(05-13-2022, 09:09 AM)Mikey Wrote: Not quoting for the sake of space, but again, great details and analysis on your part, Bullseye.

Only contribution I suggest would be the interior line - I'd kinda like to see Shatley start at C, Fortner get some time at LG. He'll have vets on each side to help with learning curves, and he'll get up-close experience to what Shatley is doing pre-snap to set the line and identify defensive alignments. Of course, this assumes he beats out Bartch, which could be one of the key battles to watch through the preseason.

I push Taylor inside, but I keep him on the right side. He can back up Scherff, maybe the old guy can teach him some techniques or tricks to improve his footwork and blocking.

The high level of churn across our roster is one of the bigger reasons why I think we'll start slow but gradually strengthen as the season drags on.

Thanks.

I'm  certainly not averse to starting Shatley at C, at least to start the season.  Aside from not having seen much of Fortner, Shatley, while not to be mistaken for the great centers in NFL history, has played well for us when he's played.  To me he never seemed to stick out in a bad way.  His experience could easily be a key to the offensive line transitioning from the old schemes to the new one more smoothly. On the other hand, from what I've read about Fortner, it's clear he's no dummy.  I expect him to be a quick study.  I think no matter where you would put Fortner, he would have experienced guys around him, though obviously Bartch is less experienced than Scherff.

A this point, I look at Taylor and see a guy who has problems with speed and in space.  He seems to have a build and enough ability to move inside to guard and, with the additional protection the enclosed space would provide, he has a chance to possibly thrive (comparatively speaking) inside.  I still doubt he could handle an Aaron Donald or the guy from Tennessee, but despite his reluctance to do so, I think he might benefit from a move inside.  I think he has the power to do well, but stunts, slants, and switches to pick up blitzers would be my concern for him.

I agree the turnover in the starting lineup does not lend itself to a strong start.  Granted we've been the worst team in the league over the past two years.  I think we need an infusion of talent.  But they all need to adjust to the schemes, each other, and coalesce to maximize productivity.  This is an argument against a fast start the schedule seems to make possible at first glance.

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