We can't expect to do anything this year with last night's dismal play from the OL. Yes, Eli was bad but he's shell shocked. The right side of the pocket collapsed within 3 seconds all night long. That wears on a QB physically and mentally. Changes need to be made before Monday night. It's beyond ridiculous to wait any longer. Jerry is horrible and not getting any better. Hart was a 7th round pick for a reason. I don't see the potential in him that others do. Now what can we realistically do to better this mess of an o-line?
We worked out John Greco last week. If he's healthy, I would sign him and plug him in at RG. I'd also bench Hart and give Wheeler a shot at RT.
Another possibility, if Greco isn't fully healthy or didn't have a great work out with us, is to make changes internally. I'm still not sold on Flowers as a LT. I think he could be an effective mauling run blocking RG since he wouldn't have to always concentrate on his footwork. So move Flowers to RG, kick Pugh outside to LT, put Jones at LG, and give Wheeler a shot at RT.
Something has to be done with this OL. Sitting around waiting for this unit to get better as constituted is going to ruin this season.
There isn't a guy on this offensive line that should feel like he deserves his job.
I agree, SOMETHING has to be done this is ridiculous.
Jerry needs to ride the pine that much is absolutely necessary...
Even
Pugh Jones Richburg Fluker Flowers
With Jones or Fluker flippable between LG and RG... whoever is most comfortable... Hart can renter the Guard discussion if one of Jones or Fluker stars failing...
Nobody should be safe with their job, and fear should motivate.
Not sure if I'd throw Wheeler out there just yet... that might be even more of a train wreck, but I guess if the O-line is going to go down in a flaming heap might as well work the experience angle and if he starts doing well that would be heartwarming.
I'm certainly no expert and will concede to those who know better, that Hart didn't grade out better than Jerry. However, to my eye the unit as whole played better with Hart. He maybe lacking in strength but he plays smart and hangs in there more than one can say about Jerry. He's clearly the weakest link.
At this point other than signing another vet., replacing Jerry with Hart is the only viable option. If Hart isn't given 1st team snaps in this week's practices, McAdoo brings a whole new meaning to the word stubborn.
Oops meant Jones in my comments not Hart.
It's impossible to say for sure but the circumstantial evidence points to an organizational problem with regards to scouting and/or coaching OL talent.
I'd start Jones next game...if Hart does not improve, then I'd put Pugh at RT, and have this:
Flowers/Jones/Richburg/Fluker/Pugh
At the very least, Jerry needs to clean out his locker tomorrow. He just can't play.
The reason why Fluker didn't get a shirt isn't necessarily an indictment of his standing within the team. They have been consistently dressing seven OL for the past few years, so that only leaves two backup shirts. Fluker doesn't play C or LT, which puts him at an immediate disadvantage - they dressed a backup C/G, and a backup T who can at least nominally play LT. It's really not that complicated.
I don't disagree with this idea (and would throw Staley in as well). And if we need cap room, ask Eli to restructure. I mean, if we can't do this to Eli, surely he doesn't want to do it to himself, either.
Sounds ridiculous but I bet they would get a better push and would protect Eli