Finding the right OL combination
Ideally, the Ravens would like Adam Terry to replace Marshal Yanda -- out for the season with three torn ligaments in his knee -- as the team's starting right guard.
But it will be a major adjustment for Terry. The Ravens want Terry over Chris Chester because Terry has size, and Chester lacks it. Guard is a power position because you are usually matching up against huge defensive tackles whose job is to hold ground, and keep offensive linemen off linebackers.
Guards are less athletic than tackles because tackles often perform in space, and are left on an island to pass protect against defensive ends and outside linebackers. Tackles do get help occasionally from tight ends and running backs to chip block, but for the most part they need quick feet to move in space.
Guards don't have much space, and they usually get help from the center. In the draft, a team will spend a first-round pick on a tackle, but few take guards, and if they do, they're usually taken late in the first round.
To start Willie Anderson at right tackle and Terry at right guard is much better than Terry at right tackle and Chester at right guard.
Comments
Mike wouldn't you agree that it is easier to go from tackle to guard, rather than guard to tackle? I hope it doesn't come down to Chester at guard, there is a reason why they are trying to convert him back to a tight end.
Posted by: G | October 15, 2008 7:14 PM
Why is our OL depth and CB depth an issue every year? With Ogden clearing space don't know why we can't address this. This has been a problem for the last 3 years and needs to be addressed.
Last week was the worst tackling display I have ever seen. Stop going for the big hit and wrap up!
Posted by: Dave | October 15, 2008 8:08 PM
Mike-
When Terry is healthy,what do you think about doing the reverse of what people have been saying? That is, put Anderson at RG and Terry at RT. At this point in both of their careers, is Terry a little bit quicker back off the line than Anderson. Mathis was beating Anderson every way possible on Sunday.
Posted by: Eric | October 15, 2008 10:23 PM
Doesn't it speak to a bigger issue with the Ravens using a high draft pick on a guy who wasn't big enough to play on a line in the AFC north. Denver might be able to get away with small lineman but we don't have that scheme. Dan Cody and Chester are high picks that seemed like major projects. Neither panned out, whether it be injuries or otherwise.
Posted by: Barry | October 15, 2008 10:48 PM
Speaking of CB depth, how come the Ravens didn't make a play for Lito Sheppard? Since the Eagles got Asante Samuel, Sheppard's playing time has gone down and word is he wants out of Philadelphia. With our secondary pretty banged up, a pro-bowler like Sheppard could add some much needed depht. Also, is it me or does Willie Anderson look REALLY fat and out of shape? I spent my bachelor party at M&T Bank Stadium to watch the Ravens play the Browns, and when they introduced Willie and he came running out of the tunnel, he was gasping for breath before he hit the 10 yard line. After he got cut from the Bungles, did he think he just wouldn't play this year and stopped training?
Posted by: J. Rizzle | October 16, 2008 6:58 AM
Chester is a waste of roster space. If Brown gets hurt we are in a world of trouble.
Posted by: Brian | October 16, 2008 8:52 AM
Whatever they do..whoever they pick... Chris Chester doesn't need to play...he's terrible. If the organization didn't have a love-jones for players from OU....he would have been cut a while ago. The same with Dan Cody and Mark Clayton...... Bums.....
Posted by: The Guru | October 16, 2008 9:07 AM
I agree with Barry's comments about Ravens drafting 'project' players like Chester with high draft picks . I thought Cody was a great one except the player couldnt shake injury bug . Cody played in big time college program , he has several years experience playing his natural position , not to mention his stand out play . The only knock on him was his mental disorder .
Chester , on the hand , has what , ONE YEAR experience as Offensive lineman in college? Upside and potential are nice sounding words , but there is no subsitute for EXPERIENCE .
Ozzie , Combine workout wonders does not always translate into solid NFL players , especially with 1 or 2 round picks .
Posted by: Allan | October 16, 2008 11:35 AM