Quote:
Originally Posted by ThaVirus
I'm talking about this specifically:
Those Chiefs OLs from 2002-2005 were possibly the best of all-time. Even if every guy on this new line played up to his full potential and they worked together like a cohesive unit (which isn't guaranteed), they still probably wouldn't be a match for those offensive lines. We had two HoFs on the same unit.
Also a little bit this:
I'd agree that we'll likely be middle of the pack, but I could see scenarios in which our defense is more in the 20-23 range.
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Sure. I'd also say that that line HAD to be that good individually, because all of the skill position talent was pedestrian, Holmes included. Just look at what his previous stats were before playing behind Roaf, Waters, Shields, and Wiegmann. Holmes was not fast, nor powerful, nor particularly elusive. He just got to run behind Roaf and company.
And I think Roaf is the best OT I ever saw, hands down. Shields might well be the best OG I ever saw too.
Situationally speaking, I think it's optimistic to think that this line may well play as equal to that one. But not wildly so. The skill position talent is so different that we'll never really be able to compare it. Mahomes may well make Brown, Thuney, and company look the equals of Roaf and Shields whether they're that good or not.
as for the defense, the only way that defense is 20-23 range is a ton of injuries to key players. If they remain relatively healthy, it's a borderline top ten unit, in my opinion. And that's assuming that the increase in LB talent is offset by inexperience.
And assuming that Veach hits on 50% of his first round CB reclamation projects. I don't think that's wildly optimistic, I think that's a reasonable expectation.