A.Q. Shipley for more time at LG?

[T3hRaven]

I think KO has been playing hurt so far. No reason he should be playing below the standard he set for himself as a ROOKIE unless he's injured. He's a tough kid and doesn't wanna let his teammates down but I think he needs a week or 2 to get past that lingering back issue. We saw it with McPhee at one point, he wasn't producing on the field like he was as a rookie and reports were circulating that he was playing through an injury. Once he fully healed up his level of play went back up and I think the same thing will happen with KO when he get's healthy.

 

Sigh.  Again, his play at LG was not that spectacular last season.  He was an average RT during the regular season.  He had a decent game against the Colts in the playoffs, but realistically their defense was a mess last season, and he had a good game against an injured Justin Smith (for the most part) in the Super Bowl.  He was bad against Denver and New England.

 

Honestly, I think the whole thing about the OL being amazing that we were touting on the boards during the Super Bowl run isn't entirely true.  They played a lot better to be certain, but I'm not sure it was the kind of dominate performance we thought it was for all these months.

[Chris K]

It was only a thought, however my lack of a PFF subscription didn't allow me to see deeper into A.Q.'s performance. Thanks for that, I figured that since the O-Line was seemingly holding at least solid in the run game.. (maybe??) that it could have warranted more looks for LG snaps. However, I guess it was all more based off of me getting excited that the line wasn't playing absolutely horrendous. :P

 

However if KO is healthy I think he should be the LG, that is in fact what his job is and the Ravens won't hold him back from that. I know if KO can iron out whatever the problem has been, (obviously besides health issues), that he should be in store for a resurgent performance in the coming games. 

[BMORElegacy]

I suspect KO's struggles might be related to his recurring back spasms.

I in no way think he's making up the injury but I can't help but remember back to Gaither's phantom back injuries. 

[PolishRifle]

Remember the time, when we had Grubbs and Yanda on the team? I miss those times.

[izvoodoo]

Sigh.  Again, his play at LG was not that spectacular last season.  He was an average RT during the regular season.  He had a decent game against the Colts in the playoffs, but realistically their defense was a mess last season, and he had a good game against an injured Justin Smith (for the most part) in the Super Bowl.  He was bad against Denver and New England.

 

Honestly, I think the whole thing about the OL being amazing that we were touting on the boards during the Super Bowl run isn't entirely true.  They played a lot better to be certain, but I'm not sure it was the kind of dominate performance we thought it was for all these months.

This is based on PFF grades?  Because I went back and watched, and KO was very much a factor in those games.  He played Vince Wilfork even, which is what you'd expect from a good LG.

[ellicottraven]

I thought the running game dramatically improved with him in the game this week, as well as solid overall performance with the pass protection, I know people want to replace Gino with him, but honestly Gino looked better with him in there. The O-Line in the second half really played physical. Unlike KO who seems to have been getting shoved around so far this season.. Thoughts?

I thought Shipley was the worst rated O lineman in that game per PFF...

[Hey Diddle]

I think once Monroe gets in there for Sweet Pea, KO will turn it around, with a true professional along side him.  Don't know why just got a feeling.  He has all the physical gifts to be great, just needs to cut out all the mental mistakes he is making.  KO is a beast of a man, he should be dominating.

[Hey Diddle]

Love this kid though, I've talked to him a lot, an he is just a gently giant, he would never get upset or angry at anyone for anything outside of football. He needs someone next to him (Monroe) to get him in the fired up.

[Chris K]

I thought Shipley was the worst rated O lineman in that game per PFF...

I was at the disadvantage of watching from my laptop screen unfortunately, from when I looked at him he was just generally being more of a force than what I was seeing from KO. But I realize I was off

[izvoodoo]

Sigh.  Again, his play at LG was not that spectacular last season.  He was an average RT during the regular season.  He had a decent game against the Colts in the playoffs, but realistically their defense was a mess last season, and he had a good game against an injured Justin Smith (for the most part) in the Super Bowl.  He was bad against Denver and New England.

 

Honestly, I think the whole thing about the OL being amazing that we were touting on the boards during the Super Bowl run isn't entirely true.  They played a lot better to be certain, but I'm not sure it was the kind of dominate performance we thought it was for all these months.

I went back and watched his play, and I disagree.  I know PFF had him graded ok, and he had a couple of bad plays, but I watched him in the AFC championship game and he was very physical, and was one of the key blockers in a decent run game against a tough front.  I haven't rewatched denver, but he was pretty good looking, and right now he's playing badly.

 

I haven't gone back and graded him against Denver.

The key thing is he was very physical, and played well at the point of attack, which he is not doing right now.  He was also better in zone blocking.  But that's also because Birk held his man.

 

EDIT: My point is he missed a couple blocks, but he was much better than he's playing right now.  HIs pad level was better, and his technique was better.

One of the big things is that usually in passing situations Birk had an isolated protection. So he was responsible for one person, and KO was responsible for the inside rush to McKinnie's right.

 

With Gino struggling, McKinnie has been left alone on the inside.  And that has led to a lot of struggles in pass protection.  That's probably the biggest difference, besides the line calls.