Our run game and Aaron Roberts 2017

[Trueblue25]

I know people love to say Strickland is what Strickland is. Elmore has no push. Moe’s not built to run the middle. Pierre has to hold onto the ball.


But...

How much of our run troubles, especially up the middle, can be attributed to lack of depth and experience on our line? I think Roberts returning is HUGE for us. Maybe changes the whole run game. Big on Conway this year as well.

Any other thoughts?

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

I know people love to say Strickland is what Strickland is. Elmore has no push. Moe’s not built to run the middle. Pierre has to hold onto the ball.

But...

How much of our run troubles, especially up the middle, can be attributed to lack of depth and experience on our line? I think Roberts returning is HUGE for us. Maybe changes the whole run game. Big on Conway this year as well.

Any other thoughts?

It's all the offensive line. And Roberts is a nice-to-have back. But it's more than that.

All of the talk about how much better the line got this spring + hiring Cavanaugh, a 30 year vet who has always coached OL = not a coincidence.

 

[RandomGuy]

It's all the offensive line. And Roberts is a nice-to-have back. But it's more than that.

All of the talk about how much better the line got this spring + hiring Cavanaugh, a 30 year vet who has always coached OL = not a coincidence.

You both missed Martin. Woot.

The line is everything. Scheme is a factor. Take Shannahan back in Denver. Didn't matter who he put back there. I've heard folks say that Emmit Smiths career was made by Larry Allen.

To your point about RB's. It's no wonder they brought in 2 bruisers with Howard and Dixon. After the first 3+ yards, they've got to deal with the second level. I think they'll be well suited for that.

 

[upperdeck]

theres the physical and the mental parts to blocking.. we made so many mental mistakes even the good holes fell apart. still its tough run with no decent holes unless you are elite and we have a long way to get to that. you can say the BC lines is solid but they always find RBs who can run around guys, or make you miss. we need some of that too.

 

[Trueblue25]

Maybe my confidence is misplaced but I believe Dontae’s going to be a big weapon this year.

 

[Pyle]

I've heard folks say that Emmit Smiths career was made by Larry Allen.

.

That's why Barry Sanders was such a big deal. He did it without a decent OL, they were kinda horrible if we're being honest.

 

[WeeWoo]

We have seen flashes of how good the O can be. I think it really clicks and takes off with consistent ground threat.

 

[cusefan88]

In addition to this season the team is starting to build some good depth + competition in the whole unit. D. Davis, P. Davis, Heckel, Servais with Q White and Froumy coming in. Lots to be excited about.

 

[upperdeck]

the first half of the wake game is hopefully where we start to get to more often,

 

[SUskibum]

Maybe my confidence is misplaced but I believe Dontae’s going to be a big weapon this year.

The biggest surprise I am looking for/hoping for this year is I really think Strick and Neal are going to look like completely new backs.

This will be the year of the RB and TE with good enough play from WR. The opposite of the past couple years.

Just a hunch

 

[shu 49]

Maybe my confidence is misplaced but I believe Dontae’s going to be a big weapon this year.

I don’t but Moe has put on quality size and looks the part at least.

 

[cuse309]

That's why Barry Sanders was such a big deal. He did it without a decent OL, they were kinda horrible if we're being honest.

Barry Sanders is my all time favorite!
Barry Sanders+Dallas Cowboys 1990's offensive line='s an untouchable rushing record.

 

[shu 49]

Well with Roberts being 312 now at almost 30 lbs bigger, I am quite excited

 

[RICuse44]

It’s always the Oline with the run game unless you have Barry, Bo Jackson, or Jim Brown.

And in college it’s all about having an Oline that is mostly seniors and juniors and the physical maturity that goes with it. For the first time since Dino has been HC here we will have it- and I think it’s actually the first time since the marrone era we have it