re: LT is Starting to Scare Me

I said something along those lines earlier. Someone is bound to step up.

ETA: Bushrod was a two year back up when he took over the starting job. He wasn't proven at all. We won the SB that year. shite happens.

I understand that... But Armstead, Brown, and Smith aren't Bushrod. He was an above-average LT. Average play may not cut it.

I say "may" because Seattle's RG and RT are mediocre at best, yet they had a much better year than the Saints. Now if that stems from the fact that Wilson can run around for 15 seconds or not, then I don't know. The 2nd 9ers-Hawks game last year should have seen Wilson sacked 10 times. They only got him once.
My point is, your weakest asset will be exposed. If LT is our weakness teams will attack it. I don't care how much you chip, cut, slice, whatever the defender. Pressure will come and Brees will take hits.

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Armstead, Brown, and Smith aren't Bushrod.

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You don't know that. They could be better than Bushrod. Bushrod isn't all that great. He was solid, but not special.

Brown has played well when he got PT. He's just had injury issues.
Smith has the talent, he just hasn't been able to put it together. I posted in another link about OL who are drafted high, become a bust, but after time actually go on to have average careers.
Armstead is a gamble... But our gambles on guys like Evans, Bushrod, DLP, Strief, etc., etc., etc., on the offensive line have worked out so far.




If you are really this worried about the LT spot, you must stay up at night with nightmares about the Saints defense.

Oh yeah, you aren't a Saints fan because you still think our LT is more important than our guards in our offensive system.

When Bushrod was promoted to replace Jammal Brown, he was raw and unproven.

But beyond all of that, you have yet to provide any options and you have not added anything to the conversation other than your whining.

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Oh yeah, you aren't a Saints fan because you still think our LT is more important than our guards in our offensive system.

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I'm not a Saints fan? Really? Do you know football? LT is the most important pass blocker on the line. Say what you want about Bushrod, but he is a very good tackle. We'll see this year if that position busts and Brees takes more hits. If so, I don't want to hear anything from you. I'm hoping someone steps up, but god forbid I voice a concern on a message board.

Don't even get me started on the defense. I don't have enough time to type my concerns on that. Plus side... Kenny Vacarro seems promising!

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you have yet to provide any options and you have not added anything to the conversation other than your whining.

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This is a forum. We're not sitting in a coaches meeting discussing who should start. I voice my opinion, you voice yours. That's how this works.

The LT being most important b/c of the "blindside" is a myth. The real blindside is whatever direction the QB's back is facing while he's throwing. Last time I checked, Brees evenly distributes the ball to all sides of the field. For one example, where is his blind side in this picture?


Also, Bushrod wasnt a great LT, or even a very good LT; he was average. Even in our superbowl winning season, he only rated out as the 69th best tackle (per Pro Football Focus).

Here's a good, free article on the topic from PFF: Are Left Tackles Overrated?

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LT is the most important pass blocker on the line.

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Not for the Saints. How many times does everyone on the board have to tell you this. I spelled it out in detail. YOU ARE WRONG.

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Say what you want about Bushrod, but he is a very good tackle.

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He's adequate. Average to above average.




To maybe further this discussion, I will say that we will be facing some decent pass rushers this year. Charles Johnson, Osi Uminurin, Aldon Smith, DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers.

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The LT being most important b/c of the "blindside" is a myth

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Read back a few, o-line is a unit, and this has been well established here. As a unit, you are only as good as your weakest player. We've had stellar performance from our o-line for quite some time now and seemed to manage getting by with what we have. I'm not saying this year will be any different than that, but to say that "one of these guys will step up" is concerning. LT will more than likely be our weakest link on the o-line. Teams will attack it. The blindside was only my argument towards turnovers. It's much easier to knock something out of your buddy's hand when he's not looking. Same concept here. Don't come back with the "Brees steps up in the pocket" saying, because DE's don't rush from the outside every play, and there will be added pressure on that side of the line. This is one of the few weaknesses of our offense and all I'm saying is that it's concerning to me because this will directly influence Brees' play and health if it fails.

Good read, btw.

Brees steps up in the pocket bro.