I’m wondering if the best alignment going forward is:
LT: Thomas, LG: Neal, C: Schmitz, RG: McKethan and RT: Ezeudu
This would leave our most fundamentally sound linemen in Thomas and Schmitz with Neal between them. Thomas and Schmitz have the best feet out of the linemen we currently have. If Neal isn’t taking to RT like we hope, a kick inside to the position he played at Alabama in 2019, that might get the job done. Thomas and Schmitz would be able to cover for him on stunts and twists. Then you have the two UNC teammates on the right.
Am I nuts?
I’d say Ezeudu to LG and
mckethen stays at RG
Ezeudu will be the swing tackle (or at least back-up LT)
Thomas-Ezeudu-jms-Mckethan-Neal has potential tho, could be solid with time to groove as the season progresses.
This conversation is better suited for December or January.
Neal was not great but was MUCH better IMO than week 1. Dallas speed rushers give him trouble. Neal was also good in run blocking.
Ezedu proved tonight he can pass protect at the NFL level (last year he had a lot of issues). He should be the LG.
I’d say Ezeudu to LG and
mckethen stays at RG
Maybe I am nuts, but Neal does have 13 games at LG under his belt at Bama. I mean ideally, Neal works out at RT but if he doesn’t, this might be an option.
They practiced this in the summer a bunch.
Yeah if he doesn't show he can be a solid RT this year, he is definitely going to guard in the offseason. I agree. Here's to him figuring it out and playing well at guard, he still doesn't have a lot of experience in the NFL, he could start to get it this season.
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Switching sides isn’t so easy
I’d say Ezeudu to LG and
mckethen stays at RG
Maybe I am nuts, but Neal does have 13 games at LG under his belt at Bama. I mean ideally, Neal works out at RT but if he doesn’t, this might be an option.
Pete
IIRC Neal played RT as a Jr and LT as a Sr
Most believe his problems at RT was remembering how to play on te right side again .
Switching him back to three left side (even at Guard) would create the same issues.
Regardless, he’s much more valuable, and IMO better suited to OT
I think tonight showed he can be a good NFL OT
It’s just taking him much longer than we expected
Quote:
In comment 16210711 gersh said:
Quote:
Switching sides isn’t so easy
I’d say Ezeudu to LG and
mckethen stays at RG
Maybe I am nuts, but Neal does have 13 games at LG under his belt at Bama. I mean ideally, Neal works out at RT but if he doesn’t, this might be an option.
Pete
IIRC Neal played RT as a Jr and LT as a Sr
Most believe his problems at RT was remembering how to play on te right side again .
Switching him back to three left side (even at Guard) would create the same issues.
Regardless, he’s much more valuable, and IMO better suited to OT
I think tonight showed he can be a good NFL OT
It’s just taking him much longer than we expected
Yep, and Neal was a LG at Bama as a soph. I totally agree that it’s best if he works out at RT and we have our bookend tackles for 10 years. But if he doesn’t, it’s an idea.
Heck, it’s better than where we were at halftime when the thinking was everyone blows 😂
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In comment 16210722 PetesHereNow said:
Quote:
In comment 16210711 gersh said:
Quote:
Switching sides isn’t so easy
I’d say Ezeudu to LG and
mckethen stays at RG
Maybe I am nuts, but Neal does have 13 games at LG under his belt at Bama. I mean ideally, Neal works out at RT but if he doesn’t, this might be an option.
Pete
IIRC Neal played RT as a Jr and LT as a Sr
Most believe his problems at RT was remembering how to play on te right side again .
Switching him back to three left side (even at Guard) would create the same issues.
Regardless, he’s much more valuable, and IMO better suited to OT
I think tonight showed he can be a good NFL OT
It’s just taking him much longer than we expected
Yep, and Neal was a LG at Bama as a soph. I totally agree that it’s best if he works out at RT and we have our bookend tackles for 10 years. But if he doesn’t, it’s an idea.
Heck, it’s better than where we were at halftime when the thinking was everyone blows 😂
Ok, I can agree that if Neal continues/reverts back to sucking we have to try him at Guard
And I agree that Ezeudu showed a lot to say he shiiild start at OT
So- yes, maybe it’s not so nuts for next season (but that would mean bad things for this one)
They practiced this in the summer a bunch.
Might be singing another tune after Thursday, but it does seem like Ezeude is a better tackle than guard.