nfoligno

Were you describing Benson or Moose?

He and Orton could have one hell of a time.

The direct snap issue was necessary. I love the face mask change. I always thought it was too often called in ticky tack plays. The one thing I do not like is the pushout rule. While I understand why people have issues w/ some of the calls, I think it is a mistake to simply do away w/ the penalty all together.

IMHO, after last season, the entire team should be called out. No issue w/ Benson being called out, but is that where it ends? I mean, who should not be called out? Even our best playmaker (Hester) can be called out for his inability to pickup the offense. And the face of our organization (Urlacher) may have finished strong, but most all believe he was weak most of the year. From our HC to our 53rd player, everyone deserves to be called out on this team.

I hate 40 times. We all use them, but they are too often a joke. Until they make players run the 40 in pads on a football field, rather than in shorts on a track, I just can not put too much stock in them. When Mayock was watching film of him playing on the field, he pointed out the lack of that extra gear, and how he was caught downfield. If he was truly a 4.27, would he be caught? Sorry, but if you think it is so cut and dry between Brown and Gore, than you have not seen Gore play. No question, Brown was it in Miami. He faced stacked boxes, ran behind a garbage OL, and still was productive. At the same time, a big question coming out of college was whether he could handle the workload after being in a RBBC situation in college, and his injuries the last two years does put that into question. As for Gore, let us not pretend SF has anything close to a good QB, OL or offense in general. Gore is the go-to just like Brown. Maybe SF is a touch better on offense, but not by that much, and Gore is a big part of that difference. Two years ago, Gore had 312 carries for 1,700 yards, a 5.4 ypc average and also caught 61 for 485. Those are freaking elite numbers. Last year, the offense was equal to Miami, and his numbers came down, but he was still productive. 260-1,100, a 4.2 ypc avg and 53 catches for 436 yards. Sorry, but I would take Gore over Brown. Not only that, but throw in value. Miami had to use the 2nd pick in the draft on Brown. SF got Gore for a 3rd round pick. Barber is less proven, and I would take Brown over him, but I think Barber could be a stud, and w/ a 4th round pick, I think was better value.

I don't know. Before the combine and workouts, he was considered a 20-25 pick value. Then more and more talk about him at LT surfaced, and he seemed to move into our territory. More recently, there has been talk of him actually going in the 8-12 range. 5 does seem high, but I am assuming Long is gone. After Long, I would still think Clady, but there may be a believe that he is a better fit for KC's system then Clady. IMHO, this is just fine by me. The way I see it, Albert's move up only means another OL moves down.

Holy crap, you are right. That is freakishly amazing.

I think everyday is April fools for Terra, except April 1st when everyone is expecting it.

No brainer, at least to me. I have no issue w/ Cherilius except there is no chance of him playing RT, at least according to everything I have read. In all the other OL we are talking about, even Otah to some extent, there is a potential LT in the mix. To me, you take the guy who has the potential to play LT.

Saw your comment and had to look back at what I said. Man, what a dumbass. I guess I was thinking about Denver picking 12th this year, but whatever. So has your board changed at all? Has Clady dropped due to the wonderlick? Has Williams moved up or down? Otah? Wonderlick aside, I still see Clady as #2. I also still have Williams #3, but I'll be honest. Albert is closing the gap. I still like Otah, but the only reason I still have the rest ahead of him is I just do not see him at LT.

Ha. What is truly funny about this is you think we can gain 30 passing yards. Maybe if we do not count negative yards due to sacks since our QBs will be on their backs more than a $2 whore after we pass on OT upgrades in the draft.

Not only no, but hell no. I am not a Lovie fan. Not in the least. I am not even a fan of him in terms of defense, which is his area of experience. I felt he was over-rated at Stl, and still believe today our 2006 defense was more Rivera, and less Lovie. Not only that, but I believe it could have been better, and Lovie held our defense back. On offense, my opinion is far less of him. Regardless, I could not avoid the joke. Lovie didn't feel Bradley was equal or better than Davis, and then suddenly, Bradley is our #1. We talk about players that make huge jumps/climbs during the offseason in terms of the draft, but how about the jump our WR made.

Okay, I have to ask. Why do you think he wasn't the starter in 2006? Thomas didn't appear to be anything close to a stud. Was it poor coaching? Was Mendy simply not "there" yet in development? I don't really follow Illinois, so I don't know. Its one thing when you are talking about a back held back by a stud. Miami had several RBs of late that went through this. Felix Jones was considered great, but behind this years likely top 5 pick. Ronnie Brown/Cadillac. I understand those situations, but not being able to beat out Thomas? I have no doubt Illinois faced stacked boxes. But while that would seem to be a negative (to deal w/) at the same time, in the NFL I see it is different. When teams have a running QB, regardless of stacked boxes, it appears to help the RB a great deal. Despite playing in the box, defenses can not be as aggressive due to concern of the QB running the ball. Often, a defense will have to use one of its best players as a spy, rather than as a playmaker, as we often did w/ Urlacher on Vick. When a team faced Atlanta, there was minimal fear of him beating you w/ the pass, and yet Atlanta was able to run like a major college team against a DII college. W/ Vick at QB, Dunn and Norwood looked great, and that says a lot. I just wonder what happens when he has to play in a more traditional offense, w/ a QB far more likely to play in the box. Thanks for the info on their OL. I have no doubt Mendy can get it done, and his stats prove he can get into the 2nd tier and make something happen from there. But my issue is, how will that translate. In the NFL, you simply do not see OL flat out dominate as much as you might in college. Holes are simply not as great. That is great he can be so productive in the second level, but my concern is his getting there. Benson was actually able to make some very nice runs in the 2nd level, but the issue is getting to that second level, especially in our offense. I have seen Mendy referred to as a top 10 pick, elite RB. To me, that is the likes of LT, who can make something happen out of nothing. Someone who faces stacked boxes, and minimal holes (if any) and still finds a way. Is Mendy that sort of player, or is he one that is ultra productive behind a great OL, and a far greater question w/o one. If we draft him, I think we have to accept our OL will be mediocre AT BEST. if we have nothing more than a mediocre OL, I simply ask how good Mendy will be. That USC game was a statement game. Your right. I always think of USC as having a NFL like offense, but they had a solid defense as well, and Mendy did very well against them. As for that USC game, did you watch it? I didn't. I know it was a blowout. I know about 80 yards of Mendy's numbers came on one run, in the 2nd half when USC was already up 3 scores. Was USC is anything akin to a prevent? How much of Mendy's numbers came when the game was decided? I ask because I wonder, if he was running so well, why it was a blowout? I may be 100% off base here. Like I said, I just do not know. As for the other RBs that didn't do well against Ohio State, are any of them considered top 10 (or close) RBs, and are we talking about taking any of them in the 1st? The point is, for me, when a team faces a lot of weaker competition, it says a lot about how he does when he faces a more legit test, and he didn't seem to do very well in that test. Look, I am not trying to take away from Mendy. I am trying to better understand him. He is talked about like he would be a steal at 14 on this board, and if you go off the talk, it sounds like he is a sure thing stud. I guess one of the biggest hang ups I have is this. I assume much of this board at least watches a lot of Illinois games, and many may even be fans. How much of the Mendy hype is due to that? If Mendy put up the same numbers, but for a different school (Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, Florida) or where ever, I wonder if the calls to draft him would be equal. Stewart was considered a value (prior to surgury) around our pick, but I do not recall anyone that wanted him. If Mendy played for Oregon, would the calls to draft him be equal. I get caught up in the same thing here. I watch a lot of Texas games, and that familiarity tends to create bias, as it did w/ me w/ Benson. It is also one reason why I am trying to avoid getting too caught up in Jamal Charles. If Mendenhall played at Oregon, would fans be talking about inferior competition and only one year of production, or would the screams to draft him be the same?

I think it was Mayock who was also questioning McFadden's extra gear. He showed film of McFadden running downfield, and pointed to moments when "special" RBs would hit another great to break away from a defender, and McFadden just didn't seem to have it. There is no question McFadden will go higher than Mendenhall, but I think there is plenty of debate as to who the best RB in this class will be. Plenty often, the top RB is not the best RB. Heck, plenty often the best RB from a draft class was not even taken in the 1st round. Two years ago, Bush was by far the top taken, but after an over-rated rookie year, he fell to earth. Addai and Jones-Drew have both proven very good, and were taken well after. Year before that, Ronnie Brown was the top back, and has been solid, but never met expectations. Benson and Cadillac came next, and who wants them? In these three backs, you have MASSIVE hype heading into the draft. Frank Gore went in the 3rd. Marion Barber went in the 4th. I would take Gore or Barber over Brown.

Um, it would be a "huge relief" if he was able to step up and be a #3 or #4 WR, as opposed to lower. Remember Lovie's comments from last year about not wanting to discuss his #5 receiver (Bradley) when his other WRs were not getting it done?

Why would Turner get fired? If he brings in Mendy, then the bears will run their way to a division title, and maybe more, right? Sorry, I too could not resist.

Questions regarding Mendenhal. Madman, I have some questions for you about Mendy. This is not a trap or trick. W/ the exception of about one quarter of the Ohio State game, i am not sure I saw Mendy play at all. So I just do not know much about him, and have some questions. 1. He has 3 seasons w/ Illinois, and only this year took over as the starter. I can understand low totals year one, but why was he not able to establish himself a year earlier. Did the team have a stud already? 2. I noticed Illinois' QB (Juice) had a ton of carries for big yards as well. How much of an effect did a QB like this have? Take a look at Atlanta, for example. A year ago, when they had Vick, I think Atlanta had the top rushing offense in the NFL. A big reason for this was not because Dunn or Norwood were studs, but because a mobile QB like Vick creates great opportunities for the RB since defense can't cheat too much for fear of the QB taking off. 3. OL? How good/great was their OL? Often when you have a RB and QB that can run the ball so well, it points to a very good OL. Was he running through gaping holes, or did he more often have to fight for openings? I realize through a season he would deal w/ both, but which was more likely more often? 4. Competition. I do not claim to be a college football expert, but the only team I noticed on their schedule that I would think of as a good defensive team was Ohio State, which also happened to be his worst game of the year (26-88-0, 3.4 ypc). Anyway, just a couple questions I think valid, especially since, if we did draft him, he would be playing on a poor offense, w/ a poor OL, and there would be no concern for the defense as to where the QB will be.

Word out of Dallas. Per local radio yesterday, it said Dallas is willing to send its 4th round pick this year, but Tenn is demanding a 4th this year, and a 4th next year as well. Talks are right now stalled as Dallas is not willing to give up two 4th round picks, and Tenn is thus far, acting like they will take nothing less. Most here are actually for the deal, character issues and all. Personally, I have to laugh. Part of the equation is Dallas needs both CB help, and a return man. Pac Man is considered to be a player that could help in both areas. Still, this guy makes Tank, Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens and the rest of the bad boys look like choir boys. If there was ever a player who deserved a one way ticket out of the NFL, this guy is it.

Turner input? I didn't realize this, and I am sure it has been discussed, but I just heard a piece about Mendenhal which mentioned how Ron Turner recruited Mendenhal at Illinois. I guess I just didn't realize that. While Mendy did his damage after Turner left, Turner obviously really liked him. I wonder how much input Turner will have in the process. If Turner liked him that much, I wonder if he will be pushing for Angelo to take him.

Just listened to an interview of his. When asked what NFL player he feels he is most similar to, he said Walter Jones. Nice. One thing I do find interesting about that is, Jones is considered one of, if not the best LT in the game. He had a plethera of OGs to compare himself to, but compared himself instead to a LT. I said some time back to watch for Albert to move up. He is far and away the best OG in the draft, and finished the season playing LT. He is viewed as having the footwork and athleticism to play LT in the NFL, but the downside appears to be a stud OG. That sort of versatility is one thing I really like about him. Play him this year inside w/ a look to move him to LT next year. Ironic how I have been blasted for talking about him as he was considered such a reach, and recent talks now have him as high as a potential top 10 pick. Last time that happened (personal) was when I wanted Freeney, and was ridiculed for wanting to reach for him w/ our late 1st, then Denver took him at like 11 or 12. I don't know if Albert will be there for us or not, but more and more, I like the outlook for us at OL this year. Jake Long will be long gone, but w/ Clady, Williams, Albert and Otah as well looking like solid or better values, our options look very good this year.

I understand what you are saying, and have said as much myself. At the same time, I believe there comes a point when you have to simply say a player is not an NFL, especially when they get multiple chances w/ multiple teams. For example, Thomas Jones was drafted by AZ, and looked like a bust. TB picked him up, and while he showed a little something at the end, he was never great for them. We get him, and he is just below pro bowl. TJ is a player I absolutely would agree w/ your theory. But what about Cade McNown. I think he would agree he was an absolute bust for us. Would it be your argument that if a different team drafted him, Cade McNown would have been great, or even good? Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Couch, etc. Is it your argument these players would have been good if drafted by a different team? Sometimes I would agree w/ your theory. Othertimes, I think a bust is a bust, and it really matters little where that player is drafted. Williams was drafted by Det, who you will rip, but Roy Williams didn't seem to have a problem developing. In fact, several other WRs have put up big numbers under that system. Mike Williams didn't, not because of the system, but because he showed up to camp fat and out of shape. Per all sources, his attitude was as bad as Benson's, or worse. He has been given additional chances w/ Oakland (where I have seen more than one WR put up considerable numbers) and Tenn (where freaking Justin Gage was able to perform). We all know Williams was your boy in the draft. But sometimes you just have to let it go. Mike Williams had as many questions coming out of college as Benson, and many/most of those questions have proven just as true. Final point. In the argument that it often depends on who a player is drafted by, I question why you think we would have been a good destination. Not like we had a QB to throw to him.

1. W/ regard to Colvin DE/LB discussion, I think it may be time to move on. We disagree, and I see no reason to believe either will convince the other. If you wish to continue, no problem. Otherwise, agree to disagree? 2. Role of the DE. Understand something. I agree w/ you, but I question how much Blache did. You say he said, "sacks are over-rated" because we didn't have DEs that could generate sacks. I would argue that, except Daniels, we sought just the sort of DEs (and DTs) we played w/. We passed on pass rushers, and instead signed run stuffers. To me, that implies the philosophy came first. To me, the #1 job of the DE is to attack the QB. #2 is to try to maintain gaps in doing so, which will lead to #3, stopping the run. Blache simply seemed to look at it in reverse order. He was all about stopping the run first and foremost. He didn't want edge rushers who took wide angles, and exposed the outside for the RB. We rushed the passer in a gap controlled scheme, which works okay if the corners can hold, but is not one that often creates on its own. Like I said, I disagreed w/ the philosophy, but that is what we ran. 3. Again, to remind you, I REALLY wanted Rice. At the same time, the point of saying he would have been wasted w/ us is this. Rice was an edge rusher, who often took wide angles and exposed his side of the line to runs, or exposed the LBs more. While I agree in general that Rice on the right, Daniels on the left, and TW/Traylor inside, would have been a sollid DL, I simply do not feel Blache would have allowed Rice to play his game. I think the first time a big run happened because Rice took a wide angle, or left his gap, Blache would have been all over him. W/ most any other DC, I couldn't agree w/ you more. But w/ Blache, I simply think Rice would never have been the dominant player he was, because Blache would have messed w/ his game too much. It would be like forcing a mobile QB to stay in the pocket. It would be like having Bettis run to the outside, or Wolfe inside. Even great players can look like crap in the wrong system, and that is what I think would have happened w/ Rice in our 2001 system. 4. We agree on our WRs from then, and agree on Engram. The point I made though about Booker not developing if Engram was on the team is this. While you say Engram and Booker would have made for a solid starting pair, and FAR better than Booker White, I agree but do not feel that is what we would have seen. Booker was viewed as a similar player as Engram. If Engram were on the team, it would more likely have been Dez and Engram as the starters, not Book and Engram. I simply question how much PT Booker would have received w/ Engram on the team.

I think I do recall you mentioning you wanted D Johnson as well! I apologize for not recalling that! (Too many Old Styles...) I can see your thinking that he may not have excelled as much here than KC...but I just have to think that talent would over-rule the position and he would be better than Hunter (as much as I like Hunter). He would probably be one of these unsung guys in the league... Those in the know would say he makes a difference, but there aren't stats for what he'd do. I guess it's moot regardless! But, I really think we'd have been better off in the long run. Odss are TJ would still be here doing a decent job and the D would be slightly better as well... Just a Madden-esque fantization! One. You say you think DJ would have done well enough, stating that you believe "talent would over-rule the position". My case in point to counter would be to remind you Urlacher started out at SLB, and looked freaking awful. He was constantly tied up by blockers and unable to be the play maker he is today. Urlacher is one of the best LBs in the league, but in the wrong position, not only would have missed out on all the pro bowls, but may not have even been a starter. He looked that bad at SLB. Does that mean DJ would have looked equally as bad? Not sure, but I tend to think maybe. If DJ were slotted at SLB in a system that better utilizes the position, it may have been different, which is what I wanted. But in our system, where the SLB spends his day taking on blockers and paving the way for Urlacher, not to mention sitting down on many 3rd downs and nickel situations, I simply tend to think DJ would have been declared a major bust for us. Hind sight 20/20, if we wanted a SLB, Ware or Merriman would have likely been the better choice over DJ. The only way DJ would have made sense is if we would have moved Briggs to SLB, but Briggs has set a pretty high bar that DJ would have had to equal to make that a better choice. Ironically, that top 10 that year pretty much sucked. 1 - Alex Smith - After three years, SF has no idea if they have a QB, but the thought is no. 2 - Ronnie Brown - Personally, I think he has been great, but on a horrible offense and suffered injuries to make matters worse. 3 - Braylon Edwards - Stud. Loved him on my FF team. He is an exception, not the rule, in this group though. 4 - Benson 5 - Caddilac - Looked like a stud early, and now looks like a dud. 6 - Pac Man - Not only a bust, but an embarassment 7 - Troy Williams - Bust 8 - Antrel Rolle - I think he is okay, but has not developed into the DB expected. Not even close. 9 - Carlos Rogers - I know little about him, which to me implies he has not lived up to his billing. 10 - Mike Williams - Bust on a level that makes Benson look like a stud. Besides Edwards, this is a really ugly group. Ironically, the next 10 looked far better w/: Ware, Merriman, Brown (starting OL), Derrick Johnson, and a few other good, but not great starters. Not a good year to have a top 10 pick. 2. You say two things I tend to believe conflict each other. First, you state that TJ was a good (not great) RB who performed well when our OL performed well. Later, you say that if we didn't draft Benson, TJ would still be here doing a decent job. Really? I am not sure NYJ's OL was any worse than ours, and would probably argue it was better, and TJ stunk for them. If you believe so goes the OL, so goes TJ, what makes you think he would have done even "decent" behind last years OL. You continue to state that if we didn't draft Benson (implying we took DJ) our defense would be better. I question this too. DJ is simply not a SLB. He is a LB who's game is based off speed, suited for WLB, and who IMHO, would be eaten up at SLB. In fact, I would argue Hunter would be an upgrade at SLB to DJ. 3. You want Madden-esq fantasy. How about this. Instead of taking Benson, we trade down w/ Dallas for their 11th and 2nd rounder (42nd pick) which would be solid value per the chart. We draft the following: 11th - DeMarcus Ware - Excellent SLB who plays the run, is pretty good in coverage and can really get after the QB (33.5 sacks in his 3 seasons). I take him over Merriman, who is great in a 3-4, but no sure thing in a 4-3. 39th pick - Michael Roos - Starting LT for Tenn. Sorry Bradley fans. 42nd pick - Frank Gore - Hurts to pass on Tatupu, as I really like him, but we have taken our LB and have other needs. Frank Gore is instant impact. 106th pick - No 3rd rounder that year. W/ Gore already on board, we shock everyone by taking Marion Barber. The 1-2 punch of Gore/Barber is what many felt TJ/Benson could have been. Only superior. RB was a position we wanted to upgrade (hence the Benson pick) and we do that in spades w/ Gore and Barber. 140th pick - Chris Kemoeatu - Solid Guard who would look pretty good right now. 181st pick - Derrick Anderson - Maybe it was a fluke, but give me Anderson in the 6th over Orton in the 4th. 220th pick - Jay Ratliff - Solid DT. This 7th rounder has done more than our 3rd round pick from that same draft. Yea, I like that draft. At RB, I do not get Benson, but instead add Gore and Barber. No Derrick Johnson, but Ware is simply a FAR better SLB. I add a solid T, G and DT to shore up the trenches, and add a QB to develop.

Couple things. One. This may be an argument of words over meaning, but you said it is not so easy to find a good back. I think it is, but would also add that it is not so easy to find a great back. Frankly, I am not sure which you meant because while you said good, I believe you consider Mendenhal great, thus the logic behind drafting him. I think the league is loaded w/ good backs who were found throughout the draft, and beyond. Good backs are ones, IMHO, who can put up 1,200, 1,300 or more yards behind a good OL, but will look very average behind a lesser OL. Great backs are a step above. These are the guys who can not only do well (1,200 yards on a 4.2 ypc avg.) behind a good OL, but dominate. These are the backs that can put up 1,500 yards. Who can carry an offense. Who can score high numbers, even against stacked boxes. These game changers are not easy to find. Good backs i think are. Two. You said you believe Mendenhal is a top 10 pick. I disagree, but at the same time, far more understand your logic and reasoning for wanting to draft him over OT. If I felt he was a top 10 pick who slipped to the 14th spot due, in large part, to team needs of the top 13 picks, I may then be more on board w/ taking him over OT, which I find to be a far greater need. Clady may be the excpeption, as I think he may well be a top 10 value as well. But if we are sitting there at 14, and I am looking at Williams v Mendy.... In that scenario, I see why you would take Mendy. You view him as a top 10 pick, while you view Williams as maybe a good value at 14, but not a steal, which you believe Mendy is. That is fine. I can understand that logic. I simply do not view Mendy as a top 10 pick. I think his value is right about where we are sitting now. If we took him, he would be a solid value pick, but I would not consider him a steal. I view Williams and Otah the same, but feel OL is simply a greater need. Thus, values being about equal, I take the greater need. You simply disagree on values. Three. We were on the same page on Derrick Johnson. He was my #1 choice, and it was not even close. Likely different from you, I will admit I liked Benson. I would add that, in hind sight, I am not sure passing on DJ was a mistake. I question how great he would have looked in our system. He has excelled in KC, but at WLB, which is well filled by Briggs. That means he would have had to play SLB, and I am not sure how well he would have developed there. I would add that, so many times, Rivera talked about how the SLB in our system is more of a grunt player. One that is not often in a position to made big impact plays. One who often takes on the TE and eats up blockers. You can argue, as I tried back then, how we would change our system to better utilize DJ, but I am not sure we have coaches who do that. I think we have coaches who more try to force players into their system, rather than adapt the system to the players. So as high as I was on DJ, I am not sure he would have been that great for us, and think he would have been more likely considered a bust for us if we took him.

His point is the "wasted" comment was to mean that if we do not upgrade the OL, no RB is going to look good. If Mendenhal comes in and runs behind our OL, he too is likely to put up weak numbers. It isn't to say or mean Mendenhal sucks. Only to mean that w/o upgrade the OL, he would be getting him behind the LOS, and suck, and our run game would not improve. Also, just wanted to talk about the examples. You may not be ready to anoint Grant. Fine. At the same time, he stepped up when some other RBs did not, and stepped up big time. Not saying he is a proven stud, but I do not think you can take away from him. You mention 4 other teams, but I am not sure your point. The point was made it is not as difficult to find a RB, but the point is made as part of the greater argument that OLs can make a RB. You throw out 4 teams that struggled at RB, but at the same time, those teams did not have OLs worth speaking off, and thus are not great examples. Further, I wonder if they would not also provide evidence of drafting OL. Det - They have tried to use a 1st round pick (Kevin Jones) as well as RBs that showed something elsewhere, like Bell. None have really worked out. While they have struggled to find a RB, at the same time, their OL has remained a big problem. They tried to build their OL through FA and spent a 1st on a RB, but it didn't workout, as that paid for OL continued to suck. So while they struggle to find a RB, maybe part of the reason is putting their FAs and draft picks behind a shit OL. Carolina - Another below average OL, and another team that has put a 1st and 2nd round pick at RB behind this weak OL. Once again we see how highly touted RBs struggle w/o a solid OL to block for them. Cincy - Not sure they have had trouble finding a good RB. Rudi Johnson is a very good RB, but when their OL went to shit, so did his overall numbers. Here is a team that had a solid RB in Rudi, and then added another 1st (Perry) and 2nd (Irons). None have shined, but while the team has added higher end RBs, it has not upgraded the OL well enough, and thus the ground game has continued to struggle, despite a high powere passing attack that prevents teams from stacking the box. Atlanta - I would use Atlanta as an example that a good OL makes the difference. This year was a bomb, but Dunn did fairly well due to a decent OL. Seattle - Yet another example I would point to the importance of the OL. Not long ago, Seattle appeared to have the best OL in the game, or among the best. They lost Hutch and one other OL which they failed to adequately replace, and their run game went to the crapper. While there are exceptions to every rule, I simply am among those who believe that if you have a good OL, you will have a good run game, regardless who is running the ball. Behind a good OL, I think AP could look good, and I mean our AP. W/o a good OL, AP would not even look good, and I mean Minny's AP on that one.