In the Trenches: 2007 week six

Games Reviewed
Oakland Raiders (14) at San Diego Chargers (28)
Washington Redskins (14) at Green Bay Packers (17)
New England Patriots (48) at Dallas Cowboys (27)
Miami Dolphins (31) at Cleveland Browns (41)
Minnesota Vikings (34) at Chicago Bears (31)

Blocker Ratings
Note: Players in green had above average Blocker Ratings; players in brown were below average.

Left Tackle

None of the left tackles had poor weeks, though it was disappointing to see favorites Chris Samuels, Joe Thomas, and Chad Clifton on the wrong side of average. Each struggled in the run game but did well in pass protection, as did Bryant McKinnie, Barry Sims, and Flozell Adams, who still managed an above-average BR in what was likely his worst performance of the season. Meanwhile, Vernon Carey, with three games reviewed, is having one of the best seasons of any tackle so far.

Left Guard

This is the third time I've reviewed a New England game, including the Super Bowl and 2007 week one (which used my earlier rating system which tended to yield higher scores) and Logan Mankins has yet to turn in a noticeably above-average game. On the other hand, since NFL Replay isn't given to showing blow outs, his best games probably aren't going to be considered here. Dielman and Hutchinson appear right where you would expect them to. Dielman is one of only two left guards with a BR over 9 so far this season (the other is New York Giant Rich Seubert, while Baltimore's Jason Brown is only a couple hundredths off).

Center

Casey Rabach left the game with a groin injury and there was a huge drop off for Washington when Mike Pucillo stepped in. Of the centers with at least 50 reviewed plays so far, Rabach has the second best BR (9.18) behind Denver's Tom Nalen (9.2). Andre Gurode struggled mightily with Vince Wilfork and the middle of that early-season Patriot defense. Olin Kreutz, going against those tough Minnesota defensive tackles, rebounded nicely from his rough week-five performance against Green Bay. San Diego's Nick Hardwick had a BR of 10, but only had six plays rated before leaving the game with an injury.

Right Guard

Dallas owner Jerry Jones received a lot of criticism when he signed Leonard Davis to a big contract last off-season, but it sure looks like it was worth it. Last week I noted that the Giants' Chris Snee might be the best guard in the league these days, so I'll just note now that Snee's 9.23 BR is second best among all guards. First is Davis with a 9.39 BR. Rex Hadnot had a nice game, which is a good reminder that you can't judge a player based off of one game. Cooper Carlisle, on the other hand, looked a lot worse than he had in week two; although, the guys on the San Diego defensive line in 2007 were a tougher match-up than the ones playing for Denver.

Right Tackle

This is becoming a theme: this is the third time a Dolphins' game has been included in these weekly ratings and each time the opposing right tackle—in this case the Browns' duo of Kevin Shaffer and Ryan Tucker—has rated the highest of any right tackle that week. Consider also that in week one the opposing right tackle (for most of the game) was Washington's Stephon Heyer who this week looked miserable against the Packers. The sometimes maligned Nick Kaczur had a good game against the aggressive Dallas pass rush. He has been the best right tackle in the 2007 games reviewed thus far, posting a 8.97 BR. Another player who had a decent week six, the even more maligned L.J. Shelton, is second best with an 8.81 BR.

2008 NFL Draft "Redo" (part 2)

The first part of this draft redo was posted last night.

Miami Dolphins
Quick hit: If Bill Parcells believes Jake Long was a better pick for the Dolphins than Chris Long, who am I to argue? I'll defer to Miami's Executive Vice President of Football Operations on this one.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (1): Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Round 2 (32): Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (57): Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Round 3 (66): Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Round 4 (110): Shawn Murphy, G, Utah State
Round 6 (176): Jalen Parmele, RB, Toledo
Round 6 (195): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 6 (204): Lex Hilliard, RB, Montana
Round 7 (245): Lionel Dotson, DT, Arizona

Draft Redo
Round 1 (1): Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Round 2 (32): Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Round 2 (57): Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Round 3 (66): Jeremy Zuttah, G/C, Rutgers
Round 4 (110): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 6 (176): Ahtyba Rubin, NT, Iowa State
Round 6 (195): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 6 (204): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (245): Lionel Dotson, DT, Arizona

Minnesota Vikings
Quick hit: Two main things held the Vikings back last year: inconsistent quarterback play and the lack of a consistent pass rush from their front four. Tarvaris Jackson still has upside, so the Vikings can reasonably hope for improved quarterback play, and the addition of Jared Allen should go a long way toward generating a sufficient pass rush.

Actual Draft
Round 2 (43): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 5 (137): John David Booty, QB, Southern California
Round 5 (152): Letroy Guion, DT, Florida State
Round 6 (187): John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
Round 6 (196): Jaymar Johnson, WR, Jackson State

Draft Redo
Round 2 (43): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 5 (137): John David Booty, QB, Southern California
Round 5 (152): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 6 (187): John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
Round 6 (196): Jaymar Johnson, WR, Jackson State

New England Patriots
Quick hit: ESPN.com's instant draft analysis noted that “Mayo isn't quite as instinctive as Rivers.” I disagree strongly with that. Mayo's instincts might not be perfect, but he's better than Rivers in that department, which is why I don't think Rivers would have been a good fit at ILB in a 3-4 scheme.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (10): Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
Round 2 (62): Terrance Wheatley, CB, Colorado
Round 3 (78): Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
Round 3 (94): Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State
Round 4 (129): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
Round 5 (153): Matt Slater , WR, UCLA
Round 6 (197): Bo Ruud, ILB, Nebraska

Draft Redo
Round 1 (10): Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
Round 2 (62): Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
Round 3 (78): Shawn Crable, OLB, Michigan
Round 3 (94): Tyvon Branch, S, Connecticut
Round 4 (129): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
Round 5 (153): Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
Round 6 (197): Bo Ruud, ILB, Nebraska

New Orleans Saints
Quick hit: The trade up for Sedrick Ellis was a great move that will pay major dividends for the Saints' defense in 2008. And I had Tracy Porter rated higher than most did, so of course I love that pick.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (7): Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Round 2 (40): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 5 (144): DeMario Pressley, DT, North Carolina St.
Round 5 (164): Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
Round 6 (178): Taylor Mehlhaff, K, Wisconsin
Round 7 (237): Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan

Draft Redo
Round 1 (7): Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Round 2 (40): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 5 (144): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 5 (164): Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska
Round 6 (178): Taylor Mehlhaff, K, Wisconsin
Round 7 (237): Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan

New York Giants
Quick hit: I like what the Super Bowl champs did in the odd rounds, but don't agree very much with their picks in the even rounds.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (31): Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Round 2 (63): Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
Round 3 (95): Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Round 4 (123): Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU
Round 5 (165): Jonathan Goff, MLB, Vanderbilt
Round 6 (198): Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Round 6 (199): Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Miss

Draft Redo
Round 1 (31): Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Round 2 (63): Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
Round 3 (95): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Round 4 (123): Trae Williams, CB, South Florida
Round 5 (165): Jonathan Goff, MLB, Vanderbilt
Round 6 (198): Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Round 6 (199): Brandon Keith, OT, Northern Iowa

New York Jets
Quick hit: I typically have liked the Jets' drafts the past few years, but I'm feeling luke warm about this one. In fact, I'm undoing the trade up to get Dustin Keller—I just don't value one-dimensional tight end prospects that much.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (6): Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State
Round 1 (30): Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
Round 4 (113): Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Round 5 (162): Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
Round 6 (171): Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas
Round 7 (211): Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas

Draft Redo
Round 1 (6): Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State
Round 2 (36): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 4 (102): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (113): Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Round 6 (171): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (211): Chris Brown, FB/TE, Tennessee

Oakland Raiders
Quick hit: Given the money that the Raiders put into re-signing Tommy Kelly, and given the question marks in Vernon Gholston's game, Darren McFadden really was a good value pick. Fargas's contract was not expensive and Lamont Jordan has not been able to stay healthy since signing with Oakland.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (4): Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Round 4 (100): Tyvon Branch, CB/S, Connecticut
Round 4 (125): Arman Shields, WR, Richmond
Round 6 (169): Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo
Round 7 (226): Chaz Schilens, WR, San Diego State

Draft Redo
Round 1 (4): Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Round 4 (100): Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest
Round 4 (125): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 6 (169): Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State
Round 7 (226): Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas

Philadelphia Eagles
Quick hit: Not a whole lot that I would have done the same here once you get beyond the great Trevor Laws pick.

Actual Draft
Round 2 (47): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (49): DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Round 3 (80): Bryan Smith, LB, McNeese State
Round 4 (109): Mike McGlynn, G, Pittsburgh
Round 4 (117): Quintin Demps, S, UTEP
Round 4 (131): Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (184): Michael Gibson, G, California
Round 6 (200): Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
Round 6 (203): Andrew Studebaker, DE, Wheaton
Round 7 (230): King Dunlap, T, Auburn

Draft Redo
Round 2 (47): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (49): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (80): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
Round 4 (109): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 4 (117): Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 4 (131): Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (184): John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame
Round 6 (200): Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
Round 6 (203): Matt Sherry, TE, Villanova
Round 7 (230): Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech

Pittsburgh Steelers
Quick hit: With all of the top offensive linemen off the board, Pittsburgh definitely did the right thing in selecting Mendenhall, who should be one of the league's top running back within a few years.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (23): Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Round 2 (53): Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Round 3 (88): Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
Round 4 (130): Tony Hills, OT, Texas
Round 5 (156): Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
Round 6 (188): Mike Humphal, ILB, Iowa
Round 6 (194): Ryan Mundy, FS, West Virginia

Draft Redo
Round 1 (23): Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Round 2 (53): Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan
Round 3 (88): Bruce Davis, OLB, UCLA
Round 4 (130): Tony Hills, OT, Texas
Round 5 (156): Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt
Round 6 (188): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 6 (194): Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky

San Diego Chargers
Quick hit: The Chargers have no real holes. Only a couple of starting jobs will even be contested. Obviously that's because they've drafted so well in recent years. So there's no need to change any of their picks, right?

Actual Draft
Round 1 (27): Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Round 3 (69): Jacob Hester, FB, LSU
Round 5 (166): Marcus Thomas, RB, UTEP
Round 6 (192): DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College
Round 7 (234): Corey Clark, OT, Texas A&M

Draft Redo
Round 1 (27): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
Round 3 (69): Brad Cottam, TE, Tennessee
Round 5 (166): Ahtyba Rubin, NT, Iowa State
Round 6 (192): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (234): Chris Brown, FB/TE, Tennessee

San Francisco 49ers
Quick hit: Balmer will help bolster the defensive line, but I can't get behind the other picks they made.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (29): Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina
Round 2 (39): Chilo Racal, G, USC
Round 3 (75): Reggie Smith, DB, Oklahoma
Round 4 (107): Cody Wallace, C, Texas A&M
Round 6 (174): Josh Morgan, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (214): Larry Grant, LB, Ohio State

Draft Redo
Round 1 (29): Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina
Round 2 (39): Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Round 3 (75): Jeremy Zuttah, G/C, Rutgers
Round 4 (107): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 6 (174): Donald Thomas, G, Connecticut
Round 7 (214): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Seattle Seahawks
Quick hit: GM Tim Ruskell typically does a good job and seems to have done so again this year, though I'm much lower on Red Bryant than most others are.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (28): Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern Cal
Round 2 (38): John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4 (121): Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
Round 5 (163): Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
Round 6 (189): Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
Round 7 (233): Justin Forsett, RB, California
Round 7 (235): Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia

Draft Redo
Round 1 (28): Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Round 2 (38): John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4 (121): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 5 (163): Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
Round 6 (189): Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
Round 7 (233): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
Round 7 (235): Eric Foster, DE, Rutgers

St. Louis Rams
Quick hit: Chris Long's my overall top player in the draft. And I think Greco could be a good pro with a chance to make it at tackle though most see him as a guard. Decent picks in every round, although I think selecting Avery in the second round was an awful move.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (2): Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Round 2 (33): Donnie Avery, WR, Houston
Round 3 (65): John Greco, OT, Toledo
Round 4 (101): Justin King, CB, Penn State
Round 4 (128): Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky
Round 5 (157): Roy Schuening, OG, Oregon St.
Round 7 (228): Chris Chamberlain, DB, Tulsa
Round 7 (252): David Vobora, OLB, Idaho

Draft Redo
Round 1 (2): Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Round 2 (33): Curtis Lofton, MLB, Oklahoma
Round 3 (65): John Greco, OT, Toledo
Round 4 (101): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (128): Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
Round 5 (157): Kellen Davis, TE, Michigan State
Round 7 (228): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (252): David Roach, S, TCU

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quick hit: Although I'm not quite sure about taking a cover two corner in round one, Talib is a playmaker when he gets his hands on the ball, so I can get behind that. And I love the rest of the draft, though that won't keep me from making a few changes.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (20): Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Round 2 (58): Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
Round 3 (83): Jeremy Zuttah, G, Rutgers
Round 4 (115): Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
Round 5 (160): Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
Round 5 (175): Geno Hayes, ILB, Florida State
Round 7 (238): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Draft Redo
Round 1 (20): Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Round 2 (58): Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (83): Jeremy Zuttah, G, Rutgers
Round 4 (115): Dre Moore, DT, Maryland
Round 5 (160): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia
Round 6 (175): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina
Round 7 (238): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas

Tennessee Titans
Quick hit: Tennessee selected a couple of my favorite prospects, namely Jason Jones and Lavelle Hawkins, but the first round is too high to draft a back like Chris Johnson.

Actual Draft
Round 1 (24): Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
Round 2 (54): Jason Jones, DT/DE, Eastern Michigan
Round 3 (85): Craig Stevens, TE, California
Round 4 (103): William Hayes, DE, Western Michigan
Round 4 (126): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (134): Stanford Keglar, OLB, Stanford
Round 7 (229): Cary Williams, CB, Washburn

Draft Redo
Round 1 (24): Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (54): Jason Jones, DT/DE, Eastern Michigan
Round 3 (85): Cliff Avril, DE, Purdue
Round 4 (103): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 4 (126): Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California
Round 4 (134): Jonathan Goff, MLB, Vanderbilt
Round 7 (229): Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina

Washington Redskins
Quick hit: When the consensus top receiver in the draft falls to the second round you have to take him. But when another top receiver is still available seventeen picks later that doesn't mean you have to take him, too.

Actual Draft
Round 2 (34): Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Round 2 (48): Fred Davis, TE, Southern Cal
Round 2 (51): Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Round 3 (96): Chad Rinehart, G, Northern Iowa
Round 4 (124): Justin Tryon, CB, Arizona State
Round 6 (168): Durant Brooks, P, Georgia Tech
Round 6 (180): Kareem Moore, S, Nicholls State
Round 6 (186): Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii
Round 7 (242): Rob Jackson, DE, Kansas State
Round 7 (249): Christopher Horton, S, UCLA

Draft Redo
Round 2 (34): Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Round 2 (48): Jason Jones, DE/DT, Eastern Michigan
Round 2 (51): Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa
Round 3 (96): Oneil Cousins, OT/G, UTEP
Round 4 (124): Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Round 6 (168): Durant Brooks, P, Georgia Tech
Round 6 (180): Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Round 6 (186): Andre’ Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Round 7 (242): Marcus Monk, WR, Arkansas
Round 7 (249): David Roach, S, TCU

In the Trenches: 2007 week four

Games Reviewed
Pittsburgh Steelers (14) at Arizona Cardinals (21)
Chicago Bears (27) at Detroit Lions (37)
Green Bay Packers (23) at Minnesota Vikings (16)
Kansas City Chiefs (30) at San Diego Chargers (16)
Denver Broncos (20) at Indianapolis Colts (38)

Game Notes
The season Blocker Rating averages dip a bit after implementing BR 2.0 for week four. But the dip can't be attributed only to the changes I made to the rating system, as the five games from this week contained some atrocious blocking. The Chiefs were so bad that I'm pretty sure watching their game against the Chargers gave me the flu. I might have had a swifter recovery if I hadn't tried to stomach the Bears-Lions match up right away. Finally, it was more luck than good judgment that saved me from the Steeler game until I was clear headed.
  A couple of week ago, after he had a good game against the Seahawks, I wondered if Arizona guard Reggie Wells always played that well and if he might not be one of the most underrated linemen in the NFL. After seeing two more Arizona games I feel confident in saying he's not all that. He's an adequate starter, and he plays the game the right way, but it's his teammate, left tackle Mike Gandy, who has been looking like a guy who deserves more accolades. Unfortunately, sample size is still too small to make any definitive statement, but Gandy's 8.99 BR for the season is tops so far among left tackles with at least 50 charted snaps (which includes guys like Walter Jones, Matt Light, Chad Clifton, Chris Samuels, and Marcus McNeil) and fourth among LTs with at least 20 snaps (behind Flozell Adams, Joe Thomas, and D'Brickashaw Ferguson).
  Two right tackles, Kansas City's Kyle Turley and Detroit's Jonathan Scott, posted the first BRs below 6. Turley was replaced by Chris Terry, who played poorly himself but virtually shined in comparison to Turley (and most of the rest of the Chiefs' line). Meanwhile, Scott was a replacement for George Foster who had committed his seventh false start penalty of the year. Foster had not been playing well by any stretch of the imagination, but even with another false start he would have been better than Scott.

Blocker Ratings
Average BRs (through four weeks)


Left Tackle


Left Guard


Center


Right Guard


Right Tackle

In the Trenches: 2007 week two

Games Reviewed
Cincinnati Bengals (51) at Cleveland Browns (45)
Minnesota Vikings (17) at Detroit Lions (20)
Oakland Raiders (20) at Denver Broncos (23)
Indianapolis Colts (22) at Tennessee Titans (20)
Seattle Seahawks (20) at Arizona Cardinals (23)

Top Linemen (by position)


Left Tackle
In this high-scoring shootout with the Bengals, Joe Thomas played like the rookie of the year candidate that he was. I'm looking forward to watching the Browns again to see if he keeps up this level of play. The only other left tackle with a BR over 9 was Seattle's Walter Jones (9.18). Unlike Thomas, who was tenacious and typically giving his all right up to the whistle, Jones often seemed to be getting by on talent and experience alone, doing just enough to get his job done.
  Arizona's Mike Gandy (8.93) stood out, playing exceptionally well for much of his game against the Seahawks before faltering a bit on the final few drives.
  Detroit's Jeff Backus (8.43) became the third left tackle to post a Run Blocker Rating (RBR) over 9 (9.38 RBR), following Chris Samuels (9.68 RBR) and Flozell Adams (9.44 RBR) who did so in week one. Unfortunately there was relatively little opportunity for him to run block in Mike Martz's pass-happy offense, and his overall BR was heavily affected by his shaky pass blocking.
  Indianapolis rookie Tony Ugoh (6.73) struggled in all phases of the game against the mighty Titans defense. He was the only left tackle this week to score below 8 and the first in the ten games reviewed so far to score below a 7 (last week's low BR for the position was Denver's Matt Lepsis's 7.96).

Left Guard
The second overall pick of the 2004 draft, Robert Gallery was supposed to be Oakland's starting left tackle for a decade. Instead, he has been considered a bust as he has been moved all over the line by his various coaches. Getting a chance to settle in at left guard, Gallery looked comfortable against the Broncos, consistently blocking well.
  Arizona's Reggie Wells (8.93) stood out with some really great blocks. If he always plays the way he did in this Seattle game, then I'd say he's one of the most underrated linemen in the NFL. We'll see what happens.
  Detroit's Edwin Mulitalo (8.86) was surprisingly stout in pass protection (9.63 PBR) but pretty bad in the running game (6.25 RBR).
  The most well-known left guards—Indianapolis's Ryan Lilja (8.78), Cleveland's Eric Steinbach (8.54), and Minnesota's Steve Hutchinson (8.54)—all had pretty average games, though each stood out at times with a number of key blocks.
  For the second week in a row, Cincinnati's Stacy Andrews (7.14) was the lowest rated left guard. In fact, he played worse against the Browns than he had against the Ravens. His 4.67 RBR was the second-worst I've recorded so far, ahead of only Jets right tackle Anthony Clement (4.17 against the Patriots in week 1).

Center
Cleveland's Hank Fraley was clearly the best center in the games reviewed this week; however, his 9.27 BR would have been just fifth last week. Center is still a high-scoring position, but whereas last week's lowest rated center (minimum ten plays) was 8.6, this week saw four centers score below that. And last week's top center, Tom Nalen, was just above that with a 8.67.
  Two centers had a BR below 8. Arizona rookie Lyle Sendlein (7.86), who got off to a rough start but played better as the game wore on. And Detroit's Dominic Raiola (7.86): another Lion lineman who struggled terribly with run blocking (5 RBR) against the Vikings.

Right Guard
The recently retired Benji Olson of the Titans was second among guards this week with a 9.27 BR. His 9.58 RBR was the best of any lineman.
  Detroit's Damien Woody's (9) looked like he knew it was a contract year all along, while Seattle's Chris Gray (8.98) and Oakland's Cooper Carlisle (8.94) also had good weeks.
  Minnesota's Artis Hicks (7.5) was the only right guard to rate below an 8.

Right Tackle
Last week, six of ten right tackles scored 9 or higher. This week brought none. David Stewart's quietly efficient 8.91BR led the way, while Cleveland's Kevin Shaffer (8.54) was the only other right tackle to rate above 8.5.
  Detroit's George Foster (7.14) was the lowest rated right tackle, and two others also had BRs below 8: Indianapolis's Ryan Diem (7.35), who clearly benefits (in terms of sacks allowed numbers) from having Peyton Manning as his quarterback, and Denver's Erik Pears (7.83) who dropped off quite a bit from his 8.7 performance against the Bills in week one.

One More Thing
Having reviewed offensive line play in detail for ten games now, one thing already stands out: the amount of yards lost because of linemen not even attempting to stay on their blocks, or linemen who just stop on a play because they feel like the QB should have gotten rid of the ball by then or the running back should have made his cut and shot through the hole already. Well, yes, maybe those things should have happened in the first four seconds of the play, but they didn't, and now you're man in running by you and slamming your QB into the ground, or he's caught the running back and stopped him for a five-yard gain, but it could have been ten yards or more if you'd just stayed with that defensive end and kept him slowed down for another step or two.
  I haven't counted the times I've seen these sort of things, but it's surprisingly high. If I were a coach or GM who wanted to improve his team's offense I would make this a point of emphasis. And even though I'm hesitant to make sweeping pronouncements about players on this account (again, I'm not tallying such instances), I make that "suggestion" with great confidence because it's apparent that this is more of a problem with some teams than it is with others.
  For instance, from what I have seen so far of the Browns and the Cardinals (and going back to week one, I'd have to say the Cowboys and Redskins as well), their linemen stand out as staying at it till the whistle blows. They always seem to be hustling and the only time they let up is when their job really is done, when it's clear their man will not be a factor in the play.
  With such a small sample I'm not going to finger particular players or teams that have exhibited this problem consistently so far, but you can bet that many of the players given to letting up early (though not all) have lower Blocker Ratings, even though it's not a specific criterion in the scoring.

2008 Free Agency: Instant Winners

With the flurry of activity that is the opening weekend of free agency coming to a close, here are my top three instant winners. Of course free agency is far from over, and this is just a small piece of the off-season puzzle. If I have time tomorrow night I'll post my top three free agency losers so far. I'm not positive, but I think that would include the Falcons and the 49ers—whose many signings I'm mostly not a fan of—as well as the Titans, who have plenty of cap space and a quarterback desperately in need of help, yet their only addition so far is a 30-year-old tight end coming off a knee injury.

WINNERS
1. Miami Dolphins
With a ton of cap room, Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland restrained themselves from making a huge splash and instead concentrated on bringing in a number of low- and mid-level free agents to help makeover the roster quickly. I love the signing of Ernest Wilford (not surprisingly since I placed him on my All Free Agent Team) to help shore up a young and shaky bunch of receivers. Josh McCown gives them a strong arm and experience behind center until a young guy (and I don't think it will be John Beck) can be developed. Tight end Sean Ryan was drafted by Parcells in Dallas; he's a solid blocker who brings his lunch pail to work everyday. Former 49ers guard Justin Smiley is coming off an injury, but should help remake this line more in the Parcells mold.
 On the defensive side of the ball, Miami has wasted no time in building their three-man front. Nose tackle Jason Ferguson (drafted by Parcells with the Jets) was acquired from Dallas for a 2009 sixth rounder (the teams will also swap sixth round picks in the upcoming draft). Ferguson had one of the better seasons of any defensive tackle in 2006 and really should have been a Pro Bowl selection. If he can regain that form after missing last season with an injury, it would go a long way toward shoring up the run defense. Randy Starks, a former Titans reserve defensive tackle, is big, young, and very athletic for his size. He'll be expected to start at defensive end in the base 3-4 and move inside to DT in nickel packages where Parcells (I know he's not the coach, but Parcells proteges are all over the staff) deploys a four-man front. Ex-Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor will get a shot at starting inside in the 3-4 and whether he wins that job or not will likely see a lot of time in sub packages.

2. Philadelphia Eagles
Unlike the Dolphins who made a ton of moves, the Eagles only made two. Signing cornerback Asante Samuel upgrades an already good secondary and allows the team to try to trade Lito Sheppard to acquire help at another position like wide receiver. Chris Clemons has durability concerns, and the terms of his contract haven't yet been released, but this looks like a solid move to replace Jevon Kearse's place in the defensive end rotation. The Eagles already had a real good pass rush, ranked sixth in adjusted sack rate; if Clemons stays healthy, it should only get better.

3. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings might have overpaid a bit for Bernard Berrian, but it fills a major need (even with the expected development of 2007 second-rounder Sidney Rice) and they had the cap space. Plus, they've snatched a key player away from a division rival who is now bereft of starting-caliber wide receivers. Fullback Thomas Tapeh knows the offense and what Brad Childress is looking for from his time in Philadelphia and is an upgrade over Tony Richardson whose All-Pro days seem to be behind him. Ex-Bengal Madieu Williams has the versatility to play either safety position and is a solid signing in a weak year for safeties whether in free agency or the draft.

Team Needs: Minnesota Vikings

1. Defensive End
Minnesota's 38 sacks were good enough for eighth in the league, but they didn't really have a good pass rush, as they ranked only 28th in adjusted sack rate. Starting ends Kenechi Udeze and Ray Edwards aren't bad, but they're not the game-changing pass rushers that are a must have in today's NFL. 2005 first-rounder Erasmus James had plenty of talent coming out of Wisconsin but he also had an injury history that made him a very risky first round pick, which is why I had Matt Roth and Justin Tuck ranked ahead of him. James has managed only 12 starts in 23 games over his first three years with the past two seasons being cut short by knee injuries. 2007 fourth-rounder Brian Robison flashed some potential and could improve with a good off-season conditioning program to help keep him from wearing down, but a stud DE is still in order for Minnesota.

2. Strong Safety
Darren Sharper will be a 33-year-old free agent after the 2008 season. The Vikings should try to land the future starter with one of their mid-round draft picks.

3. Defensive Tackle
Starters Kevin Williams and Pat Williams are both All-Pro–caliber players. But big Pat will be 36 by the time the 2008 season finishes; and with Spencer Johnson's departure to the Bills, the only reserve is 2006 seventh-rounder Fred Evans.

4. Quarterback
As I watched the Vikings-Cowboys game last season, one thing became clear: With adequate quarterback play, the Vikings were a playoff team. But Tarvaris Jackson was a bit more raw than most QBs taken in the first two rounds, so it's way too early to give up on him yet. More importantly, he showed some improvement as the season wore on. Ideally a veteran would be brought in to compete for the stating job while Jackson continues to acclimate himself to the NFL. At the very least, they need a better backup than Brooks Bollinger, who can be fun to watch but has too many flaws in his game.

5. Tight End
One of the great mysteries of the 2007 off-season was the five-year, $18.2 million contract which the Vikes gave to Visanthe Shiancoe. His 27-catch, 1-TD season did nothing to solve that mystery. Jim Kleinsasser is a great blocker, but he's 31 and will be a free agent after next season.

6. Linebacker
With the departure of free agent Dontarrious Thomas, the Vikings lack adequate depth at each linebacker spot.

7. Left Tackle
This position wouldn't be as much of an issue except for the possible suspension of Bryant McKinnie for his second off-field incident. Artis Hicks or Marcus Johnson would likely start in any games McKinnie misses, but if you're talking about a quarter of the season, a better option would be nice.