GreggTX Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 (edited) Grade our OL as a whole. This is for run blocking and pass protection combined ability. Edited June 26, 2018 by GreggTX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurpleBull Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 Grade: B O-line will be much better than people expect. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangarang Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 How can we grade a new unit that hasn’t really performed in the new offense? 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 No 'I' for incomplete? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 Grade them on what? OTA and minicamp performances that we couldn't see in shorts? Too soon for this. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 (edited) good Edited June 22, 2018 by THE SLAMMER Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Costa Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 1 hour ago, BurpleBull said: Grade: B O-line will be much better than people expect. Agree? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drunken Pygmy Goat Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 Talent wise, I say C. But there's no way to grade something that we haven't seen with any validity. That would be like asking us to grade Josh Allen as an NFL QB. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 I’m guessing this bunch of strangers will have a better scheme and coaching and give us at least a C. But who knows at this point? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
US Egg Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 No way of knowing this until the season starts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misterbluesky Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 4 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said: Grade them on what? OTA and minicamp performances that we couldn't see in shorts? Too soon for this. I'll judge on past NFL play. Start with Mills and review the footage of the Chargers game last year.In addition,Miller was benched after the Cincinnati game because of his lack of bullish run blocking abilities.Talk to anybody that is a Bengals fan and they will tell you Bodine is a below average run blocker.Ducasse???? Dear God. The line is a mess just like the flanker positions are imo. We will have to bite the bullet this year and realize this current team,offensively,has some eye opening weaknesses. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 9 minutes ago, Misterbluesky said: I'll judge on past NFL play. Start with Mills and review the footage of the Chargers game last year.In addition,Miller was benched after the Cincinnati game because of his lack of bullish run blocking abilities.Talk to anybody that is a Bengals fan and they will tell you Bodine is a below average run blocker.Ducasse???? Dear God. The line is a mess just like the flanker positions are imo. We will have to bite the bullet this year and realize this current team,offensively,has some eye opening weaknesses. I hate to agree with you bluesky. I grade them depth wise at a D and hope they can become a C. Anything better and I will never say anything bad about Castillo again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formerly Allan in MD Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 Mediocre covers a lot of ground. Miller needs to perform and Mills has to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 Can I see them play first? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsredneck1 Posted June 23, 2018 Share Posted June 23, 2018 8 hours ago, Formerly Allan in MD said: Mediocre covers a lot of ground. Miller needs to perform and Mills has to go. i think miller and groy will man the guard spots and i think mills will lose his spot at some point.....hopefully soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rochesterfan Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 On 6/22/2018 at 6:38 PM, GreggTX said: Grade our OL as a whole. This is for run blocking and pass protection combines ability. How or better yet why would we vote now? We have not seen the block, we have not seen who is starting where, we do not know who the QB will be, - all of these things matter. I do not anticipate it being very different from last year. They lost a guard, but have a better scheme supposedly so it balances out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 My grade is a D factoring in likely injuries, at best I can see the unit realistically being a C if everything lines up perfectly this unit could be a B but that's a lot of luck with injuries and a lot of squinting your eyes to see every player on the O-line having their best season. LT - Dawkins - I feel very confident here, probably the only position that I can have confidence in on the O-line as a whole. Situation grade (B+). LG- Vlad/Wyatt - A huge mess, a subpar vet or an unproven low round rookie. That's not to say that a 5th round guard can't be good and start but its hard to project confidence. Situation Grade (F) C- Probably the second position along the O-line that I can feel most confident in. Groy in my mind played well in 2016 when he stepped in for Wood and with Bodine as a starting option (although not a very good one but an experienced player) there should be a competent center in this bunch. Situation Grade (C+) RG- Miller was an above average Guard his first two seasons. Last year he regressed big time under the zone blocking scheme. This year we ditched the scheme and Miller is playing for his contract. This is a toss-up as you can project in realistic scenarios that Miller has both a good and bad season. Situation Grade (C-) RT - Mills is a piss poor pass protector but an above average run defender, Newhouse is a nice backup but not a starter. I suspect another year of Mills at this position which while not tragic (at least you get solid run blocking) is leaving a lot to be desired. Sittuation Grade (D-) That's two spots LG and RT where you have major issues and another spot in RG where you are taking a big risk on player improvement. Even Center is an unsure set of options. That's not inspiring a lot of confidence. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSBill Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 (edited) I'm optimistic: Dawkins had a strong rookie year--let's hope he continues to learn and improve Gory has always been popular here on TBD--he has the opportunity to start now, I think he will take advantage of it and be very successful Ducasse actually improved and played well towards the end of last season--I think he is solid, not a star, but improving; Miller did well his first two seasons, for some reason took a step backward last season--with maturity and a scheme that better fits him, he will return to above average form (if not, Wyatt is just a matter of time) Mills is mediocre and will always be, and Newhouse appears to be about the same--I think eventually O'Conner takes this spot and sores, if not, we still have experience and average play there. All-in-all, above average and potential to be good, if not "very good." Edited June 24, 2018 by CSBill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 Methinks this thread/poll is a tad premature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stinky finger Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 (edited) On 6/22/2018 at 9:17 PM, I am the egg man said: No way of knowing this until the season starts. This. Final grading shall take place during halftime of game 1 of Ravens game. On 6/23/2018 at 12:47 AM, MJS said: Can I see them play first? That would be cheating. grade. now. Edited June 24, 2018 by inaugural balls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Costa Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 50 minutes ago, CSBill said: I'm optimistic: Dawkins had a strong rookie year--let's hope he continues to learn and improve Gory has always been popular here on TBD--he has the opportunity to start now, I think he will take advantage of it and be very successful Ducasse actually improved and played well towards the end of last season--I think he is solid, not a star, but improving; Miller did well his first two seasons, for some reason took a step backward last season--with maturity and a scheme that better fits him, he will return to above average form (if not, Wyatt is just a matter of time) Mills is mediocre and will always be, and Newhouse appears to be about the same--I think eventually O'Conner takes this spot and sores, if not, we still have experience and average play there. All-in-all, above average and potential to be good, if not "very good." ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3rdand12 Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 and O line is best graded as a group after letting them develop the repore required. This will happen during training camp and preseason. For now ? I do not have much confidence in them based on individual talent and experiences. And i was certainly NOT a fan of Castillo last year. on the other hand ? am open to be proven wrong Go Bills ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsbackto81 Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 (edited) Incomplete. As important as talented players would help, a competent OC can mask shortcomings and make even a mediocre O line look decent if the scheme compliments what he has and gets the ball out quickly. Kind of like what Chan did a couple years back. Dawkins, Groy and Miller should be fine. High hopes for Teller as well. Edited June 24, 2018 by billsbackto81 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papazoid Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 today - incomplete week 1 - insufficient Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RocCityRoller Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 Too early to rate with an entire Offensive scheme change and 2-3 new potential starting QBs. I have stated that I think the O-line will be more solid than anticipated by some of the doom and gloom posters, but there will be a learning curve and some shake out. My guess is the O-Line will start a bit shaky but gel around mid-season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 D hoping we can be a C or more unrealistically a B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 On 6/23/2018 at 11:43 PM, Happy Gilmore said: No 'I' for incomplete? This is the only right answer at this stage. I will give you a view when I see them on the field in pre season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 On 6/22/2018 at 6:43 PM, Happy Gilmore said: No 'I' for incomplete? ...ditto for the WR corp.......DOWNFIELD is uncharted waters........may as well tag a "tackle eligible" as a "port" with the previous threatening passing game.....fix the OL which may surprise and see how well the WR corp prospers..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 They get an A But they have to keep it....that is how I grade 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3rdand12 Posted June 24, 2018 Share Posted June 24, 2018 1 hour ago, RocCityRoller said: Too early to rate with an entire Offensive scheme change and 2-3 new potential starting QBs. I have stated that I think the O-line will be more solid than anticipated by some of the doom and gloom posters, but there will be a learning curve and some shake out. My guess is the O-Line will start a bit shaky but gel around mid-season. can they afford to wait that long? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreggTX Posted June 25, 2018 Author Share Posted June 25, 2018 WOW!!! I can't believe so many people gave C and even B!!! We had one of theworst OL's in the NFL last year and we have even less talent this year. All of our projected starters have enough experience and playing time for a reasonzble assessment. Dawkins still has a very long way to go to be even an average starting LT and he is both our best OL and least experienced, yet somehow they are going to a complete 180 and play well this year? That's what I call being a SERIOUS homer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBillsGospel Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 I think the OL was overrated by our fanbase to begin with, Eric Wood was always just an average C, the only real loss that will be felt is LG Ritchie Incognito, he was a star OL. Bodine will fill Woods shoes and not skip a beat there (meaning he'll be just as average as Wood was). I think Groy will be solid no matter where he plays, not Incognito level but consistent, Miller and Mills or whoever plays at RT will be the weak links. Dawkins looks like he'll be a good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALF Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 It's up to Daboll and Castillo to work with the OL players strengths. Hope a better RT is available at final cut down. No need to bring in a high priced WR till the OL is viable and can protect the QB. Bills will be able to afford free agency in 2019 if OL needs to be fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 On 6/22/2018 at 6:43 PM, Happy Gilmore said: No 'I' for incomplete? This is the Only correct answer, regardless of being a blind homer or Sullivan-esque Negative Nilly. Absolutely No One knows how effective they’ll be. Not even McDermott, Daboll or the players themselves -And especially not any of us. There’s tons of reasons no team has ever had an entirely different line blocking scheme every game, depending on opponents strengths/weaknesses, and none to support the concept. It seems to me we’ve always had OL concerns (except for the past few seasons) because we change coaching staffs so regularly, which changes schemes from zone to trap to bull to pull. We’ve always had a couple OL who were very good at one scheme but didn’t fit another, creating a hodgepodge of different skill sets which results in overall poor performance. Now, suddenly, we’re going to be the 1st team ever to draw up different schemes every Wednesday and be victorious with it on Sunday? I don’t even think we’ll have a grasp on the skill level of these guys next season (‘19) because of this ridiculous concept. I’m holding out hope this is all BS coming from Daboll, just to see how gullible we are. It’s either us or him who is. If it’s him, we’re doomed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Call_Of_Ktulu Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 I think Castillo is a below average O-Line coach, I have never seen players excel from his coaching. So many unproven young players and a O-Line coach who I feel is below average. My bar is set very low on what this unit will do on the field. I think this is the year Castillo is fired, he is the only position coach that ranks in the bottom of the barrel on McD staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloHokie13 Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 I am semi-confident in Dawkins at LT and Groy at C. Everything else is wither a ? or a negative grade. The FO seems to love Mills' intangibles, which scares me because Mills at RT is like Tolbert on a swing route... Also, maybe Daboll was just being coy, or maybe he hadn't had experience with our OL yet, but he said he was going to change blocking schemes depending on the opponent. Our OL had proven to be competent in the power scheme, but not so much in zone. Maybe that's changed with some of the turnover, but ideally you stick with your players' strengths until you have the players that are versatile enough to do what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soda Popinski Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 I gave them a D because 1. Castillo is still here 2. Mills is still here 3. Wood/Incognito are both gone 4. Ducasse is still here 5. All of the above does not= a good Oline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 1 hour ago, Chandler#81 said: Now, suddenly, we’re going to be the 1st team ever to draw up different schemes every Wednesday and be victorious with it on Sunday? Did Daboll do this in Alabama, and if so, was it successful there? I don't follow college closely at all so I'm wondering what his past OL blocking approach has been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billieve420 Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 (edited) Gave them a D as well think they will be solid but not great in the run game and below average in pass blocking. Edited June 25, 2018 by billieve420 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted June 25, 2018 Share Posted June 25, 2018 1 hour ago, Happy Gilmore said: Did Daboll do this in Alabama, and if so, was it successful there? I don't follow college closely at all so I'm wondering what his past OL blocking approach has been. It’s the SEC West. They play McNeese State, A&M and Sister Mary’s School of the Blind.. Their 5th string punter could play OL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts