(08-05-2023, 06:58 AM)Caldrac Wrote:

(08-04-2023, 12:15 AM)MojoKing Wrote: If we can figure out this pass rush thing and our O-line we’ll be great, it’s our year to be dominant and completely take over the NFL

This is the key. At the end of the day. The NFL is still about trench warfare. You can get by in the regular season here and there with a great QB that can will a team to victory and a few lucky bounces on defense and special teams. However, when you start ascending into the play-off race and the bigger household names and teams start coming up. It almost always, always, ALWAYS circles back to the basic, fundamental facts of life in the NFL.

1. Can you protect the QB?
2. Can you get after the QB?

This will be what we ultimately end up celebrating or [BLEEP] about in January as a fan base more than likely.

The answer to these two questions is clearly TBD. Walker Little is showing positive signs at left tackle so far. The right tackle spot must be the greatest concern to start this season. Anton Harrison should become a very good player, but will he be dependable to begin this season? The defense has thrown a lot at him so far and the results have been mixed. On the day I attended training camp, he was "abused" by Fatukasi and Josh Allen on more than one occason. He has not practiced for a few days due to sore shoulder which heightens my concern. It wouldn't totally shock me to see Josh Wells begin the season at right tackle until Cam Robinson returns in week 5. He actually played well last season for the Bucs until getting hurt and his experience is invaluable. Again, I'm not down on Harrison's long-term future, but the learning curve for a rookie tackle is very big. The rest of the OL should be fine as Schereff is now healthy and Fortner is stronger with his rookie season under his belt. If Bartch can't return by the start of the season, Shatley and Hance are capable of filling in.

Question 2 should be less of a concern. I expect Josh Allen to have a big season and Trevon Walker to make huge strides from his inconsistent rookie season. Can't say I'm convinced he'll end up at Edge, but he can also be very effective when moved to the D-Line. Fatukasi is also healthier and should be better at pressuring the quarterback from the inside. Abdullah is the wild-card and I hope your optimism regarding him comes to fruition. I wouldn't mind adding Justin Houston as a veteran presence to add to this group.

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