That's been a point I've been trying to make for a couple of weeks. People get so locked on the love/hate for Cassel that you can't say a word about line play without somebody tossing out "more excuses for Cassel :rolleyes:". Reality is that the line just isn't very good. It wasn't good when Charles got all those yards the second half of last year - I can't remember the last time I saw a guy make as much out of nothing as he did in '09 - and so far this preseason it's not looking much better.

Hope to christ they gel in the next three weeks, although I know what the chances of that are.

Or quite possibly that he's still warming up, like a lot of players are. His problem isn't that he has no technique or lacks it. He's not getting beat by pass rushers. He's not completely missing his assignment or blocking the wrong guy, as he was last year. He's not getting mauled or dominated. His problem right now is that every so often, he'll forget which technique he's supposed to use.

He's got to become more consistent and be able to hold his blocks for just a little bit longer, and he's got to get a better handle for what technique to use when. I think that's an entirely different problem than having poor technique. And it's one that could (maybe) improve with repetition and experience.

I thought you were an atheist?

He's doing a preventive prayer.

Doesn't want the christians to slay him before God.

The deal is that they are doing more enough for the offensive players to make plays. They've got holes and more weaknesses than strengths. But Cassel has more than enough time to throw and there are holes in the run game for RBs to run through, even if small. And it's not just Charles. They're doing it for McCluster too. They do it sometimes for Jones, but interior power blocking isn't what they're built to do. Albert, Lilja, and Wiegmann are all really good second-level blockers, which is good for the types of backs that we have.

I don't really know why we're hitting the crisis button on the o-line right now. Our running game's been outstanding this preseason and Cassel's had a chance to look at 1-2 reads on most plays without getting hit. What is it about our offensive line right now that people are so worried about?

I'm equal-opportunity. I used to praise Elune when I played World of Warcraft, and I sometimes mention the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus.

This is basically the way I feel about it, in a nutshell: if they're in an obvious passing situation, I expect Cassel to be hurried and/or hit, and if they're in a short yardage situation, I expect that they'll have trouble running the ball. I think the plays that they do make (and they will make some...) are going to have to be the result of scheme and playcall, because I don't think this is a unit that can just line up over the ball and do what they want to the defense. It is not a strong offensive line. They have not yet shown any ability to consistently pass protect, and while they're better with the run then they are the pass, I think Charles' uncanny tendency to generate yards after contact creates a kind of mirage as far as their ability to run block goes. I think Jones' numbers (right now @ 3 ypc) are more indicative of the line's quality.

That's what I've seen. Maybe I'm jaded. Maybe I expect too much. But I just don't feel good about the line at this point.

I also don't feel good about the quarterback, either. Which for me is a separate issue.

I hope in a month I look like an idiot for being at all concerned.

Those are good points and concerns. I still believe Cassel is a LOT more responsible for pass protection problems than the other way around. He doesn't find hot reads. He doesn't know how to move around in the pocket to buy time. The only way to protect him is to have a perfect pocket, and no o-line should be expected to do that every play of the game. The line isn't great, but they have been pretty consistent this preseason in giving Cassel his one or two reads. When Cassel can't find a read, he needs to learn how to extend the play. Sadly, he probably never will. The o-line could be much better particularly in the middle, but I don't see them as a liability.

As for Jones, I don't think the line is suited for him. I think he's there moreso to be a big body option. This o-line is built to block on the second level. Lilja and Albert are terrific second level blockers. Wiegmann's good too. And Waters isn't half bad. They're not great power blockers and can get outmatched, but in terms of blocking for speed backs, our line is actually very well built to do it. That's why Charles and McCluster are thriving and Jones is not.

We need major upgrades. We need a Center with a little more balance (but athleticism should be the bigger priority). We need a RT with the same credentials. And we need Asamoah to eventually start. But they're going to be good run blockers for Charles/McCluster and they're adequate enough to get some momentum in the passing game, if only we had a QB who made them better instead of making them worse.