The Tape: Functional Powerhouse

by John Morgan on May 5, 2009 3:41 PM PDT

College execution leaves something to be desired.

Unger sells pass pro, but the Cowboys' front seven reads screen. It is a screen -- hanging off its hinges. Unger sprints out and attempts to save the play, but he's putting a body between juggling Jamere Holland and the tide. Holland is tackled for a loss of two.

Combo pass block.

Oklahoma State overloads the left. A blitzer comes free and Masoli airmails it a billion yards over Holland's head.

-next drive-

Oregon runs the overload right look it attempted a sweep out of two drives before: 3 WR (right), TE (right), RB (left), SG. Oklahoma State runs a 4-2 nickel. Masoli does this.

Stop it at :32 and watch Unger. He moves slight-right and then, in a flash, explodes left into Swanson Miller. He just mauls the guy. That tears the middle right out of the defensive line and allows Oregon to explode the four-yard wide chasm you see at :35. Unger uses guile and football skills to turn his good raw-power into sometimes startling functional-power.

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As concerned as I am with Unger's strength

I’ve really enjoyed watching him whenever I’ve gotten the chance. When things pop for that offense Unger usually isn’t far away.

by Nate Dogg on May 5, 2009 5:11 PM PDT reply actions

Question for you JM. (or anyone who wants to offer up an opinion)

Which do you feel is the best situation, an elite LT with all the other lineman being a bit below average, everyone on the line being average, or everyone on the line being a bit above average with one being quite a bit below average.
All lines are average.
So I guess it’s 1) Supreme pass blocking on the blind side
2) average all around.
3) A ‘Brian Russell’ with amongst an otherwise above average unit, perhaps if the scheming is right, the weak link in the chain can be compensated for?

McCoy McCoy 2010, also acceptable, Russell Okung, Ndamukong Suh, Dez Bryant, Ciron Black, Trent Williams, and Bryan Bulaga.

by LantermanC on May 5, 2009 8:59 PM PDT reply actions

Might depend some on the kind of offense you want to run, no?

by Hawkdawg on May 5, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions

My feeling would be the last of the three

You can cover for one weak spot by helping out with double teams, etc. It strikes me that the weakest line would be the first, because a defense could scheme to exploit weaknesses at all points on the line apart from the blind side.

by cyberwulf on May 5, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

The last of the three, because

that’s the easiest one to upgrade: just go get one more good player.

by The Ancient Mariner on May 6, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

It really depends on the question

In the long run, you want a great player and a great left tackle is sufficiently rare enough that you choose the first. You then keep your cap in order and fill holes through the draft. Given it’s a great left tackle, you’re going to have 10+ seasons to do it and average is much easier to find than exceptional.

In the very short term, like one game, you probably select average all around, because if you have a Brian Russell level left tackle, center, guard etc., then you’re going to struggle to field a competitive offense. You’re either taking a man off the field just to add another blocker or rolling the dice with catastrophe every play. An average all-around offensive line can still support a great offense. Just last year, the Chargers, Packers, Falcons and Texans had ~average offensive lines, and each had a good to very good offense.

In the near short term, like one season, then you pick two, because then almost any replacement is a major improvement, and average is not that hard to find. A team could conceivably trade for a below average talent and protect him against strong competition.

by John Morgan on May 6, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

And this is all assuming we're using "Brian Russell" as synonymous with "absolute fringe of the league"

When he’s probably closer to “one of the three worst starters at his position”.

by John Morgan on May 6, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

I assume you're talking about the Hawks...

Starting from scratch? I’d go with number three. But, since we aren’t. And going with a zone blocking scheme. And considering the players we have to compete for the starting roles on the line, and a QB nursing a back injury. I’m going to go with number one. I think the zone blocking will help either Spencer improve his center calling skills, or move Unger in to do the job. And give Spencer a shot at guard at either side, depending on how Wahle returns to form. I’m glad we have Jones there, protecting Hass on his blind side. Right now, I feel that is most important for the team. Otherwise, we are looking at another season with Hass on the sidelines. Yeah Big Walt is coming off micro knee surgery. But it’s not only not his weight bearing knee, and that surgery has proven to be pretty effective for the most part.

I'm glad the Hawks get no media attention/NFL fan love. Makes it so much more fun when we win.

by apuskwikemart on May 6, 2009 4:12 AM PDT reply actions