Offensive Line

by JagsFathead on Jun 15, 2008 9:05 PM EDT

From The Ultimate Jags Newsroom:

OFFENSIVE LINE

Key gains: None. Key losses: Cut veteran guard Chris Naeole, arguably the club's best offensive lineman. Didn't offer reserve tackle Stockar McDougle a contract. Better or worse? Probably worse, based on reshuffling along the interior and the injury situation at tight end. The Jags moved guard Vince Manuwai from the right to left side and opened up competition for the starting right guard spot between Uche Nwaneri, Maurice Williams and Dennis Norman. Although the club played several games without Naeole last season, his absence will be felt. The team's decision to open up competition at left tackle between Khalif Barnes and Richard Collier will likely improve play at that position. At tight end, Marcedes Lewis has battled this offseason through a knee injury and it appears George Wrighster won't be ready for camp. Greg Estandia performed well last offseason, but this year, his outings have been average.

What's the thought..........are we worse ???? My thought is that we got our best out of Naeole. I never thought he was the best OL. I say it's a wash at best. Is this now the weakest part of the team?

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Oline

IMO we are a little worse on the oline. I believe we’re one or two injuries on the line from being in real trouble. Our TE group are poor – average blockers (where’s kyle brady when you need him???) Maybe we’ll pick up a veteran FA for a little depth…if there’s anyone out there. Increased competition is always good for performance and maybe we’ll see a young guy step up tot he plate.

by kickandsnare07 on Jun 15, 2008 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

I don't know that I agree with any of this.

Naeole was “arguably” the best offensive linemen if you were “arguing” with people who don’t understand a thing about line play. He was good, certainly, but I think we’ll do just fine without him.

KickandSnare: I can tell you from a good amount of film breakdown that Marcades Lewis developed into a fantastic blocker last season. He’s no Kyle Brady, but he was never supposed to be a 6th tackle. That Lewis could come close to replacing Brady says a lot about his character as a player. He’s not a “pass catching TE”, he’s a football player who’s doing what his coaches ask.

Frankly, I’m excited to see Uche or Mo Williams team up with Tony Pashos on the right side of the line and decimate in the running attack. Both those guys can make some giant holes, and I’d expect to see Fred and Maurice having good days on the right side.

A real question exists at left tackle. Is Collier, a small school prospect, really better than Khalif Barnes? Will the Jaguars plan for a future without Barnes at the most important position on the line?

On offense, I think the weakest part are the TE’s, simply because of the injuries and lack of depth. Next weakest would be the O-line, but it’s a weakness out of unproven guys, not poor quality. The core of the unit is there, and so far pretty healthy.

-Chris (Who’s knocking on every piece of wood in his house for a healthy o-line to start the season)

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by River City Rage on Jun 16, 2008 1:35 AM EDT reply actions