OL Perception/Reality

  (From the “Things are not Always as They Seem Department”: Offensive Line Edition)

offense-huddle200x120

offense-huddle200x120

 

(From the “Things are not Always as They Seem Department”: Offensive Line Edition)

 

 

 

 

 
Perception #1 

 

“Jared Allen had 4 sacks so Daryn Colledge was awful against the Vikings…”

 

When the Green Bay Packers played the Minnesota Vikings last Monday Night, Aaron Rodgers was sacked 8 times, with 4 credited to Jared Allen. Since Daryn Colledge was the man drawing the difficult task of blocking the two-time Pro-Bowler, one would assume he had a bad night. In fact, I have heard many say how awful Colledge played on Monday Night.

 

But being the curious type, I needed to know if this was really true or just another case of overreaction by Packers beat writers, bloggers and fans. So, I did the only thing that could be done - I went back to the game films and watched Jared Allen on every play.

 

I learned a lot, mostly that Jared Allen is even better than I thought. Like him or not, he has to be the best speed pass-rusher in the league right now. Allen is that annoying, arrogant jerk that everyone hates, unless he’s on your team. Then you love him. Like Sean Avery in hockey, if you follow hockey at all. He’s a disruptive force and excels at getting into the heads of opposing players.

 

The other thing I learned was that Daryn College did not do as bad a job as you probably think. In fact, he actually did fairly well, considering he is at tackle only because of Clifton’s injury.

 

OK, so you’re probably saying to yourself, what is Jersey Al drinking? Well, I did go to a wine tasting last night, but I am completely sober this afternoon and I know what my eyes have seen after watching the film. Let me prove it to you:

 

Sack #1: Alan Barbre gets beat, Rodgers holds the ball too long and turns right into Jared Allen’s path. Colledge’s job on that play was to just cut-block Allen, as it was a 3-step drop and a quick pass out. Colledge doesn’t get Allen down, but he does force him deep and wide, giving Rodgers plenty of time on the backside to get off his quick pass. If only he did. Sack blame: Barbre and Rogers.

 

Sack #2: This was a bad blocking scheme. Play action right, Rodgers reverses and rolls to his left. Colledge blocks down on the LB and does his job. Spitz and Sitton drop back along with Grant to protect Rodgers’ back side. Barbre blocks his man easily. The Packers have 5 players protecting the back side, but only John Kuhn to block in front of Rodgers. Scott Wells stands in the middle of the field and blocks nobody (this would turn out to be a recurring event ). Vikings linebacker Brad Leber is unaccounted for and untouched (what are you waiting for Scott?) and just circles around and pounces on Rodgers before he has time to react. Sack blame: Coaches, thumb-twiddling Scott Wells, Aaron Rodgers.

 

Sack #3: Colledge Stands up Allen and DeShawn Wynn is to his left, supposedly to help block. Allen takes an inside slant, and Colledge handles it. Wynn reaches out and touches Allen with his hand (tag you’re it) and then quickly releases out into a pattern. Allen sees this and changes direction with a speed rush into the area that Wynn just vacated. Colledge is beat, his help is gone and Rodgers is sacked. Sack Blame: Colledge and Wynn

 

Sack #4: Quick ZBS play action right. Rodgers turns, fakes the inside hand off to Kuhn, then is obviously looking to throw a quick slant. The problem is, the receivers are apparently blocking for a running play. This looks like it was a broken play. Perhaps Rodgers changed the call at the line and the receivers didn’t pick it up. The entire line blocks right, leaving Allen purposely not blocked on the back side. With the broken play, he runs smack into an Aaron Rodgers again holding on to the ball unnecessarily. Sack blame: Rodgers.

 

Sack #5: Aaron Rodgers drops back to throw and has excellent protection, he waits, he waits, he dances around, waits some more and finally Alan Barbre can’t hold Brian Robinson off no longer and Rodgers is sacked. Sack blame: All Aaron Rodgers.

 

Sack #6: Colledge has Allen neutralized. Jason Spitz gets beat by a quick move and Jerry Kennedy sacks Rodgers. In trying to catch Kennedy, Spitz crashes into Colledge’s knee, sending him out for the rest of game. Sack blame: Jason Spitz.

 

Sack #7: This was the safety where Allen beats a double-team by T.J. Lang and Ryan Grant with another change-of-direction move that leaves the blockers wondering where he went. Sack Blame: T.J. Lang, Ryan Grant, Aaron Rodgers.

 

Sack #8: Jared Allen beats T.J. Lang cleanly with an outside speed move. Sack Blame: T.J. Lang.

 

So you see, after analyzing every sack, Daryn Colledge’s name comes up only once. Surprised, aren’t you? And that sack doesn’t happen if Wynn sticks around a second or two longer and actually helps out. Oh and have I mentioned recently that the Packers kept DeShawn Wynn supposedly for his blocking? Did I also mention that he drops easy passes every game? What?  You say I manage to work those into every article I write? That’s not possible, is it? Oh, OK. Sorry…

 

Perception  #2

 

“The Packers finally found their screen game against the Vikings…”

 

Most of you are probably thinking, finally the OL did something right. Sorry to burst every one’s bubble. I know you all want to believe we can run a decent screen. Believe me, nobody wants that to be true more than I do. But alas, our screen game is weighed down quite simply by interior linemen that simply can not get outside fast enough to even help out. Any yardage the Packers gained on screen passes against the Vikings was a direct result of an outstanding individual effort by the pass catcher and a great block by a wide receiver. The lead-blocking linemen had NOTHING to do with it.

 

The linemen can’t get out in front of the play, and even if they do, they don’t block anybody! It was uncanny seeing this on every screen play. Here’s the evidence:

 

Screen Pass #1:

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screen-1-vikings-small

Screen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This play surprised the Vikings, who most likely were not expecting a screen pass from green Bay so early in the game. The play looks well setup and succeeds, but not why you might think. Jason Spitz is able to get out in front of Grant, but completely misses the block. Fortunately Grants picks the correct lane and the LB misses. Wells never come close to catching up and does what he does on a lot of plays - ends up blocking nobody. If he had gotten out in front, he would have had the chance to block the player that eventually tackled Grant. Wells is slow and doesn’t look for someone to block down field, he always just seems to be running along with the play. I can see why the Packers chose Spitz as the starter. Sitton can “lumber” at best, and never comes close to being part of the play. The only blocker who does his job on this play is Jordy Nelson, who keeps the cornerback tied up. Grant hits the hole aggressively and picks up 13 yards, no thanks to his linemen.

 

Screen Pass #2:

screen-2-vikings-small

screen-2-vikings-small

Screen Two

 

 

Donald Lee (the player in the center of this frame) does a good job on this screen play selling his block before peeling off outside. Alan Barbe is the outside player that misses his block. James Jones is the player on the outside right that has completely missed his block. Josh Sitton, late once again into the play, is attempting to cut block a Viking but ends up missing the block. Scott Wells is once again seen trailing the play and blocks absolutely nobody. The three Vikings defenders converge on Lee, but Lee miraculously hurdles over them to go on and pick up 16 yards. This screen play succeeded purely because of the outstanding individual effort by Lee. No help was received from anyone else.

 

Screen Pass #3:

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screen-3a-vikings-small

Screen Three

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On this screen to Grant, Jason Spitz not only doesn’t slow his player’s rush at all, he then for some reason is jogging and looking back at Rodgers instead of hustling out to get in front of Grant. As Grant catches the ball and turns outside, there is an unblocked Viking there to meet him. Grant does a very un-Grant-like thing and makes the Viking defender miss by cutting inside. By that time, Spitz has now gotten down field.

 

screen-3b-vikings-small

screen-3b-vikings-small

Blocking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That takes us to this frame. Here we see Ryan Grant reading the block by Greg Jennings and about to cut inside. There is only one defender that can prevent a touchdown and Spitz is right there to block him. Spitz misses him and Grant is tackled. Scott Wells, once again runs down field and blocks nobody. And also once again, the only player executing a block is a wide receiver. Instead of a touchdown, Grant is tackled at the five and the Vikings go on to stop the Packers on four downs for zero points. If Spitz makes that block, the Packers would have ended up tying the game, eventually, instead of losing by seven.

 

Screen Pass #4:

 

I had trouble getting this frame, so I’ll just have to describe it. This was another tight end screen to Lee. Again, there is no blocking on this one. The Viking player that makes the tackle was surrounded by 3 Packers when Lee catches the ball, yet was not blocked and tackled Lee for a 2 yard loss. Sitton and Wells are in contact with the defender, Barbre sees that and advances down field to block someone else. That was the correct play, because you would assume that two offensive linemen could block or at least slow down one defensive tackle and prevent him from making a tackle outside on a screen play. Wrong assumption.

 

Summary:

 

So what did I learn from watching our interior linemen closely? Basically that they are not good in open space. They are slow, not aggressive enough and are easily run around by fast defenders. Their best work is definitely done inside where there is less room for the defenders to work in and the offensive linemen simply have to hold their ground and let the player take themselves in whatever direction they want.

 

Also, despite what many have said, Daryn Colledge should not be the poster boy for the offensive line’s struggles based on this game. You can directly fault Colledge for only one of the eight sacks registered by the Vikings. There were plenty of other players more deserving of the goat horns, so don't put them on Colledge's head.

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports websites: Jersey Al’s Blog, Packers Lounge, NFL Touchdown and Bleacher Report.

You can also follow Jersey Al on twitter.

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

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Comments (27)

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Stan's picture

October 12, 2009 at 07:25 am

Think of your nightmare first day in a new job and it can't be half as bad as T.J Langs.... thrown into the LT position, on Monday Night Football, against a Favre led Vikings in the metrodump, playing pro-bowl DE Jared Allen. . . Ouch!!

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 07:30 am

Yes, I'm sure he has never seen a DE as fast as Allen. Lang got beat by Allen twice on pure speed, nothing else. Can't criticize him either, in that spot.

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IronMan's picture

October 12, 2009 at 07:54 am

Your work is absolutely top notch Al. Well done.

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 08:52 am

Thanks! And thanks for setting those knuckleheads straight about the use of stills.

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FJ Dan's picture

October 12, 2009 at 08:22 am

Nice work Jersey Al. Not that the O-Line has no blame to bear, but I am glad someone else has brought up the point that Rodgers holds the ball too long. That has been consistent through the first four games. I did not, like you, go back and re-watch the games, but just my feeling while watching the live action.

That screen breakdown is second to none. Thanks for shedding the light.

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 08:29 am

Thanks. Yes, I'm not exonerating the OL here, in general, they are BAD. But Colledge doesn't deserve the blame he has been getting, so I just wanted to get that information out there.

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RonLC's picture

October 12, 2009 at 08:45 am

Great analysis Al, as usual. I do agree that the collapse of the Oline is not exclusive property of Colledge. But 20 Sacks can't be blamed on the QB. Colledge may be the best of TT's boys but he is no all-pro not even close. Offer Colledge or Rodgers up for trade and who will the other 31 teams be most interested in?

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 08:54 am

He's seems to be taking the hit for this game when he had nothing to do with seven of the eight sacks. So just wanted to clear up that misconception.

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Stan's picture

October 12, 2009 at 09:39 am

We've just signed Mark Tauscher (at last). http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/64002592.html

Could be a while before he's back up to speed though. Doubt he'll have any difficulty beating Barbre for the starting spot.

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Greg C.'s picture

October 12, 2009 at 10:04 am

I had assumed that Colledge had a lot to do with the sacks, but you proved otherwise. Thanks.

I am going to defend the O-linemen a bit on the screen passes, though. It seems that a lot of times on screen passes that are run not only by the Packers, but by other teams, the O-linemen don't actually make the blocks. It's nice when they can, but it's not always necessary. Just having a 300-pounder running in front of the ballcarrier is enough to radically alter what the defenders are trying to do. So I am willing to cut the O-linemen some slack here, and I hope the Packers continue to run more screen plays.

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 10:14 am

You are very magnanimous, indeed. Actually, I know what you are saying and there was one example of that. On the very first screen, Spitz completely whiffs on his block, but the LB did have to take an inside position to avoid the block. Grant was therefore able to avoid the LB, by staying outside. But on the other screens, "just having 300-pounders out there running in front of the ball carrier" was not enough. That was especially true on the second Grant screen where a block or even an "impedance" by Spitz would have been enough to get the Packers a TD.

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Dave's picture

October 12, 2009 at 10:59 am

My guess on the third one as to why Spitz was looking back waiting for Rodgers is, if he leaves too early he'd be flagged for illegal man down field. On center screens there's really no where to run off to, so he just has to wait where he is and wait for the play to develop. I'd have to rewatch the play to be sure though.

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 11:07 am

yes, that does happen, but not on this play. First, Spitz was at guard. He and Grant were on the same yard line. Grant is already on the outside. At that point, there's nothing to think about or look for - just get your butt down the line so you can block for Grant.

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Dave's picture

October 12, 2009 at 11:32 am

By "center" I meant middle, as opposed to one side or the other, not that Spitz was playing center. From the screen shot it looks like Rodgers still has the ball as Spitz is looking back, so his running down field at that point would result in a penalty. Until he has the ball it doesn't matter where Grant is. Now if Spitz continued to look back after the ball was thrown, then he's wrong. Again, you watched the replay and I didn't so I'm probably wrong. I'm just going off the picture.

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 11:46 am

Gotcha. It's hard to tell from the picture, but the ball is already in the air (it's right off of Barbre's right shoulder). And it wasn't a center screen. It may look like that because Spitz is so far behind, but the ball was on the right hash and Grant on the left hash runs to the line of scrimmage and then runs out left. Rodgers has to throw it a little sooner than he would have liked because there was some serious "ole" blocks thrown by Spitz and Wells.

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wgbeethree's picture

October 12, 2009 at 11:04 am

A lot of people are being highly critical of Colledge and Barbre. Colledge as you pointed out was really only largely at fault for one of the sacks. Not terrible for a guy playing out of position who may still be feeling the effects of the foot strain he suffered earlier in the year. Barbre, for as bad as he was in the first game, has really stepped up since then. Granted he only went from unacceptably bad to adequate but he has definitely improved from the first week. The problem doesn't seem to be any one player it seems to be a case of everyone on the line consistently making one stupid mistake a week, rodgers holding the ball too long in certain situations, and play calling that makes little sense with a struggling line. These should be things that can get straightened out if addressed properly. Unfortunately the oline coach hasn't shown much to make me think that is likely (seriously...fire campen and or bring in Jags as an oline ''consultant''). The next couple of weeks we have weak opponents and must start showing some improvement in this area. Four of our next five opponents are pretty bad teams. We need to make a solid run through this stretch to have any chance at the goals many of us thought were possible at the start of the year. We can't and won't if the line as a whole continues playing the way it has. Hopefully Clifton returning and getting back to the line we wanted will be the end of these struggles.

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 11:11 am

Clifton coming back, Tauscher signed, Wells moves back to the bench, Colledge and Spitz slide back - hopefully that all helps.

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PackersRS's picture

October 12, 2009 at 12:51 pm

I understand what you're saying, Al, but to me the OL lives and dies as an unit. It's more than natural for one Olineman to get beat during a game. But in good OLs, usually one blocker beats the rusher, so they can conpensate for the other that failed. In our OL, that never happens. The fact is we are the most sacked team in the league. And when in every game there's a different culprit, it's usually the whole unit (players AND COACHES). Clifton and Tauscher will make this line better because they can compensate for other players' mistakes, something College and Barbre can't do.
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But it was a great analisys nonetheless. You should try and change the perception that this Line can't create holes for the running game, too, though I doubt it's just a perception...

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 01:29 pm

Just defending Colledge here because he is getting blamed by assumptions, not by facts.

As you watch the OL closely, you wouldn’t believe how many times you see an OL standing around doing nothing instead of helping out a teammate, so you are definitely correct on that point.

On your last point, the more I study the OL, the more convinced I am that they lack the “quicker” part of the ZBS “smaller/quicker” OL description. One more reason why the running game struggles. Seriously, the Vikings have a lot of speed on D and the Packers OL just were not quick enough to block players that weren’t right in front of them.

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PackersRS's picture

October 12, 2009 at 02:20 pm

So they're small, weak and slow? AND lack funduhmentals? That makes me so happy...

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 03:58 pm

LOL

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Asshalo's picture

October 12, 2009 at 07:02 pm

Al, I can't believe you call this shit an article.

Seriously though, I would attribute the success of the screen more towards the vikings scheme and less toward great efforts on receiving. A good portion of those plays, You saw overcommittment on the pass rush and every now and then the vikes got burned.

It was nice to see the offense exploiting the defense for a change and against a pretty dynamic defense-- something we didn't see a lot of in the first three games. Maybe they can build off this win. But to beat a dead horse, I fear a season of record breaking pain could deteriorate Rodger's pocket presence and confidence a la David Carr. Then again, Carson Palmer seemed to overcome two seasons of little to no protection-- he also has a rejuvinated running game to thank for that. Something I hope we can get going without or without MM and TT

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Jersey Al's picture

October 12, 2009 at 07:11 pm

You call that a comment? - Garbage!!!

Anyway, yes the Packers actually fooled someone for once on the screen, but they still would have failed if not for a couple of great efforts by Grant and Lee. And Spitz, Sitton and Wells did little to nothing to help. That was my main point.

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Asshalo's picture

October 12, 2009 at 07:24 pm

agree on the interior blocking, just adding the exploitation of the defense in that ONE area.

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PackersRS's picture

October 12, 2009 at 09:02 pm

Without or without MM and TT. Wow, so much hate.
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I'm not there yet. By the end of the season I might be. Maybe Nov. 1st. Not right now. And I hope I will never be there.

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Stan's picture

October 13, 2009 at 05:42 am

Lang will start at LT if Clifton isn't ready.

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Jersey Al's picture

October 13, 2009 at 06:43 am

Clifton is ready.

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