Offensive Line Analysis

[darklight1216]

http://www.ultimateffstrategy.com/2009_OLine/baltimore_ravens.htm

2009 Projected Starters:
Left Tackle: Jared Gaither
Left Guard: Ben Grubbs
Center: Matt Birk
Right Guard: Marshal Yanda / Chris Chester
Right Tackle: Michael Oher

2008 Injuries:
G Marshal Yanda: Weeks 7 to 17


Overview:
The 2008 season was the first one in the post-Ogden era for the Ravens and surprisingly the offense ranked 11th in the NFL in points scored, their best season since 2003. The Ravens ran week in and week out behind their young offensive line and averaged a respectable 4.0 yards per carry, same as 2007, despite a league-leading 592 attempts. Moreover, they improved in pass protection by allowing 33 sacks as opposed to 39 in 2007 and ranked 18th in the NFL.

Starting at left tackle for the second consecutive season will be the 23-year old, 6’9” and 350 lbs Jared Gaither. Despite only starting only two games in 2007, Gaither was named to be Jonathan Ogden’s successor and played surprisingly well throughout the season. Gaither ranked sixth amongst left tackles with only 3.0 sacks allowed. He has all the physical abilities to be one of the best left tackles in the AFC but he needs to improve his technique to become more efficient as a run blocker. Nonetheless, in his first season as a starter, Gaither secured his spot as the starting left tackle for the Ravens for years to come. Opposite of him at right tackle will be the Ravens 2009 first round pick Michael Oher. Oher was the star of Michael Lewis’s book “Blindside” and has shown tremendous development on and off the field in the past ten years. He has great size at 6’5” and 310 lbs and very quick feet, two very good assets to succeed as a tackle in the NFL. Unfortunately, Oher still has a lot of work to do on his technique and will also need to get stronger to be effective as a run blocker, especially as a right tackle. All in all he has all the assets to be effective in the NFL but it may take him a few years to develop into a good starter at the next level. Adam Terry was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft to be Ogden’s replacement at left tackle but has been disappointing in the past few seasons. He is also very big at 6’8” and 330 lbs and has pretty good strength but is not particularly intense in his blocking. Terry is good in pass protection because of his size and athleticism but is a below average run blocker. He is an adequate backup on both sides of the line and could start on the right side if Oher is not yet ready to go. Also adding depth at tackle are Oniel Cousins, third round pick in 2008, and David Hale, fourth round pick in 2008. Both were in uniform for a few games last year but did not see any action as starters; Hale can also play guard.

Starting at left guard will be last year’s first round pick Ben Grubbs who had a very impressive rookie year and was equally impressive last season at left guard. Grubbs is strong and athletic at 6’3” and 315 lbs and has a very good work ethic. His athleticism allows him to pull to the outside as a run blocker although he could build a little more strength to be more effective when blocking in motion. Grubbs is equally solid in pass protection because of his good technique and quick feet. He should be an excellent guard in the NFL for many years and is likely a future Pro Bowler. Starting on the right side should be Marshal Yanda, a third round pick in 2007 who was a guard in college but filled in at right tackle in his rookie season. Last season, Yanda was back at guard but suffered a season-ending knee injury in week six. He is very likely to miss training camp and could begin the year on the PUP list. Yanda is known for his great intensity and never giving up on a block. He is not particularly athletic so is a better fit at guard in the NFL but could still be an adequate tackle and should continue to improve. If he’s not ready to go, Chris Chester, who started 11 games last season, will fill in for Yanda. The Ravens were still effective in the 11 games that Chester started with an average of 4.2 yards per carry but Chester must get stronger in order to be effective at guard in the NFL. He is quick and explosive so he could be a good starter but he still has work to do.

At center, the Ravens signed six-time Pro Bowler Matt Birk to replace Jason Brown, who signed with the Rams. Birk is a very smart lineman with great technique and good strength for his size. His best asset is his awareness and he will definitely make this young line work better as a unit. The downside with Birk is that he will be 33 when the season begins but he seems to still have a few years left in him. The twelfth-year veteran has not missed a start in three years but if he were to go down, Chester could move back to center.

2009 Outlook:
The Ravens line was pretty good in 2008 but should be even better in 2009. Matt Birk will be an immediate upgrade at center despite his age and Oher will help stabilize the right tackle position after the retirement of Willie Anderson. Even if he’s not yet ready, Terry is a very capable backup who started seven games last season. Furthermore, the young duo of Gaither and Grubbs will have one more year under their belt and should continue to improve. In terms of depth the Ravens are in good shape with Terry and Chester but the other backups are unproven so they cannot afford to lose more than two starters. Overall we expect this line to be slightly better in both pass protection and run blocking because of Birk but it could surprise depending on the performance of Oher at right tackle.

[lowrider]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='11 July 2009 - 01:47 PM' timestamp='1247334447' post='205991']
http://www.ultimateffstrategy.com/2009_OLine/baltimore_ravens.htm

2009 Projected Starters:
Left Tackle: Jared Gaither
Left Guard: Ben Grubbs
Center: Matt Birk
Right Guard: Marshal Yanda / Chris Chester
Right Tackle: Michael Oher

2008 Injuries:
G Marshal Yanda: Weeks 7 to 17


Overview:
The 2008 season was the first one in the post-Ogden era for the Ravens and surprisingly the offense ranked 11th in the NFL in points scored, their best season since 2003. The Ravens ran week in and week out behind their young offensive line and averaged a respectable 4.0 yards per carry, same as 2007, despite a league-leading 592 attempts. Moreover, they improved in pass protection by allowing 33 sacks as opposed to 39 in 2007 and ranked 18th in the NFL.

Starting at left tackle for the second consecutive season will be the 23-year old, 6

[Ravens52]

Other then Chris Chester, our line looks extremely solid for 2009. If we get Yanda back, then look out.

[tweety]

Our line does a better job at stopping pass penetration. I hope this off-season are run block improves. That's why we have big man McClain in the FB position.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravens52' date='11 July 2009 - 05:09 PM' timestamp='1247346578' post='206006']
Other then Chris Chester, our line looks extremely solid for 2009. If we get Yanda back, then look out.
[/quote]

He isn't the best lineman on the team but Chester was more than solid last year. He's a good o-lineman.

[akacrow]

I am extremely optimistic. Our OL has one starter with 2 years experience, Birk. There is no where to go but up for this unit. IMO the OL will not even reach full potential until 2011 and it is already a solid unit. I love Yanda at RG, I do believe Yanda played RT in college...

[berad]

Our whole Offense starts and ends with the OL. If they can open up holes for our backs, we'll get yards. If they can give Joe time in the pocket, he can throw the bomb. Everything hinges on their efficiency, it'll be fun to watch them play.

[Corvus]

I was not a full believer in Chester either, until he started getting consistent playing time and I really went back and watched him some in games. Not sure why people are so down on him. Yes, he could definitely improve in several areas, but he was mauling guys as a run blocker late in the year. Just go watch the replays of Willis' and LeRon's TD runs in Dallas last year, he was arguably the lineman doing the most on both of those plays. One of them, don't remember which, he picked up his guy, a linebacker, and drove him up and away from the runner, simultaneously blocking another defender's easiest outlet to the runner.

If Yanda isn't ready to go for the season, I am not worried whatsoever if Chester gets the start again at RG.

[BloodRaven]

Oher never gets injured but needs to get back to 330lb where he is most effective, he cut down to move faster at the combine.

At his best, Gaither is elite. Whoever said he needs to work on run blocking is wrong, he might look lean but he is a human snow plow. The only bad thing I can think of with him is he always seems to carry little injuries, wether this is the case remains to be seen.

Chester has barely marginal strength, no anchor, he doesn't get any push and[b] is not a mauler in the run game[/b], he seals and pulls well but that only means hes a zone blocker in a power unit. He belongs somewhere like Green Bay or Denver.

Yanda, well Yanda could very well be a shell of what he was. Hes likely to be on PUP after knee reconstruction.

No issues with Grubbs, he's ok and knows what he needs to do to get better.

Havent really seen Hale play and Cousins was terrible in limited snaps last year.

Adam Terry needs to go, short arms, top heavy, horrible pass protector at times and underwhelming run blocker.

[tweety]

[quote name='BloodRaven' date='12 July 2009 - 11:26 PM' timestamp='1247455609' post='206187']
Oher never gets injured but needs to get back to 330lb where he is most effective, he cut down to move faster at the combine.

At his best, Gaither is elite. Whoever said he needs to work on run blocking is wrong, he might look lean but he is a human snow plow. The only bad thing I can think of with him is he always seems to carry little injuries, wether this is the case remains to be seen.

Chester has barely marginal strength, no anchor, he doesn't get any push and[b] is not a mauler in the run game[/b], he seals and pulls well but that only means hes a zone blocker in a power unit. He belongs somewhere like Green Bay or Denver.

Yanda, well Yanda could very well be a shell of what he was. Hes likely to be on PUP after knee reconstruction.

No issues with Grubbs, he's ok and knows what he needs to do to get better.

Havent really seen Hale play and Cousins was terrible in limited snaps last year.

[b]Adam Terry needs to go, short arms, top heavy, horrible pass protector at times and underwhelming run blocker.[/b]
[/quote]
He is just another bust to go along with his other second round bust from the same year, Dan Cody.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='tweety' date='12 July 2009 - 11:48 PM' timestamp='1247456928' post='206192']
He is just another bust to go along with his other second round bust from the same year, Dan Cody.
[/quote]
I really think the word bust gets thrown around a little too much. Adam Terry has been excellent at times, yeah maybe they could find a better starter but he's not all that bad. Dan Cody? eh yeah i'll have to agree. He COULD have been special but he could just never make it out of training camp healthy

[BloodRaven]

Adam Terry was very impressive when he first started and took some snaps at LT, but last season he was easily one of the worst player on out team. If you bulk up to 340lb and can't pass block at least throw people around or pancake somebody.

Big for nothing.

[lowrider]

[quote name='tweety' date='12 July 2009 - 11:48 PM' timestamp='1247456928' post='206192']
He is just another bust to go along with his other second round bust from the same year, Dan Cody.
[/quote]
Well in all fairness he did do a good job of controlling james harrison in the afc championship game. So he didn't do that bad in one game

[Ed_Reed20]

Terry hasn't been great but I wouldn't call him a bust.

[justifythegame]

[quote name='Corvus' date='12 July 2009 - 08:46 PM' timestamp='1247445996' post='206157']
I was not a full believer in Chester either, until he started getting consistent playing time and I really went back and watched him some in games. Not sure why people are so down on him. Yes, he could definitely improve in several areas, but he was mauling guys as a run blocker late in the year. Just go watch the replays of Willis' and LeRon's TD runs in Dallas last year, he was arguably the lineman doing the most on both of those plays. One of them, don't remember which, he picked up his guy, a linebacker, and drove him up and away from the runner, simultaneously blocking another defender's easiest outlet to the runner.

If Yanda isn't ready to go for the season, I am not worried whatsoever if Chester gets the start again at RG.
[/quote]
Thank you. this is exactly what i have been saying. Except that Chester is BETTER than Yanda. People think just because Yanda played T a little his last year of school and was drafted as a T, that makes him a great guard. In THEORY yes, but watch the guy on tape. He is not that good, his instincts arent great either. He is too slow like a rock and cant move, ozzie and billick started a project to move to a young athletic OL and Yanda is the only one the exact opposite of athletic. The first part of the season, he was backing into Flacco a couple times struggling against just one person. Im not saying he was horrible, because he did play great at times, but he is not consistant. His run blocking was just awful half the time. He supposedly works hard, impresses coaches alot, is really strong and has great practices - but you wouldn't know it from watching him in-game. Chris Chester was the exact opposite, no one had much faith in him, he is not that strong, undersized - but played fantastic when he came in last year. The offense started to find its rhythm and Flacco took the next step, having much more time in the pocket - especially when moving towards the right side and throwing some deep passes. Chester's run blocking all of a sudden improved towards the latter part of the season too. It just showed that the guy just needed some playing time to improve, he was making some great blocks for ray rice and willis mcgahee, check out the dallas tape - those 2 huge runs with mcgahee and mcclain --> ALL CHRIS CHESTER. I've seen him knock one guy over, then quickly move and block another DL or LB allowing some great runs toward the end of the year. His athleticism and speed are huge advantages. <[i]let's be respectful, please[/i]> i hope the coaches give Chester a chance to keep the job because we are better off with him. We're better off with Yanda as a back-up or moving him to C to replace Birk one day. He might not play this season anyway.

[lowrider]

[quote name='justifythegame' date='13 July 2009 - 12:32 PM' timestamp='1247502778' post='206261']
Thank you. this is exactly what i have been saying. Except that Chester is BETTER than Yanda. People think just because Yanda played T a little his last year of school and was drafted as a T, that makes him a great guard. In THEORY yes, but watch the guy on tape. He is not that good, his instincts arent great either. He is too slow like a rock and cant move, ozzie and billick started a project to move to a young athletic OL and Yanda is the only one the exact opposite of athletic. The first part of the season, he was backing into Flacco a couple times struggling against just one person. Im not saying he was horrible, because he did play great at times, but he is not consistant. His run blocking was just awful half the time. He supposedly works hard, impresses coaches alot, is really strong and has great practices - but you wouldn't know it from watching him in-game. Chris Chester was the exact opposite, no one had much faith in him, he is not that strong, undersized - but played fantastic when he came in last year. The offense started to find its rhythm and Flacco took the next step, having much more time in the pocket - especially when moving towards the right side and throwing some deep passes. Chester's run blocking all of a sudden improved towards the latter part of the season too. It just showed that the guy just needed some playing time to improve, he was making some great blocks for ray rice and willis mcgahee, check out the dallas tape - those 2 huge runs with mcgahee and mcclain --> ALL CHRIS CHESTER. I've seen him knock one guy over, then quickly move and block another DL or LB allowing some great runs toward the end of the year. His athleticism and speed are huge advantages. <[i]let's be respectful, please[/i]> i hope the coaches give Chester a chance to keep the job because we are better off with him. We're better off with Yanda as a back-up or moving him to C to replace Birk one day. He might not play this season anyway.
[/quote]
I don't really know where your getting the fact that Chester is better than Yanda. If Chester was really impressing coaches and working hard (which I heard his work ethic is questionable) he would have passed Yanda on the depth chart. I've heard that Chester lacks aggression and determination. And the fact that Yanda beat him for the position and Yanda was drafted a year later tells me something too. Chester is a solid backup, he isn't terrible. But he is not better than Yanda

[BloodRaven]

I agree Chester is our most athletic blocker and quickest to the second level, but the reason Yanda started over him in the first place was because Chester struggles to hold up at the point of attack.

Nobody is saying Yanda was superman, he was just solid. He did pull well on a few of McClains goalline runs(noticeable because he was the only white guy on our line).

[shaikh015]

This was a wonderful insight and whoever wrote this article knows the Ravens really well...Did a great job disecting the ravens offense for next year...
thank you