So, what is our O-line for this Sunday?

Here’s what I would Like to see, but don’t think will take the field:

Robby–Saffold–Wells–Joseph–Joe B

I predict Jake the Fraud will be out there. Hope he doesn’t crock another of our QBs.

BTW–we haven’t to my knowledge found an adequate backup at OC. That’s a serious worry, IMO.

As much as I’m disappointed that Robinson isn’t deemed ready to start yet, I’m glad that the coaches aren’t throwing him out there for the sole reason that he was a high draft choice. I’m also happy that Joseph is ready to go.

But, I do worry about Jake Long and the LT position in general. If Robinson is the backup, I’m afraid that we have a guy who looks old at LT backed up by a guy who is too green for prime time.

This issue raises all sorts of other thoughts.

In 2013, there were several linemen taken high in the 1st round and all but 1 struggled. In fact this summer, both Warmack and Cooper were still struggling.

That’s not the Rams way. Boudreau does things differently. And (I submit) for good reasons.

#1. Starting young OL immediately is not a universally good idea. As I said, all but one of the linemen picked in the top 10 last year, for example, struggled. That is probably because with increased emphasis on the passing game, the defense counters with increased emphasis on the pass rush, which in turn means that linemen need to be able to read defensive fronts and execute an array of protections–and they have to process all that quickly. Rookies will not always be good at that.

#2. The days of year to year OL continuity are over. Since 93, according to a study I posted here, teams on avg. replace 3.5 OL starters every 2 years. One response to that is to coach in flexibility. Notice for example that Person plays all 5 positions. GR plays 2. That means that in the short term their heads will be swimming but in the long term your line is better off.

#3. One way to handle the flexibility issue is to rotate linemen. Give the younger players some snaps, so they get a feel for it, but don’t just plop them in there to learn the hard way.

So we notice that instead of making Robinson struggle right away on a team that already lost 1 qb, they’re taking their sweet time with him. That’s not a bad thing, it’s a good thing–especially since they already provided for this scenario by signing Joseph.

The issue will be Long, not Robinson. But even then they have Saffold. It is a RARE team that is 3 deep at LOT. Long, Saffold, Robinson, and Person as the emergency utility guy. So they clearly thought about this.

Another thing this tells us is that Fisher is not acting like he is on a 3-year plan. He does things that favor future pay-off, not immediate pay-off. And for good reason–ownership backs him. Kroenke has owned teams before and his pattern is clear–he hires a proven vet coach or manager. He gives that guy time, and free rein (or, free reign…same thing). He does not sweat it if their are speed bumps on the way, as long as the team is clearly developing the right direction.

Fisher has a 5 year deal. He won’t be in trouble after year 3. It’s not SK’s way of doing things. So there is no make or break year 3.

Two points here:

1. with increased emphasis on the passing game, the defense counters with increased emphasis on the pass rush, which in turn means that linemen need to be able to read defensive fronts and execute an array of protections–and they have to process all that quickly. Rookies will not always be good at that.

…

2. The issue will be Long, not Robinson. But even then they have Saffold. It is a RARE team that is 3 deep at LOT. Long, Saffold, Robinson, and Person as the emergency utility guy. So they clearly thought about this.

On point 1: I am amazed at how often fans forget about this or just don’t get it at all. The challenge of reading and adjusting to the complexity of NFL stunts and blitzes is off the freaking charts. It’s almost impossible for me to imagine a rookie being “ready” for that initially. Hell, seasoned vets still struggle with it.

On point 2: you’re right about Long being the issue … AT LOT!

But for me the looming OL concern is backup for Wells.

Last year, we got overwhelmed up the middle: OG and OC. This year we are both physically strong and deep at 4 positions: LOT, LOG, ROG, and ROT.

But Wells is not very physical in the middle and injury prone. I really fear that OC will be our weak link this year and will subvert what we want to do passing and rushing.