Thomas/Jansen article

[MTK]

I don't buy the lack of depth take when it comes to the OL. The line held up pretty damn well considering the injuries last year. While I'm not a huge Heyer guy I think he's more than serviceable and he should continue to improve. Fabini is a valuable guy to have around in reserve, and Rinehart looks like he could be solid even in his rookie year.

I don't think we'll see another season where we lose 2 starters right off the bat. Of course guys are bound to get dinged up and we may even lose one guy for an extended period of time, but I think we have adequate depth to get by.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I don't buy the lack of depth take when it comes to the OL. The line held up pretty damn well considering the injuries last year. While I'm not a huge Heyer guy I think he's more than serviceable and he should continue to improve. Fabini is a valuable guy to have around in reserve, and Rinehart looks like he could be solid even in his rookie year.

I don't think we'll see another season where we lose 2 starters right off the bat. Of course guys are bound to get dinged up and we may even lose one guy for an extended period of time, but I think we have adequate depth to get by.

I have been banging the O-line drum for some time now. Even so, I agree that in the short term (this season and possibly next) we should be fine as long as Samuels is healthy. Over the next 2 to three years, I suspect that we will see a changing of the guard along the line.

While we may not lose two starters "right off the bat", I remained convinced that we will lose two starters for a significant length of time (more than three games) during the season. Hopefully, not in a manner that overlaps. Our line is of the age where injuries happen, even to those not previously injury prone.

With that said, I agree that Fabini makes a solid backup. In many ways, he is a 6th starter in that I don't think the quality drops too far when he goes in. Of course, he too is over 30 and not a long term solution. Rhinehardt and Heyer give good young depth and I am betting at least one OFA makes the team along the line. I agree there is no urgency THIS year. Next year, who knows.

The line is solid and maybe this year we get a break by not getting any "breaks" (It could happen, I am just not counting on it).