Thoughts of a Broncos Fan

[SmootSmack]

I meant more in terms of Dennison calling plays here

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I meant more in terms of Dennison calling plays here

I was half-joking. I'm assuming Kyle will be calling the plays here? I've read Shanahan didn't call plays in Denver.

one other thought/question... are smaller, more athletic linemen, zoneblocking linemen generally easier to find in the lower rounds of the draft? it would seem comparatively few teams use zoneblocking schemes, and zoneblocking linemen are generally to small for manblocking schemes, therefore they should be easier to find on the cheap. If that line of thinking is accurate, then we're in a much better position to address our depleted line.

[SouperMeister]

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

I was half-joking. I'm assuming Kyle will be calling the plays here? I've read Shanahan didn't call plays in Denver.

one other thought/question... are smaller, more athletic linemen, zoneblocking linemen generally easier to find in the lower rounds of the draft? it would seem comparatively few teams use zoneblocking schemes, and zoneblocking linemen are generally to small for manblocking schemes, therefore they should be easier to find on the cheap. If that line of thinking is accurate, then we're in a much better position to address our depleted line.

My one concern is how a small, zone blocking line will perform against the big, mauling D lines of our NFC East opposition. At this point, I suppose that we just have to trust Shannahan's judgement in that regard.

[bigmarley4]

Originally Posted by SouperMeister

My one concern is how a small, zone blocking line will perform against the big, mauling D lines of our NFC East opposition. At this point, I suppose that we just have to trust Shannahan's judgement in that regard.

I think the NFL in general is going toward smaller quicker O-lineman -- look at how successful Ryan Clady and Joe Thomas have been... none of them are monsters. So these quick small(er) guys will start to be valued a lot higher I think.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by SouperMeister

My one concern is how a small, zone blocking line will perform against the big, mauling D lines of our NFC East opposition. At this point, I suppose that we just have to trust Shannahan's judgement in that regard.

Shanahan has beat Dallas before. His OL and their blocking scheme(cut blocking) seems to bring down the big guys as well. Dennison's smaller cut blocking OL were asked to man up more this year and didn't perform well. I think coaching wise its all about the scheme. Buges was a man to man style of blocking coach and I think he was asked to team more zone blocking with the WCO. Thats not what Buges is known for. Just as you have Dennison who os a zone blocking coach being asked to teach man to man. Doesn't sound like it went all that great for him either.