Countdown to camp: A look at the offensive line
Birdland – With the opening of the Falcons‘ training camp just days away, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will take a look at some key positions every day through Thursday. Today: the offensive line.
061912 FLOWERY BRANCH: Falcons guard Peter Konz shares a laugh with offensive line coach Pat Hill at the start of the first day of mini-camp in Flowery Branch on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
The 10-day “Countdown to Camp” series started out with the defensive line and followed by the linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties.
The players report for training camp on Wednesday and take the field for the first practice at 10:40 a.m. the next day.
THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Can new offensive line coach Pat Hill whip the unit into shape in his return to the NFL?
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He was fired as head coach at Fresno State after a record of 112-80 from 1997 to 2011. He last coached in the NFL with the Browns (1992-95) and Ravens (1996).
Some NFL insiders contend this is the first time Hill will be over the entire offensive line because he was tight ends/offensive line coach under current Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz who was offensive line coach in Cleveland and Baltimore.
Hill will have help from assistant line coach Paul Dunn, a 29-year coaching veteran, back for his fifth-year with the team. Hill faces a major challenge in his return to the pro ranks.
He must get left tackle Sam Baker back on track after an injury-filled 2011 campaign and find a starter at right guard.
The competition along the offensive line will be hot and heavy with rookie Peter Konz expected to make a
060612 FLOWERY BRANCH : Falcons 2008 first round pick (21st overall) offensive tackle (72) Sam Baker and offensive tackle (74) Will Svitek walk off the field at the end of team practice in Flowery Branch on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
strong bid for the right guard spot that was manned by Garrett Reynolds and Joe Hawley last season. The Falcons also signed eight-year veteran Vince Manuwai as a free agent. Mike Johnson, a former third-round pick, could fight his way into the picture.
Todd McClure, who is back for another campaign at center, left guard Justin Blalock and right tackle Tyson Clabo should round out the starting lineup.
The unit must improve upon the 26 sacks and 81 quarterbacks hits they gave up in 2011.
FIVE GOALS FOR THE OFFENSIVE LINE IN 2012
1. Protect quarterback Matt Ryan much better.
2. Convert in short yardage situations.
3. Block well in space in the new screen game attack.
4. Keep the penalties down to a minimum.
5. Continue to play nasty under new position coach Pat Hill.
Here’s a look at the offensive linemen:
Sam Baker: He’s in the last year of a five-year, $13.5 million contract. Baker must return to form to secure his long-term future with the team or be ready to enter free agency.
Will Svitek: He played in all 16 games and made 10 starts at left tackle last season.
Bryce Harris: He started at left tackle for three seasons at Fresno State. He started his college career as a defensive lineman.
Justin Blalock: He has made all 16 regular-season starts in each of the past four seasons.
Mike Johnson: He played in five games last season.
Phillipkeith Manley: At Toledo, he played mostly left guard.
Todd McClure: Mud Duck is back for his 13th season at center.
Joe Hawley: He was a key reserve last season at guard and center, starting 12 of 16 games.
Tyler Horn: He played center at Miami and was a second-team all-ACC selection.
Garrett Reynolds: Opened the season as the starter at right guard last season, but had trouble anchoring the position.
Vince Manuwai: He did not play last season because of a severe ankle injury. He started 105 of 111 games at left guard over the previous eight seasons in Jacksonville.
Peter Konz: He was drafted in the second round, 55th overall. He has picked up the offense and will contend for a starting position. He plays center and guard.
Tyson Clabo: He hopes to return to Pro Bowl form in 2012.
Andrew Jackson: Played for Hill at Fresno State.
Lamar Holmes: Missed the organized team activities and minicamp with a broken foot.
Training camp Dates, Practice Times (public availability)
Thursday, July 26 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Friday, July 27 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, July 28 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, July 29 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, July 30 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, July 31 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Wednesday, August 1 Players’ Day Off
Thursday, August 2 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Friday, August 3 Practice 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
KIA Motors “Friday Night Lights” at Peachtree Ridge High School
6:45 – 9:10 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, August 4 Players’ Day Off
Sunday, August 5 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, August 6 Walkthrough 11:10 – 11:55 a.m. (closed to the public)
Combined Practice w/ Tennessee Titans
Coahulla Creek High School – Dalton, GA — 4:30 – 7:15 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, August 7 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Wednesday, August 8 Pregame Walkthrough – No Media Availability
Thursday, August 9 Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens, Georgia Dome, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 10 Players’ Day Off
Saturday, August 11 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, August 12 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, August 13 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (closed to the public)
Tuesday, August 14 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (closed to the public)
Wednesday, August 15 Pregame Walkthrough – No Media Availability
Thursday, August 16 Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Georgia Dome, 8 p.m. – FOX (National Broadcast)
Friday, August 17 Players’ Day Off
Saturday, August 18 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (closed to the public)
Sunday, August 19 Walkthrough 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. (closed to the public)
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–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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108 comments Add your comment
redcoat
July 20th, 2012
5:46 am
A great mix of vets and newcomers, improvement from last season is sure to come. Meaning NO get your city ready to host the Falcons in the SB. Now I will continue to smile as the usual desperation of those fans of NO are sure to continue.They remind me of road high school games where a few of the home crowd wanted to sit on the visitors side……the only thrill they seem to have in life…sad really
Birdman of Falcatraz
July 20th, 2012
5:54 am
Gotta believe there will be another player added to this mix to compete with Baker/Svitek. Lamar Holmes being hurt so far means he won’t have any chance to compete for a starting spot as a rook. Is Marcus McNeil still out there, take a flyer on him maybe but needed him in camp to see if he is done or not.
Paddy
July 20th, 2012
6:23 am
Birdman is right. Had Holmes been healthy he might have had a shot. Now he will have to come on fast and jump over guys w/ alot more experience. Practice squad in his future.
NES
July 20th, 2012
6:27 am
It is going to be a long season with Sam Baker starting at Left Tackle again. It is a crying shame that Lamar Holmes broke his foot and i will guess he still won’t participate in training camp either. He is a 300 lb. lineman and even if it his foot is medically healed, the hard part is practicing and playing on it. So all we have is Switek to push Baker, i agree in getting McNeil if he will sign for minimum salary for insurance. i think Mike Johnson finally pushes for the Right Guard spot and that Konz ends up starting at Center. Offensive line will be better with the element of surprise screens to offset the pass rush QB Ryan is going to get. Hopefully this is the year we go to Super Bowl!
fan of falcons
July 20th, 2012
6:34 am
I don’t know if this guy has been drafted or is still available, but the youtube video of this guy making field goals is IMPRESSIVE. Kevin Harper
JSS
July 20th, 2012
7:13 am
Pat Hill will need miracles…
Ike jones
July 20th, 2012
7:23 am
I think KONZ is going to be outstanding. Questions abound about Baker,but how many times have we seen a player step it up in a Contract year? Holmes won’t start,but don’t be surprised if he isn’t starting by mid-season. Also,adding Screen plays to our playbook will help tremendously with slowing down the pass rush! I’m wondering why McNeil HASN’T been signed by anyone?? Maybe teams know something we don’t? Tho there are several questions regarding the FALCONS this year,I just have a GUT feeling that ATLANTA is going to be good…VERY GOOD this year! This team is loaded,they upgraded the coaching staff..and you get the feeling the players have a chip on their shoulders!! If O-line plays to potential,and Defense improves..ATLANTA may very well go to the BIG GAME!!!
Ike jones
July 20th, 2012
7:27 am
D Orlando! Do you believe that A) Baker IS TRULY healthy this year and B) if he is,do you believe he’s good enough to protect Ryan? Did injuries slow him down? Or is he just not very good? And if he doesn’t protect Matty Ice..outside of Holmes,what options does ATL have at LT?
Blue Fender
July 20th, 2012
7:27 am
Holmes is projected to be a right tackle, so I doubt he will be able to handle blind side duties. The way it looks, we have a buttload of right side linemen, but we’re thin on the wrong side.
BC
July 20th, 2012
7:28 am
I think the OL is this teams weakest link. Why did we not address left tackle? Why are we using players that are band aids, retirees, should be retired, and need more bandage’s. How many of these guys would start for the top ten teams in the NFL?
SeenThisB4
July 20th, 2012
7:30 am
A sobering read for falcan’t fans. Goal 1 will be as elusive as a vibrant national economy has been lately.
Paddy
July 20th, 2012
7:44 am
BC no starting quality LT in the draft where the Falcons finally picked. Free agency was a wash also. They addressed the OL by taking Konz, a projected 1st round pick prior to the draft. He slipped w/ injury concerns. IMHO, they did the best they could w/ the circumstances they had to deal with.
SeenThisB4
July 20th, 2012
8:13 am
This is definitely the weakest part of the falcan’t offense. Your WRs, TEs, RBs, even your QBs, as mediocre that they all are, are still in better shape than your offensive line, and that’s being kind.
Without a doubt, the worst line in the division and one of the poorest in the league, which begs the question: How did this team garner a middle of the pack power ranking from TPF? And if you can’t protect your QB, or open holes for your RBs, then it doesn’t really matter what level of talent you think you may have at other offensive spots. Lots of long, long field goal attempts coming up.
Fourth and six inches, you remember that? Yeah, you do, and nothing has changed since then, if anything, it’s gotten worse.
Have a nice morning cup of coffee falcan’t fans!!!
Mikefalcon63
July 20th, 2012
8:49 am
Ike Jones: Baker was actually a pretty solid tackle in college, and graded out fairly high each game if memory serves me right. He should have been a 2nd round pick, but the Falcons jumped up in the first round when all of the better tackles were gone. Baker shut out Julius Peppers in his first 2 seasons as a starter, so the guy has shown he can play. It is better for the team if Baker can contribute at a high level this season. That said, I hope the coaches are not just giving lip service about competition b/c Baker needs to feel the heat.
This team has too many guards, which to me signals that they really don’t know what to do with the position. Johnson has been a disappointment (Yes, I know he was injured) and it would surprise me if he can come close to beating out Reynolds, Manuwai, Hawley, Konz, and Peter Pan at the RG position. Reynolds is not a guard, plain and simple. Manuwai should be given a legit shot to start. They need to decide what to do with Hawley and Konz. Personally, I say Hawley should remain a back-up guard and center. Let Konz play the position he has been playing his whole career, center.
The same could be said about the center position, assuming McClure starts again this season. Think about it… You draft Hawley to be the “Center of the Future” but he is still a back up after 2 seasons? You draft the highest rated center coming out of college, but want to add him to your pile of guards? Where is the logic? Fear. McClure may not be great, but he is consistent. They know what they have and are afraid to go with the unknown, which seems odd to me given they have a track record of starting young players at other positions. Could it be they are afraid to start an unknown player who touches the ball on 100% of the offensive plays? I don’t know, but my hope is they allow a real competition at this position to see what we have in Hawley/Konz.
Unless the coaches are giving lip service, this line could be the best option for this year and into the future: LT – Baker/Svitek, LG – Blalock, C – Konz, RG – Manuwai, RT – Clabo
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
8:51 am
Needing to protect Ryan a given. What Ryan needs is time to throw downfield. Finally….injecting the screen pass into the Falcons offense, a great scheme with a struggling O line. We have to go for it in those short yardage 4th down situations (between the 40’s), failure there is not an option. It doesn’t mean we are bound to running Turner down the middle but if we do we better make it. And unless Ryan has increased his overall strength I suggest the sneak is not our 1st option.
The great thing is we have fewer problems on the O line than do the aints on their defensive line. And they lost Nicks which is going to put wheezse on his backside quite often.
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
8:58 am
When the Falcons take the field, the Earth will shake and other Teams will tremble. Nooooo, I am not drinking no kool-aid I keep reading in these posts…………………………….
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
9:01 am
Turner finished last year 7th in the NFL in rushing…………….you can’t do that without a glimmer of a decent O line. On the other hand the aints top rusher finished 24th overall. When wheeze goes down so do the aints. Hope wheeze’s lack of OTA’s doesn’t cause that shoulder to bust.
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
9:06 am
D-led ? Next time you out at Falcon’s Practice, Tell Mr. Twitter Man on ” Game Day ” to leave that cell phone at home and catch the stupid ball to take some pressure off the offensive linemen.
rollo lawson
July 20th, 2012
9:07 am
In all honesty, I am not worried about our defense at all this season. That includes our our pass rush. I truly believe that we have the players to be Top 10 in sacks. What worries me most is this offensive line. If Garrett Reynolds or Joe “Swinging Gate” Hawley have to play, we are in trouble big time. I see Konz started opposite Blaylock from day one. This team’s success is closely tied to how well Sam Baker and Matt Ryan play. Both need to step it up!!
rollo lawson
July 20th, 2012
9:08 am
Roddy White is the least of this team’s worries, trust me!!
PMC
July 20th, 2012
9:09 am
If Manuwai is healthy I’ve got to believe he’s got the best chance to start initially because of his experience.
This is Mike Johnson’s last chance. I think we’re going to have to see Peter Konz in preseason before we know what he can do.
Im very interested to see the screen game.
SeenThisB4
July 20th, 2012
9:13 am
@Esquire: And yet the Saints had the 6th ranked rushing attack last year, where was your Team ranked, even with your 7th ranked rusher? The Saints have always run by committee, if Turner goes down, what do you all have? Oh yeah, that’s right, you come up short on 4th and 6 inches.
PMC
July 20th, 2012
9:20 am
I’m kind of interested to see where Hawley is at this point. He played center in college and has played a lot of RG.
There are going to be a few guys that aren’t going to make in on the team out of this group, it should be a very good competition.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:25 am
JSS — I think coach Hill is on the spot. Maybe they tuned-out Boudreau and needed a new voice.
DR. FALCON
July 20th, 2012
9:27 am
CONGRATS, ON A NEW STARTING LEFT TACKLE! OH, I FORGOT! SAM BAKER IS STILL ON THE ROSTER! DAMN! OTHERWISE, THE OTHER 4 SPOTS ON THE O-LINE, LOOKS PRETTY GOOD!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:32 am
Ike Jones — A) The coaches think he’s healthy. Baker said he’s feeling great.
B) He can hold up and you might have to give him some help against the top-shelf rushers.
C) The injuries made him ineffective. He couldn’t feel his leg last sason. Couldn’t even get in and out of his car. He’s not Anthony Munoz, but he can play. I don’t believe Holmes is an option. Only the truly special rookes can start at left tackle in the NFL. He was a third-rounder. I want to see him. He’s a mean dude!! Love his attitude.
D) Other options, Will Svitek, move Clabo over to the left side or get a veteran off the scrap heap when the cuts are made. They flagged Marcus McNeil coming out with a medical issue. I don’t think he’ll pass their physical, so I don’t believe that he’s an option.
PMC
July 20th, 2012
9:34 am
As far as left tackle, I mean we’ve seen TD operate this way before, let the battle go on in training camp and if there aren’t any good options he makes a move for a veteran late in August.
Holmes is probably going to take a while to get ready, they are giving Baker every chance obviously, but Svitek was flat out better last year and I don’t buy the injury line, otherwise they wouldn’t have run him out at right guard.
Pro Football Focus has a nice write up on the efficiency (or lack therof) of LT’s in the last several years if anyone cares to see it.
No suprise that Joe Thomas and Jake Long are the best in the NFL. I would guess the top Falcons draft pick next year will probably be at Left Tackle.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:35 am
Paddy – I don’t beleive that Holmes was drafted to be the starting left tackle. He needs some seasoniing.
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
9:36 am
Remember last season ? The offense would play on fire for a awhile and then go to sleep for a quarter or two while the opponents piled on points and then wake back up on fire sometimes a little too late……………………that is the biggest concern of all for this Team this year………playing four full quarters on fire. Have we heard anything about that at all so far as to whether they have figured out what is the reason for this?
And yes Seen, you are right on your point.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:39 am
steveo — Take a long walk off a short plank.
Sun Tzu 7
July 20th, 2012
9:43 am
Orlando, when you say ‘Baker must return to form’ what form are you referring to? His first 4-5 games in his rookie year before Todd Weiner came in?
Surely you can’t be talking about the 13 win season because Baker was pretty bad then as well when it came to pass blocking.
He’s been consistently bad for a few years now.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:43 am
Michael M. — I will pass that message along.
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
9:45 am
Seen, the point being is our O line isn’t hitting on all cylinders, we know that. But we still produced one of the leading rushers last year. You didn’t do that.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:47 am
Sun Tzu 7 — The team points out that his play in 2010 was his peak. That’s when started every game and they went 13-3. (Not my analysis, it’s theirs. It must be noted that he did yield 11.5 sacks that season.)
D Money
July 20th, 2012
9:47 am
I hope Baker does up his game in his contract year, but I still want a first round LT next draft. I’m not worried about the rest of the offesive line since they have Konz and Manuwai to plug up the RG position. I expect Konz to start at center before the year’s out.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:52 am
Michael M. — You heard about that every week from Coach Smith. He talked about playing inconsistently all offseason. Clearly, they attributed the issue to Coach Boudreau since they kept all of the same players.
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
9:53 am
They didn’t give Atlanta no easy ride on their 2012 schedule of teams to play this year either……………looking at it is kind of scary , the only easy break they getting is the bye week and I wouldn’t laugh about it Seenthisb4, the Saints schedule is tough too.
ty D-led
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
9:56 am
PMC — 1. Smitty said they ran him out at guard because all of the backup lineman have to ready to fill in at any spot in case of an emergency during a game. I took him on his word on that.
2. All you have to do is look at the Giants game to conclude that Svitek is a solid backup.
SeenthisB4 > FALCLOWN fans
July 20th, 2012
10:01 am
FALCLOWN fans are so easily tweaked….I laugh at your weak attempts to refute SeenthisB4’s facts…i compare this to last year’s MNF game when we embarrassed you nationally and Drew set the passing record….you could not stop him and you can’t stop Seen…..must be a N’awlins is always better than Atlanghetto thing…
Oh yeah…Saints > Falclowns
Who dat, we dat, two dat for second Lombardi this year…fact…
SeenthisB4 > FALCLOWN fans
July 20th, 2012
10:02 am
FALCLOWN fans are so easily tweaked….I laugh at your weak attempts to refute SeenthisB4’s facts…i compare this to last year’s MNF game when we embarrassed you nationally and Drew set the passing record….you could not stop him and you can’t stop Seen…..must be a N’awlins is always better than Atlanghetto thing…Yep….
Oh yeah…Saints > Falclowns
Who dat, we dat, two dat for second Lombardi this year…fact…
yeahsure
July 20th, 2012
10:14 am
I’m hoping more and more that it was the schemes are were holding us back. Look at teams like NE and GB. Their line is not all Pro Bowlers, but they get it done. A lot has to do with Brady’s quick release and Rodger’s pocket movement. But stll, i think Hill wil be able to identify the weaknesses and work on them.
btw. Marcus McNeil is damaged goods. No team wants him. Let’s stop bringing him up.
yeahsure
July 20th, 2012
10:18 am
LOL. Since “N’awlins is always better than Atlanghetto”, i guess that explans the hundreds of former NO residents that now call Atlanta their home. I guess Atlantans move in droves to NO to look for jobs and better housing.
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
10:25 am
I watched a few Patriot games last season and Brady is one of the coolest and most collective Quarterbacks you will ever see play football. Its like he has all day to throw the football to his receivers. Their OL might be underrated. There’s something that they are doing right.
If you can get that here in Atlanta, you probably would be looking at a shot at playing another NFC title game.
Falconsin
July 20th, 2012
10:36 am
With all this talk of competition on the offensive line, why no mention of a battle at the center position?
PMC
July 20th, 2012
10:39 am
So Baker was playing in an emergency at RG? Ok, I can see that.
Here’s hoping everything works right and he has his best year. (but I still want a 1st round LT next year no matter what)
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
10:50 am
@SeenthisB4 > FALCLOWN fans
_____________________________
Will you be here when things aren’t going so well for the aints this year?
Nope………………FACT!
Jesus that is funny………FACT! ROFLMAO
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
10:51 am
@Falconsin
With all this talk of competition on the offensive line, why no mention of a battle at the center position?
________________________________________
Konz, you’re gonna have to wait a year.
JSS
July 20th, 2012
10:55 am
@ Ledbetter…
That was obvious last pre-season when they were getting manhandled and never bowed up… No one on that line can tune anyone out… They aren’t that talented,; but I get what you’re saying… That just can’t happen, I mean I can see doing it to Glanville but that is a hot mess!!! Especially disappointing if Clabo and McClure did not step up and call folks on it?
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
July 20th, 2012
10:56 am
A little better play by the QB could go a long way in helping the offensive line as well. The arrow goes both ways folks. Throw the damn ball down the field for a change instead of these 5 yard passes. You give up 5 slots for Julio and use him as a decoy for 5 yard passes. JMO
SirReal
July 20th, 2012
10:56 am
Havent been sold on Baker. Never was and never will be. The ONLY reason why I dont think we can make a TRUE run is this garbage line we have….and it wouldnt be garbage if not for a guy with T- Rex Arms who gets ABUSED, yes ABUSED, (it wasnt just last season…Baker struggles MIGHTILY against top tier talent ever since he’s been here) wasn’t anchoring (yeah right) the most important position on the O line…..I just dont see Ryan and Baker going on fishing trips together. He probably cant wait until they FINALLY waive him and use this year’s 1st rd pick on a LT.
SirReal
July 20th, 2012
10:57 am
@Wet Willy I hear ya but it’s kind of hard to do that when your LT doesnt even give you the 4 secs you need to 1) have the WR run his route and 2) get the ball out to him.
PMC
July 20th, 2012
10:59 am
That’s a good point Wet Willie, the team had a lot of success working the middle of the field when they actually ran those plays. It’s just that they were few and far between.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:06 am
Steveo — This is for you!
RUN DMC LYRICS
“You Talk Too Much”
Shut up!!!
You talk too much…
You talk too much…
You talk too much…
You talk too much…
Hey! You over there, I know about your kind
You’re like the Independent Network News on Channel 9
Everywhere that you go, no matter where you at
I said you talk about this, and you talk about that
When the cat took your tongue, I say you took it right back
Your mouth is so big, one bite would kill a Big Mac . . .
Twenty-five hours, eight days a week
Thirteen months outta year, is when you speak
I’m tired of listening to the garbage you talk
Why don’t you find a short pier, and take a long walk
SirReal
July 20th, 2012
11:08 am
Dled. HAHAHAHA! CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:14 am
JSS – I think it was telling that held Boudreau accountable for the line’s failures.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:20 am
Here’s the profootballfocus.com article on pass blocking efficiency for 2011.
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/02/20/2011-pass-blocking-efficiency-offensive-tackles/
Let’s read and see what we find out. They do an excellent job with their metrics.
Chub Rock
July 20th, 2012
11:22 am
A lot of bloggers have Holmes starting at LT by mid season. I just don’t see that happening, in a year or so MAYBE. It’s Svitek or Baker at LT. Svitek does pass protect better than he run blocks and he did a decent job last season after being thrown in the mix. Given the whole off season to prepare and now knowing he can be the guy(no matter what Smitty says), I think Svitek can play LT consistently better than Baker. Svitek has the technique, he just needed to get serious about the weight room aspect IMO. Svitek is also in the last year of his contract so that’s motivation also. The problem IMO is at center and RG. McClure is a stable vet but gets NO push up the middle for Ryan to be able to step up into the pocket. Hopefully Konz can solidify the RG position but he is a rookie and will be prone to the occasional rookie mistake. I want to see Hawley take the center job from McClure. With the use of the screen play, the center is gonna need to be more mobile. Hawley has good wheels. Svitek, Blalock, Hawley, Konz, Clabo are my starting five. Either Mike Johnson or Garrett Reynolds gets cut IMO. I just don’t think Baker is gonna be able to get past the chronic back problems. It takes a long time for the spine to heal and as soon as you start digging around in there things are rarely the same after that, you just learn to tolerate the pain. His core strength will probably never be the same because you can’t really lift like you should because you run the risk of aggravating prior injury. Trust me, the back is a real pain in the a$$.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:24 am
FROM THE PROFOOTBALLFOCUS.COM ARTICLE: “. . .the only Rams lineman that impressed at tackle in pass protection was actually Harvey Dahl. Not only did the former Falcons guard outplay his teammates; he outplayed everyone. The sample size is limited, and he was helped somewhat by playing in an offense that attempts to get rid of the ball quickly, but on 200 snaps in pass protection Dahl gave up just three hits and three hurries, giving him a league-best PBE rating of 97.8. So, while the Rams look at ways to rebuild their line, their use of Dahl could be something to watch.”
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:26 am
2011 Pass Blocking Efficiency, Offensive Tackles, Top 20
# Name Team Pass Block Snaps Total Pressure Allowed PBE
1 Harvey Dahl SL 200 6 97.8
2 Joe Thomas CLV 654 21 97.5
3 Andrew Whitworth CIN 582 20 97.3
4 David Stewart TEN 547 19 97.2
5 Jason Peters PHI 570 21 97.1
6 Demetrius Bell BUF 237 9 97.0
7 Sebastian Vollmer NE 205 8 96.7
8 Tyson Clabo ATL 635 28 96.5
dbird1
July 20th, 2012
11:29 am
we did the best thing this off season that because of the lock out we couldn’t do last and that get rid of Mularky and porno-stash. Those two were holding the team back. the o-line Will be better this year, Ryan will be Great,Jones and White will be the best tandom in the leage and teh playoff monkey will be off our back.
NFC South Morning Jog: The NFC South Is NFL’s Best Division | Scripting4You Blog
July 20th, 2012
11:34 am
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution looks at the offensive line in its "countdown to camp" [...]
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
11:35 am
@ DJ………………………………Absolutely not and Never and Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ! ! ! !
NFC South Morning Jog: The NFC South Is NFL’s Best Division | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
July 20th, 2012
11:39 am
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution looks at the offensive line in its “countdown to camp” [...]
Chub Rock
July 20th, 2012
11:40 am
Why??
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:41 am
Baker was one the worst pass-blockers in the league last season. He gave up four sacks, seven hits and 17 hurries on just 242 snaps in pass protection, according to profootballfocus.com.
He was ranked 74th in pass blocking efficiency. (90.9 — snaps (242) divided by pressures allowed 28 [4 sacks, 7 hits & 17 hurries])
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/02/20/2011-pass-blocking-efficiency-offensive-tackles/
Rick
July 20th, 2012
11:41 am
Lol good question Sniper! Way to regulate DLed, you are the man. I think the reason we git new coaches this year is to maximize what some if these guys do best. I think we are going to see alot of zone blocking techniques this year that will prove to help Baker and others who are lacking in some areas. Plus these guys have alot to prove this year! Dangerous! Be careful when you have a Bird of Prey backed in the corner, they come out clawing and biting with wings flapping hard! Lets go Birds! And guys please not up for it today,wont go back and forth with the banter.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:44 am
This is a blog about the offensive line. I’m deleting all that Saints banter.
Chub Rock
July 20th, 2012
11:46 am
Complete waste of time. 31 other teams… 31 other blogs sites, it takes a real fanatic to spend more time on opponents blog site than his own teams. Lol.
Rick
July 20th, 2012
11:47 am
You the man DLED!
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
11:49 am
D-Led, according to what you posted………………..so if Baker is really that bad why in the heck are we still stuck with him ? Now he did have back problems last year which may have contributed to his poor play but the Falcons just unloaded one player on the defensive side of the Team and desperate New Orleans picked him up so why can’t the Falcons cut the loss with Baker and maybe New Orleans will get him too.
JSS
July 20th, 2012
11:50 am
@ Ledbetter…
Calling on 1985? What you know about that Q?
dbird1
July 20th, 2012
11:51 am
Chub,
we have class
Big Ray
July 20th, 2012
11:52 am
And yet the Saints had the 6th ranked rushing attack last year, where was your Team ranked, even with your 7th ranked rusher? The Saints have always run by committee, if Turner goes down, what do you all have? Oh yeah, that’s right, you come up short on 4th and 6 inches.
Life is gonna be tough without Carl Nicks. But you will see this soon enough. Lombardi Trophy….you’re not even going to with the NFC South…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:53 am
Michael M. — It’s one of the great football questions of our time!!! They treat Baker like he’s going to turn into fellow USC Alum Anthony Munoz. You can only chip, slide and help but so much. Their story is that they are fine when he’s healthy and they’ve been sticking to it!! (Like how you tried to work in the Saints with some offensive line stuff!)
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
11:53 am
Rock on Tyson………….!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
11:53 am
Rick — Thanks!
Chub Rock
July 20th, 2012
11:54 am
If some had the ability to ignore the banter…
Michael M.
July 20th, 2012
11:57 am
Lets all pray then it was the back issue last year that resulted in the poor play and everyone knows I just love the Saints……………….laughin
Big Ray
July 20th, 2012
11:58 am
D. Ledbetter ,
LOL @ bringin’ back the RUN DMC stuff….that was a good one.
Not at all surprised that Harvey Dahl continues to shine in St. Louis. Proof that we let the wrong guy go (should have signed Blalock and Dahl, not Blalock and Clabo) in free agency a couple years back. TD whiffed on that one, and he doesn’t mess up very much….but he did there .
Another team is going to find out what it means to let the best player on your OL go….and that would be the Saints. Ben Grubbs is a decent player, but there’s a reason his team was ok with him going, and why the Saints ended up picking him up instead of us.
Grubbs is nowhere near the level of Nicks and when you lose a guy like that (Seriously, Nicks is the best at his position in the NFL), you will suffer from it. Our line was way better with Dahl. It was worse without him.
Imagine what it will be like for the Saints (who are no doubt in denial about this even as we speak), who lost the best Guard in the NFL to the worst team in the NFC. Good thing they gave Brees all that money. He’s gonna have a hell of a medical bill this year, LOL….
Big Ray
July 20th, 2012
11:59 am
Micheal M ,
How right you are!
Big Ray
July 20th, 2012
12:03 pm
Chub Rock ,
I’d not be looking for Holmes until the following season, to be honest. I think dude has all the mean-ness, athletic ability, and drive to be the man at LT. But he still has to learn the NFL game and get used to the speed of it. I want to see him play some this season, but if Svitek and Baker remain healthy, I just don’t see it happening either.
As for that particular Saints fan….some folks really need attention. You can tell the ones who truly do because their main alibi includes pointing out that you keep responding to them. Yet if nobody responded to them, what would they do? Exactly….so the exchange is due to an attention need of some sort (sad as that may be). And to prove my point, if he reads this post, there will be an acrid reply refuting every word I say (while proving it all the while, LOL).
PMC
July 20th, 2012
12:07 pm
There was this article too from over at PFF
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/07/12/three-years-of-pass-blocking-efficiency-offensive-tackles/
Courtesy the gents at the Falcoholic.
SirReal
July 20th, 2012
12:25 pm
SIGH…..Thx for that stat on Dahl. I TOLD everyone he was the MONSTER…TD…how do you get rid of the MONSTER? His energy alone made that line SOOOOO much better than they were. Thats why Baker was crying last year with the “I Miss Harvey” stuff. Clabo….nevermind. He’s ok…..I guess.
Honestly, I think Svitek was actually a lot better than people gave him credit for. He stood up pretty well aside from the incident where he almost stepped through Ryan’s ankle. I think they should actually give him a real shot. Cant be much worse than what we have. You guys can forget Holmes starting too. He’s gonna need some time to heal and learn. I hope Pat Hill’s got a plan for this line bc its gonna need a good one. This is what I see now. LT- Spam Baker/Svitek/hopefully someone better than either but doubtful LG- Blalock C- Hawley/McClure (toss up) RG-Konz has edge but still a toss up RT-Clabo. That is a LOT of questions to answer. I ‘m sure Hill and Koetter will be ready to provide some.
falconsrus
July 20th, 2012
12:28 pm
Thanks for the work D Led now if we can get this line crackin
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
12:29 pm
falconsrus — Get them Crack-A-Lacking!
Paddy
July 20th, 2012
1:43 pm
DLed…..god job keeping this blog about Falcon football More people will join in the discussion if we can post with others that have the same common ground. You know, like adults!
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
1:59 pm
@Paddy
July 20th, 2012
1:43 pm
___________________________________________
Well said.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 20th, 2012
2:39 pm
Paddy – That’s the plan.
DawgDad
July 20th, 2012
2:47 pm
Baker was a solid left tackle prior to the injuries, and he should be in his prime right now. Questions are obvious: is he healthy and can he stay healthy? Have to hope he’s healthy because the other options are not real good.
It was a huge mistake to let Harvey Dahl walk.
Mike Franklin
July 20th, 2012
3:16 pm
Couple of years (seasons) ago, we had one of the best O-lines in the league. We struck fear into the hearts of D-linemen because our hogs were fighters.
We need our line to be nasty, aggressive and unfearing. Anything less and Matty will be crippled before he’s 30…
Chub Rock
July 20th, 2012
3:19 pm
It’s amazing to me how we can all watch the same games, read the same performance reports and still come up with different perceptions of who is a good play and who is garbage. It’s makes you wonder…
Mike Franklin
July 20th, 2012
3:24 pm
Chub – That’s the beauty of football; there’s no one opinion that matters more than the final score.
ESPN hates that fact.
SirReal
July 20th, 2012
3:27 pm
@dawgdad thats all Im saying….Dahl turned out to be the heart of the line. They lost something when Dahl departed.
Chub Rock
July 20th, 2012
3:41 pm
The Falcons did lose a very good O-lineman when Dahl left but this will happen with free agency. I guess you can’t keep them all. My concern is the plan implemented in his absence. Garrett Reynolds? Dimitroff did try but I think the Mike Johnson pick has really turned out to be a waste of a 3rd RD pick. I hope Konz can get it done at guard. Don’t see Konz ever going to center. Manuwai is more of a run blocking guard IMO.
Rick
July 20th, 2012
4:45 pm
I think we will really get a chance to see some coaching this year. Either that or we will be able to drop those who have no talent. I think the plan behind Baker is to give him one more chance (like most fans I dont see why but I think I understand the problem of cutting or waiving a 1st round pick). I think if he does not show he belongs in camp then they (staff) will have no option but to let him go. If they are going to stick with that he is fine when he is healthy stuff DLED then I think that is when we are going to question the leadership if he does not produce and we dont need that. He has camp to prove he belongs and if he cant do that he cant play the tackle position for us, no more excuses. Lets go BIRDS!
SeenThisB4
July 20th, 2012
4:57 pm
LOL! The simple reason that Baker is still on the roster can be laid at the feet of Julio Jones. When you sent all those picks to Cleveland for the right to draft him, your team gave up the opportunity to draft a viable starting tackle…
cleveland ave. turk
July 20th, 2012
5:18 pm
Kick rocks
Firsttimer
July 20th, 2012
6:21 pm
Settle down, people. The offensive line will produce. The falcons will produce, and this city will be on FIRE1
JSS
July 20th, 2012
7:30 pm
What, only 12 posts since 1:47PM? I see all that “like” think hasn’t stimulated y’all to come up with any enlightened train of thought! So chalk that up to another failed observation of an outcome by the so-called Falcons bourgeoisie!
Firsttimer
July 20th, 2012
7:41 pm
I predict exciting things from this football team this year. I predict a team with imagination on both sides of the ball. Opponents will be kept guessing. I predict the Ga. Dome will rock like the glory days of 98. I predict football shows will be talking about this team. The talking heads who hate on the team will continue and state that we can not sustain through an entire season, or we will go down in our first play-off game , yet again. I predict that this team will shut up all the critics, haters, and naysayers. In the end, all that will be left are the true fans who will be proud to shout, ” I am a Falcons Fan.”.
Esquire
July 20th, 2012
7:54 pm
@SeenThisB4
July 20th, 2012
4:57 pm
_________________________________________________
Did you write that show……………Spin City? We know you think you know but the Falcon brass really do want to give Baker every chance to excel. In the final season of his rookie contract he is low against the cap and it’s time for him to bring it or update his resume to highlight his degree in Sociology. IF he can remain healthy look for a banner season from the Baker.
Countdown to camp: A look at the offensive line FEATURED BLOG POST | Falcons - NFC South Daily | Atlanta Falcons Blog
July 20th, 2012
8:29 pm
[...] The rest of the article can be found here: Atlanta Falcons [...]
explosive offensive line
July 20th, 2012
9:04 pm
Thanks Orlando,
for getting ajc Atlanta Falcons coverage back to the real fans.
explosive offensive line
July 20th, 2012
9:16 pm
the Baker might be finally tuned up like the old days.
Rick
July 20th, 2012
11:27 pm
New lingo for Sam Baker as he “BAKES” defense tackles and defensive ends with his style this year. I am taking votes for Sam “THE” Baker for his new name here in the ATL. He will produce pastingings (pastries, get it Baker?) To all dtackles and dends! Allright Baker the fans got your back! Go getem!!
Daily Email Update – 7/20/2012 « A FootballGuy
July 21st, 2012
3:45 pm
[...] ATL – Peter Konz has chance to win starting job [...]
detlions
July 22nd, 2012
5:35 am
D-Led, I must be missing something. We know how important it is for the O-line to improve this year. So why do you hire a college coach who was fired and is 16 YEARS removed from the NFL??? This has to mean that the importance of the O-line coach is way overblown! Please help me understand why he was selected. Seems like a HUGE mistake. Thx!
John
July 23rd, 2012
3:24 am
I believe we have the talent to make it to and win the Super Bowl. The main difference will be the excellent addition of Pat Hill and DC/Mike Nolan. The new OC/ Dirk K. needs to diversify the offense to include screens and deep passes and The Mghty Birds of Prey will be good for the season. I fully expect a 12-4 or 11-5 season with a trip to the NFC Championship game.