882 replies to this topic

[Mackus]

Other than a major injury to Lamar, offensive line is the most obvious red flag for what could derail the coming season. Every spot has at least minor question marks or reason for concern and there are some pretty major questions about more than one spot.

Stanley the concern is age and injury potential. Very solid when healthy.

Simpson the concern is that he isn't particularly good. He's not bad either. He commits a lot of penalties, too, so the timing of those will be a wild card.

Center is a disaster currently. They did nothing to replace Linderbaum. Didn't need to match him but a more legit alternative would've been nice. Hopefully the cheap patchwork options come through because this is the most glaring weakness on the roster on paper.

Ioane is as polished as you could hope for in the middle of the round, but there is always risk in asking a rookie to start on Day 1. No assurances he plays well to begin his career.

Rosengarten struggled last year in Year 2. Optimistic he plays well like he did late in his rookie year, but he might be just a guy or worse instead of an asset.


I am optimistic about the group and season. But if they miss the playoffs again or barely make it, then OL is my bet for being the main reason why. I think there is a pretty good chance that the interior of the offensive line isn't any better as a group than last season.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Dont know exactly how much difference Ledford can make but I really hope its significant

[BSLMikeLowe]

Ledford doesn’t play any snaps. End of the day it comes down to the five on the field doing their job well enough.

[Biggsy]

Other than a major injury to Lamar, offensive line is the most obvious red flag for what could derail the coming season. Every spot has at least minor question marks or reason for concern and there are some pretty major questions about more than one spot.

Stanley the concern is age and injury potential. Very solid when healthy.

Simpson the concern is that he isn't particularly good. He's not bad either. He commits a lot of penalties, too, so the timing of those will be a wild card.

Center is a disaster currently. They did nothing to replace Linderbaum. Didn't need to match him but a more legit alternative would've been nice. Hopefully the cheap patchwork options come through because this is the most glaring weakness on the roster on paper.

Ioane is as polished as you could hope for in the middle of the round, but there is always risk in asking a rookie to start on Day 1. No assurances he plays well to begin his career.

Rosengarten struggled last year in Year 2. Optimistic he plays well like he did late in his rookie year, but he might be just a guy or worse instead of an asset.


I am optimistic about the group and season. But if they miss the playoffs again or barely make it, then OL is my bet for being the main reason why. I think there is a pretty good chance that the interior of the offensive line isn't any better as a group than last season.

I trust Simpson, Bullock/Pocic and Ioane more on the IOL then Linderbaum with Vorhees and Faalele.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I trust Simpson, Bullock/Pocic and Ioane more on the IOL then Linderbaum with Vorhees and Faalele.

Maybe. Probably. But no lock unfortunately.

[Mackus]

I trust Simpson, Bullock/Pocic and Ioane more on the IOL then Linderbaum with Vorhees and Faalele.

 

Me too, but I don't think its more than about a 2/3 to 3/4 chance that they end up the better group.  Considering how low the bar is to clear, I think its disappointing we haven't done more with this unit, especially since there are also some questions about the tackles as well.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I also wonder how Emory Jones will play in this Ledford system. Someone yesterday said they didnt think Bullock was a good fit, and Im curious how Jones fits. Maybe he could overtake Rosengarten or at least push him at tackle??

[You Play to Win the Game]

They’ve pushed their chips in on the defense.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

They’ve pushed their chips in on the defense.

More of the focus needed to be there. I think there are high expectations for Doyle too

[Biggsy]

I also wonder how Emory Jones will play in this Ledford system. Someone yesterday said they didnt think Bullock was a good fit, and Im curious how Jones fits. Maybe he could overtake Rosengarten or at least push him at tackle??

Unfortunately I feel like we see him at RT, because Rosengarten will need to move to LT for Stanley injuries. Just feels like hes due for a rough season on the lower body. I have no basis for that, just more of a gut-feeling thing.

Also working in a whole new offensive system. None of us know the tendencies, the run/pass ratio, the preferences per down and distances. I like everything I've Heard about Doyle. He comes from a great coaching foundation. And knowing he was solely responsible for the scouting, game prep, and second half adjustments for the Bears, even though he wasnt calling the plays, helps. The fact that he was the brains of the Chicago offense is a good sign. I like hearing that Johnson put the second half adjustments solely on Doyle. I feel like the most important quality a coordinator can have in this league, is adjusting on the fly to what is and isn't working. Macdonald was a genius at it. Hopefully Doyle is the offensive version.

Line is the definite on-field question mark. But the OC can definitely play a part in helping them with the playcalling. Also, blocking in front of Lamar presents its own challenges. Every snap you need to be prepared to block for 5+ seconds, now really knowing exactly where the man you're trying to protect has moved to. In that aspect, if the offense is timing based, and Lamar trusts his options, that alone should help the line in pass blocking as well.

[BaltBird 24]

I'm very confident the line will be at least solid. A lot depends on a healthy Stanley and whoever is at C being solid. Think we're fine at guard and the right side. They'll be much improved compared to last year.

[cprenegade]

I think the OL is very much a question mark right now.  Stanley is the only one I believe is a solid performer, and he is older and can be a big candidate for an injury.   

 

Despite the changes in the game, the one statement that rings true is that you win in the trenches.  We saw how a bad DL really hurt the Ravens last year.  We saw how a weak OL sunk KC in the SB against TB even with Mahomes, Hill, and Kelce.  

 

You have to have an OL that can push back the opposing teams DL and protect your QB for any offense to work.  I don't think the Ravens have that as it is constructed now.  

[BaltBird 24]

And even with a weak OL and an injured Lamar, the offense was still 11th in scoring and 2nd in rushing. Ioane and Simpson are major upgrades over what we had at G last year, even if we have a downgrade at C. I'm willing to give Ledford the benefit of the doubt with regard to coaching.

[jamesdean]

I wouldn't panic about the OL just yet. Lets get through camp first and see where they stand. If center becomes a major problem, I trust EDC will be proactive.

[MJM]

I think a lot of Rosengarten’s issues last year were due to Faalele and I think he affected Linderbaum too. We all know how atrocious he was. I expect RR to have a bounce back year with Vega next to him.

[Biggsy]

I think a lot of Rosengarten’s issues last year were due to Faalele and I think he affected Linderbaum too. We all know how atrocious he was. I expect RR to have a bounce back year with Vega next to him.

He has issues with speed rushers blowing by him on the outside at times. Maybe he was hesitant because he was worried about Faalele blowing his assignment, but I doubt it. Hopefully some technique improvement and trust in the man next to him will get him back on the track he was on his rookie season.

Doyle is still the wildcard. I have faith in him creating a proper game plan, and making adjustments. But his playcalling untested. A lot of information to process in a short period of time to get a playcall in on time, and allow Lamar to get to the line and make his own adjustments. First time doing it could be overwhelming. I would expect some early season delay of games and wasted TO's to avoid penalties.

[85Knight]

The OL on paper is much better than last year. There's high praise coming in for Ethan Pocic at center if he's fully ready to go. Let's see how things develop in training camp but it's looking really good right now.

[jamesdean]

Above all else, the OL has to stay healthy.

[Biggsy]

Above all else, the OL has to stay healthy.

I'd say that stands for every position on the field.

[Biggsy]

Saw a segment on ESPN where they were discussing if Bo Nix was better than Lamar....

Can the season start already so we can stop with the ridiculous engagement segments?