Sorry man, but our line is not fine. We have 1 player that's close to being an All Pro. The rest of them should have competition brough in to take their jobs. It this kind of settling for mediocrity that drives me to anger. Nothing personal P2W, most of your analysis is spot on. But we can most certainly improve the O-line.
Originally Posted by: DakotaT
The OL is a long way from being fine but it is also a very young line.
Sitton has been a starter for 4 years. but he has shown signs of improvement. The last 3 he was a Pro Bowl alternate.
Lang a starter for just 2 years. He looked more comfortable this year than he did last year. Stability in the positions to his left and right will help him.
Sherrod was just starting to get what it takes to play in the NFL last year when he was injured. He still has a ways to go but you can't criticize him for losing time to injury.
Bulaga has only started 1 full season, 2011. He was doing fine this year before he too was injured. Like all young players he he has had growing pains and had some good games and some that were not so good. He should bounce back next year.
The biggest question will be center. EDS has the inside track at this time but no one is handing him the job automatically. I am sure the front office will look to upgrade this position. But like most if they go the draft route it will take time for the new center to adjust to the NFL.
Barclay, Datko, Newhouse and van Roten- As what happens so often with the backup positions, the rest of the OL are just plain young. They are not really expected to be the top performers or else they would be on the first team already. Some may grow into being a starter, others will be the reliable backups needed should injury arise again.
All in all this group will get better with experience. Uncle Teddy and Co will certainly look for more help but I can't see him using a #1 pick on the OL in 2013 unless they are certain the injuries are going to be career ending.
The improvement we all desire is going to come from experience not new personnel.