Brad Biggs on Ryan Poles OL Failure (brutal)

Why is everyone pretending that this OL is a complete mystery, or we've seen enough sample that the final judgement is in?   Are they all rookies who are a complete mystery?  All UDFA or cast-offs that get no more than a 2 game short rope?   The narrative around this is nuts, IMO.  We've seen these guys before playing well, and we'll see it again (and better). 

1. There are two high draft picks still 23 and 25 years old (Wright and Jenk - and some dummy called Jenk "overdrafted" on WSCR this week, even though he has dominated in the past and recognized as one of the best G in the league!)
2. One FA signing who can be a damn good RG and especially run blocker.  Sure, he's a PITA and as it turns out Flus' culture isn't strong enough to convert a jerk.  But he isn't "bad" at OL-ing
3. Brax (26) has been considered a draft steal and fast-developing prospect in some circles, and to others he's simply labeled a "finesse tackle".... but reality is he is still super-young and a PROJECT.  He was never going to be an all-pro in his first several years, but his upside is still tremendous. He'll improve his base, and in run blocking he's quite good.
4. They signed Bates and Shelton to bring some experience and better play to the C position, and wow we haven't seen it in the new system yet and folks want to call the election with 11% of the vote in. Not wise.  

Most of this discussion simply stinks of impatience and lack of perspective.  The offense and system are new.  The QB is a rookie experiencing his first games at NFL speed and with DCs gunning for him. They hardly played in preseason including having a few weeks off between the final PS game and the regular season.  3 out of the 5 guys are young and/or still learning their position. Shelton will get better.  It is unfortunate that Bates is hurt but there are other backups and guess what?  A LOT of teams end up playing with a couple of backups during the season - like, almost every team.  Welcome to the NFL.  EVEN if one or two other FA were brought in, the circumstances strongly suggest that there would still be struggles and adjustments for a while. 

I'll maintain that these guys like Belichick and Biggs are just doing their job - commenting on what looks worst to them. They're not bringing some kind of authority to the discussion in the sense that if THEY say something it is gospel and unquestionably true. Yeah the OL has looked worst.  But also the WRs have looked bad, and out of synch with Caleb.  Swift has looked bad even when the OL hasn't been letting tacklers get to 4 behind the LOS. Caleb has made a lot of rookie mistakes and other than in the quick game still isn't comfortable with his timing and ball placement.  Who knows what is happening in the huddle and in the communications around blocking assignments.  

It COULD take 5-6 games or even more for all this to gel, folks.  So let's not all go around shouting the sky is falling.  It is not.  WE are unjustifiably impatient with newness.

Wright sure looking like a legit 1st round pick. If only we didn't pass on an all pro dline player....