Can the Line hold up?

[mgteich]

Time to bring back ole friend Justin Herron? He is unofficially the third string LT for the Raiders.

Raiders release first unofficial depth chart: Observations

With the Raiders' first preseason game five days away, they have released their fits unofficial depth chart. Here is what it looks like: Notes: Next up behind Jimmy Garoppolo is veteran backup Brian Hoyer. With Josh Jacobs still not signed and thus not in camp, i

raiderswire.usatoday.com

I'm sure that Belichick will check the 1000 cuts at the final cutdown. However, I don't think that he thinks that Herron would be an improvement over Brown-Reiff-McDermott, with Anderson hopefully available in a few weeks, perhaps even after four games. That being said, I expect us to add an OT or even two to the Practice Squad, especially if Anderson is not available for the first 4 games.

Belichick spent over $4M each for Reiff and Anderson. He believes that they are the right additions to the 2022 ending starters of Brown and McDermott.

I would note that many here seem to believe that there will not be an improvement at OT. I'm FINE with replacing Wynn and Cajuste with Reiff and Anderson.

 

[State]

Anderson hopefully available in a few weeks

Hopefully.

 

[Sciz]

Time to bring back ole friend Justin Herron? He is unofficially the third string LT for the Raiders.

Raiders release first unofficial depth chart: Observations

With the Raiders' first preseason game five days away, they have released their fits unofficial depth chart. Here is what it looks like: Notes: Next up behind Jimmy Garoppolo is veteran backup Brian Hoyer. With Josh Jacobs still not signed and thus not in camp, i

raiderswire.usatoday.com

He’s only 10 months removed from a torn ACL, so practicing at all is a good result right now. He’ll probably end up on somebody’s PS to continue working toward full strength.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Short answer, yes. Shorter answer, no

 

[stardawg]

The top of that Tackle class wasn’t worth the pick, and they were gone. They got a great CB prospect out of the first round. I loved their draft.

I like their draft too. Just don't think GM BB did enough to upgrade the line off season.

 

[BTTA]

Yes, we are a really solid line if Brown plays 12 games.

If not, I just don't see the shuffle. We have Reiff, Anderson and McDermott (also Steuber and Sow). Yes, we are more serious trouble if TWO of our top OTs can't play, but that is the case for almost any position. Try considering playing without top 2 WR;s or our top 2 RB's.

....and that is the case for every team in the NFL, as well.

 

[goheels22002]

Great post and topic. Yes, like most years here I expect OL to be a weakness and concern. I don’t feel like BB did a good job drafting wise or FA in regards to bringing in good solid OL. Trent Brown underwhelmed last year and doesn’t seem to play with any passion/fire out there….he’s tying up a lot of cap money as well

Here’s a good article on OL for this year…..going to be rocky for Mac and O…..

New England Patriots possible OL combinations for the 2023 season

There's much that can change between now and the start of the 2023 season. What could the team's OL look like when the campaign kicks off? The biggest questio

musketfire.com

I commented on Ben Volin's article today (8-9-2023) that used the word disastrous in reference to the OL. Really? The first game against the Eagles is 32 days away - 4-1/2 weeks. If we're drawing any conclusions about this veteran group right now, we're missing the point of training camp. The line has good depth, some older guys who are not expected to be at their peak at this point, and clearly dealing with injuries while they get to know each other, learn the schemes and and get into playing shape. These are 300+ lb men who have experience. They know what is needed right now and they are working with a two-time SB winner OL Coach who knows his way around a pro training camp (Patriots - Packers - Raiders).

Everybody here knows that offensive lines come together as a unit over time; the slowest of any position group. A month out from the first game is a time of grinding it out in the weight room, hitting a playing weight, learning the playbook, and getting whatever reps make sense in preparation for a 17-game season. Bill O'Brien, Adrian Klemm and these guys will get there. Anderson is supposed to be ready by the opener as is Trent Brown. That's a solid veteran group - Trent Brown - Cole Strange - David Andrews - Mike Onwenu - Calvin Anderson (or Riley Reif.)

The TE position is stronger and the backfield is superb. Bill O'Brien and Adrien Klemm will find ways to give Mac Jones more time than he had last year. The other thing I like about the combo of Klemm and O'Brien in terms of pass protection and run blocking is that they are fresh off of coaching elite college kids and know how to bring the younger guys along.

 

[BTTA]

I commented on Ben Volin's article today (8-9-2023) that used the word disastrous in reference to the OL. Really?

Glad you did that. Was going to do the same, but the hyperbolic sports writer has become so common that I get tired of responding to them.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

Stueber is another dark horse to play RT:

Stueber started every game over his final two seasons with the Wolverines (20 at right tackle, two at right guard) and has good size for a tackle at 6-foot-6, 318 pounds. His lack of on-field activity last season, Belichick said, had its benefits.


“He really missed a full year of football, but (through) the reps and the training, he’s kind of rebuilt his body a little bit,” the head coach said. “He’s definitely improved in that area — strength, overall conditioning, body composition, all that. He was a good football player at Michigan, and he’s gotten a lot of reps out here and he’s done well with them.

Patriots Have Seen Huge Improvement From This 2022 Draft Pick

The New England Patriots are viewing a forgotten member of their 2022 rookie class as an "extra draft choice."

nesn.com

 

[State]

Good. Cuz Steub was lacking in strength. Only 18 reps at 225. Come on, man! We got DBs here who can do more.

 

[State]

What about Chasen Hines? I hear he’s improving daily and starting to h get positive reviews. He’s the natural RG body type.

Mafi is too much a greenhorn.

 

[BTTA]

Stueber is another dark horse to play RT:

Patriots Have Seen Huge Improvement From This 2022 Draft Pick

The New England Patriots are viewing a forgotten member of their 2022 rookie class as an "extra draft choice."

nesn.com

No reps of significance yet, though. Hope we see those soon.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

No reps of significance yet, though. Hope we see those soon.

Mike Reiss just suggested we will get to watch Stueber tonight.

 

[n1997y]

No reps of significance yet, though. Hope we see those soon.

Mike Reiss just suggested we will get to watch Stueber tonight.

I was just going to respond to BTTA “maybe tonight”. It’s an obvious opportunity. BB gives players opportunities, then how they respond determines their future. Will be interesting to see how Stueber handles himself tonight. We should all be rooting for him to step up and excel (except the pseudo fans who’d rather be right in their naysaying than see the team be good).

 

[State]

Will Stueber steuber?

 

[SlowGettingUp]

Bedard on Steuber:

Andrew Stueber: Just isn't there with speed or strength. Hard to see him hanging on this roster.

 

[mike_usagisan]

Yeah.. his skill set would be so dynamic in this offense. I want to say he makes the team.. being that he's on a cheap deal.. but then again BB is a master of managing the roster spots so he may be on the outs?

Montgomery might be a good player to stash away and return mid-season when Demario is banged up and we need someone who can fill that role.

 

[mike_usagisan]

I think that will be a big part of our offense.. But listening today to Ted Johnson he and zo were praising Mac for his arm strength and saying his deep ball looks really good. I believe BOB will have a spread offense, mixing in run/pass. I expect to see a more vertical passing offense this season.

I think BOB will take a shot or two per game, but it's mostly going to be short and underneath and allow these receivers to get YAC.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think BOB will take a shot or two per game, but it's mostly going to be short and underneath and allow these receivers to get YAC.

Agreed. I believe that the type of offense we play it frustrates defenses. Attacking defenses like eagles and jets they like to pin thier ears back and attack. Our offense is timing routes, running game, seam routes and vertical routes.

 

[PatsFan2]

I will be Watching Steuber - Hines - Sow and Mafi especially tonight.