JABF99: "I know it's been a tough 3-13 season. But, at least, the Bears offensive line looks better than it has in years. I hope they keep the o-line coach."
Bears: "We will welcome Magazu back with open arms."
Bears OL allowed 4.6 yards per rush, Dallas was 4.8 the best were the Bills at 5.3(amazing btw). So if everyone wants a Dallas like OL, well imagine what they could have done w/Long in there for most of the games and Howard starting all 16 games instead of Langford.
Bears OL gave up as many sacks then Dallas OL, about as many hits, although on less pass attempts. But again, many injuries and Cutler 15 of those 28 sacks in just 5 games.
Also, as for the penalty thing: Leno 5 Massie 3, Sitton led w/6 I guess we should replace him right? There are 40 + OL'men w/7 or more penalties this year, but Leno and Massi's 5 or less need to be replaced?
At the end of the day this was a top 10 OL in just about every stat, advanced or raw or otherwise, you could want while injured while never really getting to play together.
Bears OL allowed 4.6 yards per rush, Dallas was 4.8 the best were the Bills at 5.3(amazing btw). So if everyone wants a Dallas like OL, well imagine what they could have done w/Long in there for most of the games and Howard starting all 16 games instead of Langford.
Bears OL gave up as many sacks then Dallas OL, about as many hits, although on less pass attempts. But again, many injuries and Cutler 15 of those 28 sacks in just 5 games.
Also, as for the penalty thing: Leno 5 Massie 3, Sitton led w/6 I guess we should replace him right? There are 40 + OL'men w/7 or more penalties this year, but Leno and Massi's 5 or less need to be replaced?
At the end of the day this was a top 10 OL in just about every stat, advanced or raw or otherwise, you could want while injured while never really getting to play together.
Which all bodes well for the future. No doubt from me on that. It is a top 10 OL. Just don't neglect it, assuming the team can go a year or two without drafting another body or two to add to the mix. And I know you aren't advocating that, I think we are on the same page here, just arguing about semantics related to improving the line.
What I did like about Dallas was how they seized an opportunity and went hard after Collins after he fell out of the draft. If I recall correctly there were connections in Dallas that made the chase easier, but they saw a chance to add a talented OL to a group that already was a good OL.
As an aside, I remember being a high schooler in the 1980s when the Bears drafted Van Horne in the first round in 81 and then Covert in the first round in 83 and thinking, what a waste--drafting OL early, Bears need WRS and RBs? Ohh the foolishness of youth.
Let me throw SALT at this OL debate. How often was Dallas in MAX protection as to the Bears? I do think that adds to stats. Me , I think a swing tackle is a need. Mid , late round if the BPA always.
