| 29 August 2009
We will get a good chance to see the Offensive Line tonight as the starters will play through about half of the first quarter. What would make you feel better about the O-Line tonight? Here's my list:
- Adequate cut blocking: This isn't the most important thing, but it is arguably the one we've seen the least so far. The cut blocking has been missing or, at best, poorly executed. Look for offensive linemen to start low to the ground driving hard into the hip, bringing the defender down or back. I think the most frequent technique is the "bear crawl," where the lineman basically rifles forward on all fours trying to disable the defensive lineman.
- Blindside Protection: How will Locklear look? If he looks bad, which he didn't last week, or totally lost, which he did a few times, the Hawks might be in trouble and might need to bring in a Runyan / Levi Jones / Mark Tauscher for insurance. I personally think they should any way, as Kyle Williams does not exactly inspire confidence behind the chronic-pain-ridden Ray Willis.
- Right Guard: This is the big position battle left. Unger and Wrotto will split snaps with the first team. Whoever plays best today likely starts in September.
- Steve Vallos: I am all of a sudden very high on Vallos. I don't think he's as technically sound as Spencer, but he is stronger and smarter than Spencer, and has intangibles in spades. If Unger isn't the 15 year center on this team, might it be Vallos? It will be fun to watch him today, I think, and his line calls will play a large role in protecting Hasselbeck and getting the running game going.
What did I miss? What gets you pumped about this line and what scares you about it?
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