The offensive Line

[Lions=TeHsUcKs]

I know some of you state that the offensive line is the sole reason for this team's woes on offense but I'd like to evaluate this. What are your opinions on how much of a factor the line's struggles plays a part of this teams offensive success? I find it odd that a couple of guys who were good in 2013 (as the line was as a whole above average) are struggling mightily this season (reiff).. Some of that could be Linehan's system which allowed Stafford to release the ball much faster in the pocket and find the receiver in time. If that is the case with all the high invested draft pick's wouldn't Mayhew get the blame? Or could it be the blocking scheme and playcalling? Curious to see what your thoughts are.. I'm of the opinion that it's mostly playcalling and scheme. No way Reiff can go from being above average to beyond bad in just two years like that.. I know there are injuries also, but aside from Warford, everyone obviously seems to be struggling.

 

[tpaulus_2]

I think it's a combination of a poor scheme fit for the type of linemen we have, and also due in part to Lucas sucking something awful through two games...

 

[Lions=TeHsUcKs]

No doubt Lucas is fecal.. I stated that in the gameday thread..

 

[Old Lion]

No doubt Lucas is fecal.. I stated that in the gameday thread..

Agreed, but it is more because he does not belong on that side. They seem intent on making him a RT and he just is not good at it. Reiff has been that good either at RT. Swanson may not be that good at recognizing the blitz assignments yet either.

Also, it is not just O-line. Some of the routes are redicullous and juvenile. Noone is getting open except (Gulp) Ebron. Lance Moore is slow and easily coverable. Too much talent on this offense for the dogcrap we are seeing. Lombardi just does not know what he is doing IMO. Maybe some day he figures it out. Unfortunately we are wasting years waiting.

 

[RobBase]

Everyone thought the Redskins O line sucked until RGMe got benched. Now they lead the league in rushing and are 1-1 after only winning 4 games last year.

Not saying Stafford is RG3, but it's not always on the Oline. Stafford often sets the protections anyways.

 

[lionstop1]

I believe players get better and get worse and schemes "might" play a role in it. I dont believe these guys are asked to do something way different with technique and such.

Sometimes it comes down to the right mix of guys up there. We do have Swanson and Manny and a inconsistent Lucas. Warford did show some regression last year also.

 

[RobBase]

Ya, Warford is looking like an injury prone flash in the pan. Need him to really turn it around.

 

[Mebert]

Everyone thought the Redskins O line sucked until RGMe got benched. Now they lead the league in rushing and are 1-1 after only winning 4 games last year.

Not saying Stafford is RG3, but it's not always on the Oline. Stafford often sets the protections anyways.

We do have history of Stafford with different coordinators though. He had one year where his release time was second fastest, only Manning was faster. So we know he can diagnose quickly and throw quickly.

Last week the Lions did nothing but 3 step drops and Stafford still got knocked down every play. I don't think we can put it on him at this point.

 

[gandydancer]

Everyone thought the Redskins O line sucked until RGMe got benched. Now they lead the league in rushing and are 1-1 after only winning 4 games last year.

Not saying Stafford is RG3, but it's not always on the Oline. Stafford often sets the protections anyways.

Two words... Bill Callahan. His blocking scheme works. He usually has had a decent to dominate running game wherever he is. As a HC , not so good.

 

[RobBase]

We do have history of Stafford with different coordinators though. He had one year where his release time was second fastest, only Manning was faster. So we know he can diagnose quickly and throw quickly.

Last week the Lions did nothing but 3 step drops and Stafford still got knocked down every play. I don't think we can put it on him at this point.

I think Stafford would have been far more successful as a Jet. He's better than Sanchez. Definitely would have played in a lot more playoff games.

If the Lions had drafted Sanchez, he'd be out of the league by now.

 

[lionstop1]

I know there's a difference between schemes but how does is it deemed bad when opponents run specific defenses? Im not sure getting hit a lot is a direct result of a bad scheme.

I doubt very seriously that schemes involve letting guys run free at the qb or missing stunts or just getting shoved in the backfield.

And if the playbook is identical to the Saints, how can the scheme be that bad?

 

[RobBase]

Drew Brees stats in his 3 years w Lombardi (and no Calvin)

Drew Brees' Prolific Passing 2011-13
Comp/Att Yards TDs All-time Yards Rank
2011 468/657 5,476 46 2nd
2012 422/670 5,177 43 4th
2013 446/650 5,162 39 5th

 

[Mebert]

Drew Brees stats in his 3 years w Lombardi (and no Calvin)

Drew Brees' Prolific Passing 2011-13
Comp/Att Yards TDs All-time Yards Rank
2011 468/657 5,476 46 2nd
2012 422/670 5,177 43 4th
2013 446/650 5,162 39 5th

Lombardi was not the OC though. Pete Carmichael has called the plays for Brees since 2009

 

[RobBase]

Lombardi was not the OC though. Pete Carmichael has called the plays for Brees since 2009

True, but these are the things some Lions fans and media cited as possible expectations when he was hired, because he was Brees' QB coach.

 

[Mebert]

True, but these are the things Lions fans and media cited as possible expectations when he was hired.

I think that was the hope, he was the QB coach under a very successful OC for years. The expectation was high for him. He has not been what was hoped for though. Not everyone can handle the next step up.

On the flip side most people here hated Linehan as well, but everywhere he goes including here the offense is awesome. Losing him has been a severe case of be careful what you wish for.

 

[RobBase]

I think that was the hope, he was the QB coach under a very successful OC for years. The expectation was high for him. He has not been what was hoped for though. Not everyone can handle the next step up.

On the flip side most people here hated Linehan as well, but everywhere he goes including here the offense is awesome. Losing him has been a severe case of be careful what you wish for.

It's crazy to think we've had the top O and the top D at different times over recent years and have nothimg to show for it.

Linny drove me nuts when he'd pass on 3rd and 1, but then I'd remember, oh ya, our C is Ravioli.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

It's crazy to think we've had the top O and the top D at different times over recent years and have nothimg to show for it.

Linny drove me nuts when he'd pass on 3rd and 1, but then I'd remember, oh ya, our C is Ravioli.

and you might as well add in the right side on that line. Peterman sucked almost as much as Cherilus.

 

[Mebert]

It's crazy to think we've had the top O and the top D at different times over recent years and have nothimg to show for it.

Linny drove me nuts when he'd pass on 3rd and 1, but then I'd remember, oh ya, our C is Ravioli.

It is a real shame the Lions never put a good defense in place while Linehan was here. Now we are bad at both

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

Lombardi was not the OC though. Pete Carmichael has called the plays for Brees since 2009

don't be fooled by the title that Carmichael holds being the OC. Payton calls many of those plays during the game while having Carmichael right next to him as the play is being called into Brees. Meaning, Carmichael isn't even using his headset or play sheets. the only time Carmichael was the only play caller was in 2013 when Payton was suspended for bounty-gate. how did that work out for them from an offense perspective ?

 

[Mebert]

don't be fooled by the title that Carmichael holds being the OC. Payton calls many of those plays during the game while having Carmichael right next to him as the play is being called into Brees. Meaning, Carmichael isn't even using his headset or play sheets. the only time Carmichael was the only play caller was in 2013 when Payton was suspended for bounty-gate. how did that work out for them from an offense perspective ?

So we hired the assistant to the lame duck OC? that.......sounds about right