I really hate the idea of Saffold EVER playing tackle again. I would not choose Joseph at G over Barksdale at T
I agree with blackbart here forget that Saffold ever played OT. Saffold needs to remain @ RIGHT OG & take up where he left off in game 16 when he was jerked away from his OG post & inserted into the OLT position. The running attack ceased at that moment. Saffold gave his best performance yet to date as a pro at OG!
IF there was an issue with Jake Long health .....said
IF here boys......I would go with Greg Robinson first. Yes Robinson would have a much easier time getting use to the NFL @ OLG but with he has the talent to overcome the trials & tribulations. Here is where I think the Rams ORG. was coming from......I am sure that GR having a veteran ex all pro even gimpy Joseph inserted @ OLG would provide tremendously assistance to settle GR down on the field of play. Can anyone not see that?
As the NFL season move on....& GR settles on in @ OLT making headway week by week of improvement & Jake Long gets healthy enough to perform well enough @ OLT then Boudreau has good options now ...Leave GR @ OLT & let him grow strong and entrench himself. Or move GR back to OLG and let Joesph rest his ailing knee on the sideline.
I sure have no issues letting Jake Long build up his health & strength by being the swing OT early in the season. Boudreau & the Rams are absent a swing OT @ this time & Jake could fill that vital role early if needed. If for what ever reason, GR or JB has to come out then JL can fill the vacancy.
Having Joseph here also lets Boudreau work Barrett Jones more @ center & not solely @ OG. Joseph has earn pro bowl trip @ both OLG & ORG positions so he is an instant top reserve swing OG and takes the early pressure off of Barrett Jones. If the 6-5 310 plus pound Jones is able to concentrate on the center position & is able to completely dislodge Wells & Barnes as the best option @ OC Boudreau may finally get a solid constant in the very center of this OL.