OnceARam
Hall of Fame
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2012
- Messages
- 3,446
I would certainly never argue that. I went to battle with menstrual font back when Fish was first hired because I had the audacity to suggest that an experienced coach like Fish might bring about less injuries because he knows when to rest his vets and how hard to push them when. But what I don't know, and maybe you do, is if and how much of Long's injuries were actually due in part to coaches' decisions.
Saffold's move inside was two fold. They needed to get the best five linemen on the field. Barks has real difficulty inside, Saffold was having issues with stretching speed rushers out so coach Bou felt Roger was better suited at Guard. It has been mentioned by others that part of Roger's injury issues could be limited by moving him inside for this reason as well. If a player is put in a position that utilizes his more natural talent, they are less likely to be injured - aside from being fallen on and those types of injuries.
I believe the Rams have also said that if Long isn't able to start the season, Barks will move to LT and Saffold will likely play RT - the position he was drafted to play.
Certainly Saffold CAN play LT but do we want him to? Do we even WANT him to play RT? I don't. He has proven that he is a very good pulling Guard and downfield blocker. Putting him up against the fastest rushers on a defense can indeed put him at greater risk of injury and he'd be less help to our offense. I'd much rather have a Rookie learning how to play in the NFL by lining up along side a vet until he can take over at LT.
You have confidence that Long will be fine. I hope you're right. I think it is time to lock down the O-line with some young talent that can start their career with proper coaching. Then we will have options beyond scouring practice squads and pulling in street FAs. The fact that Williams started 16 games for us is all I need to know.
^^^^ This.