Steelers' offensive line could get face-lift

[OneForTheToe]

Originally Posted by lamberts-lost-tooth

We have traditionally ran a "Man" blocking scheme...and with the AFC North rivals all having or partially going to mammoth DE's and NT's ,we probably won't deviate from that. The problem is that Man-blocking demands a center who is agile enough to get into the second tier when blocking 4-3...but strong enough to take on behemoths on a regular basis when blocking 3-4. I am not sure if we have that guy on the roster.

Agreed.

Not just the other AFC North teams, but a lot of other the AFC teams seem to be stocking up on those huge DE's and NT's. Jacksonville and San Diego are two other teams we seem to have trouble blocking in recent years. It all starts with the center. I was always a Hartings fan. Still, Hartings struggled mightily against San Diego recently (I actually felt bad for him last year … trying to block a massive NT who was 10 years his junior and much stronger than him, all while having no cartridge in his knees - ouch).

Hopefully we can find the answer in the new center and revamped O’line -- or it’s not going to matter who is calling the blocking schemes.

[Elvis]

I dont think the Oline blocks the same for Willie as they did Jerome, not at all. Like was already said, it took the Bus to get in gear and to offensive line, with Willie in there, they better be moving or he is gonna be 10 yards down the field already or taken 5 yard loss. I like the fact that Steelers coaches are having an open competition for the C position and the whole right side is open. I think that it is time for someone else other than Starks at RT. I think that if Okobi is not the starter at C , then either he needs to take a major paycut or be released. He has been here too long and making too much money to be sitting on the bench.
Elvis

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by wedosesteelers2006

I dont think the Oline blocks the same for Willie as they did Jerome, not at all. Like was already said, it took the Bus to get in gear and to offensive line, with Willie in there, they better be moving or he is gonna be 10 yards down the field already or taken 5 yard loss. I like the fact that Steelers coaches are having an open competition for the C position and the whole right side is open. I think that it is time for someone else other than Starks at RT. I think that if Okobi is not the starter at C , then either he needs to take a major paycut or be released. He has been here too long and making too much money to be sitting on the bench.
Elvis

There are some smaller nuances that the line had to do for Parker vs blocking for Bettis....but overall with Man-Blocking it is the RB who has to change his style a bit...That was what Parker was talking about last year in an interview when he was saying that Bettis taught him how to wait for the blocks to develop. Most times you wont ask for the line to block faster...thats a recipe for disaster...Its alot easier to have Willie (or any back for that matter) be patient for his blocks and then hit the turbo when he gets through the second tier.

Couldnt agree with you more about Starks... I think Colon is an upgrade NOW ...If I had to set my line today...I would have Mahan at center (Okobi has never impressed me either..strictly a wave player)..Colon at RT...and I am split between Simmon's experience and Kimo's potential/strength ....I would probably give the nod to Simmons with Kimo getting considerable playing time so as to be ready next year

[Stlrs4Life]

Glad to see that we are finally doing something about the line. It remains my main worry of the season.

[revefsreleets]

What happened to Marvin Phillip? I thought he was showing promise, but the article failed to mention him at all. Otherwise, I'm glad to see as much competition as possible, and the more competition by guys who actually make the team the better. If your possible successor is sitting right next to you on the bench, that HAS to make you play harder!