Is it the line, or the running back?

[Chris Meck]

I just thought since it comes up in every single thread, maybe we could talk about in one continuous conversation.

I think we'd all be in agreement that we need to be more consistent in the running game.

Some of us think the problem is lack of a talented enough RB to be a 'feature back'.

Some of us think that the biggest problem is that our interior offensive line is lousy, and when coupled with losing Fisher for half a season, was the biggest reason we were unable to run the ball.

Personally, I fall mostly in the second camp. I have no illusions that Damien Williams is a top 5 back; but I think with decent line play (such as we got once Fisher was back in the flow and Wisniewski took over LG) he can be effective when healthy. The problem is, he's never made a full season healthy; so I agree with taking a mid-round RB to provide competition and hopefully upgrade.

I think the interior offensive line is #2 on my priority list to upgrade, just after CB where we are dangerously thin. I don't believe that any RB upgrade will pay dividends without upgrading from OG-OG.

It's a chicken-and-the-egg argument really, but where do you come down?

[Mecca]

It's more the RB......when Williams finally decided to get healthy and play strong they ran fine, the problem is he isn't capable of carrying that load by himself.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by Mecca

It's more the RB......when Williams finally decided to get healthy and play strong they ran fine, the problem is he isn't capable of carrying that load by himself.

but I would argue that Fisher returning and Wiz taking Wylie's spot had more to do with that.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

but I would argue that Fisher returning and Wiz taking Wylie's spot had more to do with that.

You can make that argument but we are in no position to be using 1st round picks on guards or spending lots of money on them, you can't have elite players everywhere.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by Mecca

You can make that argument but we are in no position to be using 1st round picks on guards or spending lots of money on them, you can't have elite players everywhere.

I'd settle for above average.

I don't think you need to spend a first on a G, but I'd consider Ruiz at #32 depending on what's on the board in CB's at that spot.

A stud C for the next ten years would be a good investment to help keep Mahomes upright. Reiter's pretty ****in' lousy.

I'd prefer something like this:

1)CB
2)OL
3)LB
4)RB

depending on how the board shakes out.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

I'd settle for above average.

I don't think you need to spend a first on a G, but I'd consider Ruiz at #32 depending on what's on the board in CB's at that spot.

A stud C for the next ten years would be a good investment to help keep Mahomes upright. Reiter's pretty ****in' lousy.

I'd prefer something like this:

1)CB
2)OL
3)LB
4)RB

depending on how the board shakes out.

And we're in that spot because we can't afford to pay a top priced center...

If we go into the year with this RB group I'd be concerned, 2 of them have shown to get injured and the other showed nothing when he played.

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by Mecca

It's more the RB......when Williams finally decided to get healthy and play strong they ran fine, the problem is he isn't capable of carrying that load by himself.

thats also when wis came in though.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

thats also when wis came in though.

But he's just a JAG too...

The way our team is built and the holes we have on D we are gonna have to roll with some JAGS.

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by Mecca

But he's just a JAG too...

The way our team is built and the holes we have on D we are gonna have to roll with some JAGS.

But he was a slightly better more experienced jag than Wylie. The pass game got a little better about the same time. But Mahomes stopped drifting back and started stepping up more around the same time. Id say as constructed IOL makes more sense than RB as the need. We know dwill can be good enough, and this oline was getting mahomes blown up early, part due to Fisher being out but the interior was aids early on.

[Whosurdaddy]

yes

[staylor26]

I don’t think it’s an either/or thing. We need to upgrade IOL and RB.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by staylor26

I don’t think it’s an either/or thing. We need to upgrade IOL and RB.

aye.

but which do you feel is MOST pressing, I guess is the question.

[staylor26]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

aye.

but which do you feel is MOST pressing, I guess is the question.

Since pass protection was also an issue on the interior, I have to go with that, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m taking an IOL before I take a RB. Still going BPA.

[Chris Meck]

Originally Posted by staylor26

Since pass protection was also an issue on the interior, I have to go with that, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m taking an IOL before I take a RB. Still going BPA.

I'd agree with this caveat:

If we didn't draft or sign a RB I wouldn't be particularly worried. Williams/Williams/Thompson could be fine. I would prefer we took a RB somewhere in round 3-4 though.

If we didn't draft or sign an upgrade anywhere on the interior of the line, I would be very, very concerned.

[oldman]

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

I'd agree with this caveat:

If we didn't draft or sign a RB I wouldn't be particularly worried. Williams/Williams/Thompson could be fine. I would prefer we took a RB somewhere in round 3-4 though.

If we didn't draft or sign an upgrade anywhere on the interior of the line, I would be very, very concerned.

I agree, Williams x2 and Thompson are probably adequate this year. Reiter isn't a world beater, but as long as LDT is playing next to him, he's OK. Our bigger need is a LG. The line play dramatically improved when LDT came back and Wiz was inserted. Unfortunately, Wiz isn't on the team now.