If anything the Chicago Bears are a really DEPRESSING example to hold up. Here was a team with a really good defense in 2012, but an offense that needed work especially along the OL. They had to completely revamp the OL (four out of five positions). They actually caught a lot of breaks. Marc Trestman turned out to be a very capable offensive mastermind. Alshon Jeffery turned into Superman. Brandon Marshall maintained his excellence. Matt freaking Slauson turned into an excellent free agent addition. Kyle Long played right to what you'd expect of a late 1st round rookie. Josh McCown (!!!) played like a god damn hero quarterback in place of Jay Cutler for a stretch. Yet the team went 8-8 because the defense suddenly became awful, and the completely revamped offensive line turned back into pumpkins for stretches of the season.
The central question at this point is who will man the center position? And, if they shift one of the starting guards, then who will man the guard position? As much as I don't like Pouncey, I also realize it is a blow to the OL. Just not sure the aging vet approach will get the job done. I also think they need to get a center settled after a couple of weeks in camp.
One has to wonder, at this point, about the Billy Turner (#67) selection over Marcus Martin (#70). Not only because Martin could potentially play OG but was arguably the best C in the draft.
I would only criticize them for that if Pouncey was already injured by draft day. It sounds like he was, but that they didn't know the extent of the injury. Turner was a good player.
I wonder.... With all the new bodies having never played an NFL game along the line, how much of a benefit is it for this young crew to go up against the like of Wake, Veron, Jordan, etc day in and day out through camp? Would it move them along the learning curve any faster?
All depends on the coaches IMHO. They need to be intuitive to everything in those match-ups and be able to teach to specific, fundamental points. If that happens, I'd say yes.
Throw McKinnie back in the mix at guard... and don't tell me it won't work. I've seen this movie before with Mt. Vernon.
These vets will not be going 100%, on occasion sure, wake not even close! I've watched him live in practice,it's all good, the team, coaches know how he prepares for the season, and it's all about saving the explosive reps for when the lights come on.
If Shelly Smith holds his own at Center while Pouncey is out, I wouldn't be at all opposed to moving on from Pouncey, all the crap that he brings, and his soon to be huge contract after the season.
How does everyone feel about Colledge starting at LG? He has started 124 of his 128 NFL games, including every game the past six seasons. He played his first five seasons with Green Bay and his past three with Arizona. Last year, Colledge played left guard, and Pro Football Focus rated him 45th of 81 qualifying guards — 32nd in pass protection (he allowed two sacks) and 53rd as a run blocker. Could be a lot worse?
Considering the only guard we had last year that was rated in the top 81 was John Jerry at around 43rd IIRC (don't remember the pass pro rating), it seems like he's a side-grade. I'm still hoping Dallas Thomas shows something. Edit: OL coaches and Lazor have a hard job ahead.
The Miami Dolphins have reportedly signed offensive tackle Steven Baker to the 90-player training camp roster. The signing, which was first reported by the Baltimore Sun, means the Dolphins must either release a player, or place someone on injured reserve by Tuesday's practice. Baker, who is 6-foot-8, 310-pound, spent most of last season on the Giants' practice squad. However, the Giants cut Baker in mid-June to claim another offensive lineman. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...tackle-stephen-baker-20140727,0,3305491.story
Miami Dolphins ✔ @MiamiDolphins Follow The team has signed offensive tackles Steven Baker and Tony Hills & waived wide receiver Gerald Ford and tackle Michael Philipp. 1:46 PM - 28 Jul 2014 Hills, 29, is a former fourth-round pick of the Steelers. He spent three years with the team, but unfortunately missed the entire 2011 season. Hills has since played for the Broncos, Colts, Bills and Raiders and last appeared in an NFL game during the 2012 season. Baker, 25, signed on with the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of East Carolina back in 2012. Has already spent time with teams including the Cardinals, Chiefs, and Giants. Baker played right tackle while appearing in 42 games at East Carolina. He also contributed on special teams as well.
