably have progressed more rapidly if he was left at LT where he belongs, probably less confusing for him and- those feet. Dude has stellar feet for a LT, their value is diminished at OG. Trai Turner is a plug and play solid OG, Martavis Bryant is a tall and fast as hell deep threat who is showing signs of becoming a dominant player for the Steelers. Coulda, woulda, shoulda...
Justin Blalock retired. Pretty much the only other Guard worth half a **** available is Rob Sims from Detroit.
Would it be fair to say that the offensive guard talk is only happening because it's one of the few things to complain about with this team?
Not really. It's a genuine concern. There's also the coaching, but we can't see that till the season starts. Secondary also has some question marks still. It does look like some of the previous issues are improving though!
I agree Galant. While the OL is the biggest question mark heading into the season on the playing field. I too think the bigger problem is on the sideline where the head coach is located. Hopefully Philbin can finally show why Ross has faith in him but as for me. Every time the cameras show him on the sideline, I get a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Thanks for your response. I agree it's a genuine concern, what I'm asking is this, is the team so good that we have the relative luxury of worrying about arguably the least important position on the offense? Can you elaborate on why it'll take until the start of the season to assess the job of the coaching staff?
Good post. I enjoy reading the thoughts of a long time Phins fan like yourself. If I may ask, are you willing to credit Philbin's presence for team success in the same way you'd criticize him if the team failed to produce a winning season?
Pressure. While some pre-season games might give some indication, the bottom line is that training is where winning and losing don't matter and where the coaches are in complete control. It's only when you have someone coaching against you, trying to undo what you're doing or doing things you don't expect, that the coaching factor really comes into play.
Thats a very good point. Battling opposition does seem to seperate the men from the boys. What are your thoughts on laying the ground work during the offseason? Teaching fundamentals, creating an identity, etc. Once the season begins things move really fast and there's not a lot of time to make wholesale changes. IMHO coaching changes between offseason and regular season but I'm not sure one is more important than the other.
I agree, I have lobbied since Turner was drafted to keep him at LT, where he would be pretty special I think, and draft guards to play the guard position. We always draft lineman and move them all over the place, except for their natural position. Really surprises me that we do not have a dominate offensive line, especially since our HC is an oline specialist.
I have no idea why we passed on Trai Turner. In measurables and game play the guy was just darn good, a compelling option in the 3rd rd, started right off the bat for Carolina and should have a long, productive career. Would have loved to see Billy Turner get a shot at LT last year if he was healthy.
The team spent a ton of money and a first round pick on OT last year. Assuming those were good decisions wouldn't it make more sense to plug guys like Turner in at guard, where they're more likely to contribute?