re: Need some help with OL.

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It looked like he struggled a bit last Saturday. Not sure about Traore either, it looks like he had a decent game. They need Charles back.

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They both did, but a couple of notes...

A) Both Traore and Deculus have improved significantly since spring game. Sometimes progress is just progress... a work in progress. It was enough for us to win at AU and with both starting, win vs Tech. ETA: is that progress at a rate for us to be "solid" and do everything we want offensively against the big boys? No. Is it enough for us to have a chance against the big boys? Yes, judging by the first 4 games. I.e., the progress is there, I wish it was better, but it is there.

B) Traore has finally learned even if opponent pushes upfield with speed, don't give that inside. That's the worst thing you can do. He's moving well enough to not get caught running upfield alone; he's learned to control that momentum and frame enough and change direction while maintaining enough balance to not get rocked when DE cuts in.

C) Similar for Deculus. Ferguson was beating him upfield, but he moved well enough and had enough strength to push him upfield and take himself out of the play somewhat. Sometimes that's all you can do. It's a "make do" type move, but an effective and common "make do". If you are getting beat by speed, and know you are going to get beat by speed, it is the best thing for the QB to push him upfield to give the QB a chance to step up. To recognize that AND not give up the inside speaks alot to how far Deculus has come with technique.

When your OT is behind the QB and still making some contact with the rusher, it's considered a success. It doesn't look good, but it works.