On the importance of Pass Protection

[Fatbot]

Kendricks is a good blocker and Harkey can be a good blocking FB.

I'd say Kendricks is an effective blocker, not necessarily good *if it's taken in the context of matching the philosophy*. If the Rams preach power running then a "good" TE would be one that sets or even collapses the edge, or even mauls/pancakes the guy in front of him.

Kendricks can do this when lined up as an H-back and gets a running start, but not when at the Y. Inline Kendricks is more of a screen blocker that gets in someone's way, he doesn't generate push. Harkey too -- I actually think Harkey is a better blocker all around than Kendricks. But neither are dominating blocking Ys that match the stated the power running identity.

I would argue that most really good TE posses "hybrid" skills.

Yes I agree that all TEs are hybrids in the sense they block and catch. The Rams language of "hybrid" I think is more used to describe the flexibility of lining up in the backfield or line. Again it goes back to the paradox of preaching a power run identity versus personnel -- that philosophy should mean they should love specialists that are either a punishing lead FB and/or a dominating inline TE. Instead the Rams prefer guys that can hybrid between the two and be more jack of all trades types instead of blocking specialists.

 

[FRO]

The building of our offense has been without vision. In 2013 we moved up to get Tavon, to only scrap the spread offense in favor of a power run game. Tavon doesn't fit. Schotty ran a power run scheme. Why didn't they build a power run offense from the start. It fit the HC and the OC profile perfectly. I pointed this out yesterday and while it's totally hindsight passing on Cordy Glenn in 2012 and Larry Warford in 2013 looks like the wrong decisions. Glenn and Warford would be giant OGs capable of giving us the push for the power run game. Sure getting those two would leave us without Quick and Austin, but they would have a bigger impact in my opinion than those two. On the other hand there was great vision in building the defense. Brockers fit the profile of DTs Fisher had in Tennessee. Ogletree and McDonald were also great fits for th scheme. That's why we are in year 4 still hoping the offense can get us 20-23 points a game.

 

[fearsomefour]

I was starting to get furious when you said bass players are the worst at guitar, but you totally redeemed yourself in the end.

Bass rules!

Total disclosure I am a bass player. Perhaps that's why I "get" centers and guards. Never made that connection. Lol

Not putting down bass players at all. As a former drummer I love a good bass player. Just saying they are under appreciated.

 

[blue4]

Not putting down bass players at all. As a former drummer I love a good bass player. Just saying they are under appreciated.

I know I was just messing with you. Not to get off topic, but why "former"? There aren't enough good drummers to go around.