Quote:This is all Dr. Bowdens fault
But he lost 5 strokes, man. FIVE STROKES!!
he won't be gripping a golf club until at least Thanksgiving
If Bradfield plays well while Pasztor is out, and they're comfortable with Linder playing center, is it possible that we can slide Austin back inside to play right guard? Correct me if I'm wrong, but he has played there before right? I actually think Bradfield would be less of a liability than Brewster/McClendon/Bowanko. He actually played quite well last year after Luke went down.
Quote:If Bradfield plays well while Pasztor is out, and they're comfortable with Linder playing center, is it possible that we can slide Austin back inside to play right guard? Correct me if I'm wrong, but he has played there before right? I actually think Bradfield would be less of a liability than Brewster/McClendon/Bowanko. He actually played quite well last year after Luke went down.
Pasztor has played at guard before, but he was AWFUL. Hes a much, much better RT than guard and its not close. Linder plays RG or C with Bowanko at RG or C or McClendon at C. Bradfield playing well would mean hes a good backup swing tackle. Doubtful he outplays Pasztor.
Pasztor is the right tackle and Bradfield is the swing tackle. Nothing will change.
Luke, Zane, McClendon, Linder, Bradfield/Pasztor
This is how the Oline shakes out, imo. For better or worse.
However, Bowanko can get healthy and impress enough in these next 2 preseason games maybe he can slide into one of those spots.
Quote:Luke, Zane, McClendon, Linder, Bradfield/Pasztor
This is how the Oline shakes out, imo. For better or worse.
However, Bowanko can get healthy and impress enough in these next 2 preseason games maybe he can slide into one of those spots.
I'm hoping the latter is what happens.
In any event, (outside) help is not likely on the way anytime soon.
I'd wait to start Bortles (permanently) until they generate at least some week to week stability with the interior of the OL.
I doubt they start Bortles without confidence the line can adequately protect him. They're not putting him at risk.
Quote:I doubt they start Bortles without confidence the line can adequately protect him. They're not putting him at risk.
Quote:I'm hoping the latter is what happens.
In any event, (outside) help is not likely on the way anytime soon.
I'd wait to start Bortles (permanently) until they generate at least some week to week stability with the interior of the OL.
Did the Oline look really bad in the first two preseason games?
Everything I've read and saw showed they actually pass protected really well. When it broke down Henne checked it down and Bortles moved and made a play.
If anything it's the run-blocking that is still struggling.
I'm one in the "not afraid" camp. If Bortles looks ready, play him. This whiny crap like "the Oline isn't ready" is for the birds man. If Bortles is the better option at QB you play him. Period. So far he has looked good. If he looks good in game 3, especially if he looks better than Henne, he should start no matter the situation on the Oline.
I don't know how the Oline shakes out but one thing is for sure, help is not on the way. The best combo of 5 is what we'll have to work with, even if it leaves a hole at C or RG.
I think, with my limited knowledge, that Linder at RG and McClendon at C is probably our best case scenario until Bowanko is ready to take the C spot (2015 or injury to starter).
I also think once it is decided (likely after the Detroit game) they'll be gelling about as much as they can and we shouldn't wait to start Bortles if he is the best option at QB. I honestly think Bortles has more to offer in way of hiding the oline deficiencies.
Quote:I doubt they start Bortles without confidence the line can adequately protect him. They're not putting him at risk.
Doubt the line has any factor on whether or not Blake starts. Unless it hinders his play. The line is not even bad at pass protection, its the run game in which they are awful at. Bortles starting has nothing to do with anyone else on the team, its all on him. If he is elite in how he plays the next 2 games and Henne lays eggs, id bet anything Bortles would be your opening day starter, contrary to what they have been preaching all offseason.
Quote:Doubt the line has any factor on whether or not Blake starts. Unless it hinders his play. The line is not even bad at pass protection, its the run game in which they are awful at. Bortles starting has nothing to do with anyone else on the team, its all on him. If he is elite in how he plays the next 2 games and Henne lays eggs, id bet anything Bortles would be your opening day starter, contrary to what they have been preaching all offseason.
If the line was horribad, I think it would play a factor. It's not, and by the time he's truly ready to assume the starting role, the hope is they'll have the remaining issues resolved. The line just needs time to gel.
Quote:Luke, Zane, McClendon, Linder, Bradfield/Pasztor
This is how the Oline shakes out, imo. For better or worse.
However, Bowanko can get healthy and impress enough in these next 2 preseason games maybe he can slide into one of those spots.
Bowanko at Center by year's end would be great. (perhaps after the bye)
Quote:Bowanko playing well enough to earn the starting position
at Center by year's end would be great. (perhaps after the bye)
Obvious, I know but I felt like that needed to be stated. I don't want him there if he's simply the only warm body they have available.