How do we like Gino Gradkowski as our starting center?

[JoeCool#5]

Gino is a big disappointment and a primary reason the O-line is having troubles. They knew he was undersized so what did the FO see --- speed? If so, he should be quicker than he apparently is. He has been called for a couple of stupid penalties but maybe he'll improve with more games under his belt. We've been spoiled by Flynn, Rabach and Birk who were all warriors.

The primary reason the O-line is having troubles? Wow, its been more a collective suckage than one person's blame. If you have to call out just one person, Mount McK at least he has started more than 5 games. 

[jimmypowder]

I thought Gino played poorly in the first half and pretty well in the second half . I'd give him a C+ or B- overall

[Guest RBates]

When will he be 'ok'? This team isnt going to wait for him to 'develop' while everyone else is primed to win. If he cant produce on field he needs to be benched/kicked until he is 'ready'. The 53 isnt going to wait for him to get his act straight. We got a whole season to play here.

We don't have much choice now do we?  Our real problem is McKinnie is a very lazy blocker.  That needs to be removed. He makes the rest of the line look bad. 

[bravensfan52]

I really think Gino and KO are the problems in the run game. While everyone but Yanda is the problem in the passing game.

[arnie_uk]

I really think Gino and KO are the problems in the run game. While everyone but Yanda is the problem in the passing game.

yanda wasn't great yest either

[izvoodoo]

yanda wasn't great yest either

Yeah, coming off of surgery he doesn't look as strong. But he's coming off a rotator tear, hopefully he can build up the strength.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

The primary reason the O-line is having troubles? Wow, its been more a collective suckage than one person's blame. If you have to call out just one person, Mount McK at least he has started more than 5 games.

Yep. In order to run the football between the tackles, you need a good center who is big and strong. A great center is even capable of pulling like a guard. Snapping the ball to the QB is only a part of a center's job duties. In the passing game, the center is a key part of the passing pocket, which has been collapsing this year. Note the difference in the lack of protection Joe has rec'd. this year vs. last year. He was wearing a flack jacket yesterday. It is obvious that Marshal Yanda is having to help Gradkowski on reading blocks and timing of his long snaps. What more is there to say? You're right about one thing though. He's not the only problem we have on the O-line. Mount McKinnie is struggling too.

[PurpleCityLights]

I just hope K.O & Gino gets it together. Big Mac is on his way out the door & Mr. Blind Side will always be bad......always.

[mdrsharon]

After the Dolphin game, where Joe got beat up, it is clear we need to re- evaluate the O-line.

The center position needs a lot of work, the rest need to step it up,as, they are just getting beat by big defensive guys that every other team has. As a unit they need to play off of each other, it seems as they are not meshing.

 

 As far as Gino, he ain't no Birk.

[JoeCool#5]

After the Dolphin game, where Joe got beat up, it is clear we need to re- evaluate the O-line.
The center position needs a lot of work, the rest need to step it up,as, they are just getting beat by big defensive guys that every other team has. As a unit they need to play off of each other, it seems as they are not meshing.

As far as Gino, he ain't no Birk.

Yeah. If the center position needs a lot of work, than the left side of the line (McKinnie and Shipley) need to put in a 80 hour workweek in. For they graded out a lot worse than Gino. McKinnie graded out -5.9, Shipley -6.6 while Gino -2.1, heck Yanda graded -.5 Guess they all need to have a sleep over at the compound.

[izvoodoo]

We don't have much choice now do we?  Our real problem is McKinnie is a very lazy blocker.  That needs to be removed. He makes the rest of the line look bad. 

I feel like McKinney makes the left side of the line very vulnerable as well.  Too predictable.

[PolishRifle]

We don't have much choice now do we?  Our real problem is McKinnie is a very lazy blocker.  That needs to be removed. He makes the rest of the line look bad. 

 

It's true what you say about McKinnie, but when I saw the Fins game, I also saw a ton of pressure coming from up front. Gino is clearly struggling and KO has been very disappointing after a very promising rookie season.

Who knows? Maybe Monroes addition will improve the Olines preformance as a whole unit. Oline play is really weird that way, because it's down to how well all the linemen play together, rather than individual effort. McKinnie playing some of his best football in last seasons playoffs certainly helped to improve our Oline as a whole.

Still, I don't remember those guys every playing this bad. They have a lot of work to do.

[Guest RBates]

It's true what you say about McKinnie, but when I saw the Fins game, I also saw a ton of pressure coming from up front. Gino is clearly struggling and KO has been very disappointing after a very promising rookie season.

Who knows? Maybe Monroes addition will improve the Olines preformance as a whole unit. Oline play is really weird that way, because it's down to how well all the linemen play together, rather than individual effort. McKinnie playing some of his best football in last seasons playoffs certainly helped to improve our Oline as a whole.

Still, I don't remember those guys every playing this bad. They have a lot of work to do.

Do you think Gino's struggles are a result of his play or the O-line as a unit.  Because we all knew coming in (with an unproven center) that we would see growing pains.  

[PolishRifle]

Do you think Gino's struggles are a result of his play or the O-line as a unit.  Because we all knew coming in (with an unproven center) that we would see growing pains.  

 

There are individual players messing up, sure. McKinnie gave up on a bunch of blocks in that game against the Fins. KO isn't the player he was last season (maybe it has something to do with his back). So, right there you have the whole left side caving in on a regular basis.

You're right, growing pains are to be expected, but it's not like he is put in an easy position to succeed.

 

I guess we have to wait and see how the Oline performs with Monroe in it (without Matthews, the Packers shouldn't be too much to handle). I certainly didn't enjoy seeing our big investments in Joe and Rice getting flattened all the time.

[BloodRaven]

Yeah, coming off of surgery he doesn't look as strong. But he's coming off a rotator tear, hopefully he can build up the strength.

 

Rotator cuff injuries are bad, I've had one and it just weakens your entire body and never seem to heal. I'm still not back to normal.

[Guest RBates]

There are individual players messing up, sure. McKinnie gave up on a bunch of blocks in that game against the Fins. KO isn't the player he was last season (maybe it has something to do with his back). So, right there you have the whole left side caving in on a regular basis.

You're right, growing pains are to be expected, but it's not like he is put in an easy position to succeed.

 

I guess we have to wait and see how the Oline performs with Monroe in it (without Matthews, the Packers shouldn't be too much to handle). I certainly didn't enjoy seeing our big investments in Joe and Rice getting flattened all the time.

I couldn't agree more.  Gino is a work in progress.  I still would have liked to see him add some bulk coming into this year. He was undersized coming in. 

[TSizzle00]

Gino is in pro-bowl form.