Our offense has always been offensive line dependent, We want to be able to run the ball even when the opponent knows it's coming. This hasn't been the case recently for a number of reasons.
1) Coach Polasek is a good coach but O-line was not his wheelhouse. Coach Barnett is an O-line coach through and through. Improvement is coming.
2) Depth. Injuries can derail a running game without quality depth. Many of our subs simply weren't ready to play at this level yet.
3) Recruiting. I believe Barnett is partially responsible for improved O-line recruiting recently. If this can continue, the run game will no longer hold us back.
4) Consistency. Breakdowns in the line mean negative yards or sacks and are drive killers. I believe this will be happening less in the future because of items 1-3.
Looking at our current roster I suspect we are maybe a year away from a high level O-line. Many on here blame Brian F for our offensive shortcomings. I do not. We have running backs that are more powerful and a QB that is adequate if he has time to throw. If the O-line could possibly come together this year.....it could be special.
1) Coach Polasek is a good coach but O-line was not his wheelhouse. Coach Barnett is an O-line coach through and through. Improvement is coming.
2) Depth. Injuries can derail a running game without quality depth. Many of our subs simply weren't ready to play at this level yet.
3) Recruiting. I believe Barnett is partially responsible for improved O-line recruiting recently. If this can continue, the run game will no longer hold us back.
4) Consistency. Breakdowns in the line mean negative yards or sacks and are drive killers. I believe this will be happening less in the future because of items 1-3.
Looking at our current roster I suspect we are maybe a year away from a high level O-line. Many on here blame Brian F for our offensive shortcomings. I do not. We have running backs that are more powerful and a QB that is adequate if he has time to throw. If the O-line could possibly come together this year.....it could be special.