Success of Pro-Style O Likely Depends on the Trenches
- Thread starter Mavric
- Start date
If they protect like they did last year, Lee is going to have a lot of pressure on his shoulders to make quick decisions because he doesn't have TA's mobility.
To echo others, however, I'm more concerned about the run game than I am pass pro. The lack of a true running threat at quarterback means we'll have to be a little more creative, so I expect to see more bubble screens, screens in general and WR sweep plays if we're ineffective between the tackles.
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Toe
All-American
That's probably true of most major offensive schemes. There's the option, of course, and spread offenses. But it's also true of the West Coast Offense that so many revile and say that it requires elite players. Bill Walsh didn't have a QB with a cannon for an arm or speedy receivers that could get downfield quickly, so he developed a system that emphasized short, precise, horizontal plays instead of going vertical so much.
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Caliborn72
Starter
I agree with everything you say. I look at the OLine and think it could be a strength of the team. I like the players in the first two spots at every position in that group. Although I will admit, I've though the same thing about Gates' arms being skinny that some others have mentioned.BlitzFirst said:
What keeps me confused and nervous is, why does Riley keep calling them out? Why have a few former players mentioned concerns about our OLine after watching practices? Our writers are doing it too. It just doesn't make any sense unless they really are underperforming in practice. The only positive-spin explanation I can come up with is that Diaco has the defense miles ahead, which would be fine. If our offense truly is practicing against one of the best defenses they'll face all year, then I'm not worried at all.
suh_fan93
Heisman Trophy Winner
Even with Tommy's legs as an obvious asset I felt the o line did a pretty good job in pass protection last year. The interesting thing that I'll be watching this year is when the pocket breaks down or if a defender gets loose behind the los we'll have a guy who doesn't have the legs that Tommy Armstrong had back there trying to evade those tackles.
Run blocking will be another story also.
Run blocking will be another story also.
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BigRedBuster
International Man of Mystery
Tommy's legs and happy feet hurt the O line sometimes too.
I hope you're right, but this narrative (or some derivative of it) is what I've seen around this program for most of the last 10 years, if not longer.BlitzFirst said:
From my perspective, Nebraska has spent far too long relying on the injury bug, a lack of depth, a lack of talent, transfers and missed recruiting opportunities to explain why an offensive line underperformed. We're past due for some sustained success in the trenches.
zoogs
Assistant Coach
Yeah, exactly. Every pitch for some "optimal" Nebraska offense involves succeeding in the trenches. There's no two ways about it. This is the game of football.
You can't OL-proof your scheme.
Hilltop
All-Conference
I agree completely. Trying to block for Tommy was much more difficult than trying to block for a pocket passer who's movements will be much more predictable.
spurs1990
All-Conference
For better or for worse, the oline will know where their QB will be. That also means the defense can be much more certain as well.
suh_fan93
Heisman Trophy Winner
BigRedBuster
International Man of Mystery
Let's not forget that many times, Tommy was running for his life when the pocket broke down......because he totally forgot where his dump rout was and lacked the ability to deliver the ball there when he actually did.