How far behind from Elmer are the combo Nelson / Bars? Was Elmer ever challenged for his starting spot by the runner-up in the fight between Nelson and Bars? It seemed to me the competition was strictly between Nelson / Bars and it was never given consideration that the runner-up could challenge Elmer. I say this because, to my unskilled eyes, Elmer struggled at times last season. Lou mentions this in his OL column where he wrote, "Sloppy on occasion last year with his balance and technique, Elmer has been rounding into better overall form, although not yet at the level of a Stanley or Martin." Lou continues by placing Nelson in tier three with Elmer in tier two. Should we expect Nelson to have sloppy play this season as he grows into the position akin to Elmer of last season?
I know the talk of the town is the OL being potentially the best unit on the team. I believe I've read people use the term "elite" when describing our OL. I'm a little concerned it might not be so elite because last season I was underwhelmed by the overall play of Elmer, though very good at times he struggled at times. Not trying to pick on the guy, I'm just using him as a reference. Last season we couldn't say his play was at the elite level. I know Lou mentions that Elmer has been rounding into better overall form but also says he isn't at Stanley's level so until Elmer actually produces at an elite level I'm taking the wait and see approach. And then Nelson is tier three, with Bars of course his runner-up. The OL really only has one player that could be considered elite - Stanley. Martin is fringe elite with the arrow pointing up. Am I right to not be drinking the kool-aid on the OL or do you think they will collectively dominate? For an OL that is potentially elite, there are three players of the five that are question marks.
Finally, with McGlinchey, it seems he shows a lot of promise and the idea of having a RT for the next three years is promising. I'm excited to see his play this year as his performance int he bowl game was promising. IIRC the plan is to keep him on the right and not move him to the left, yes? I realize nobody has a crystal ball but what is the likelihood of him sticking around through his 5th year?
I know the talk of the town is the OL being potentially the best unit on the team. I believe I've read people use the term "elite" when describing our OL. I'm a little concerned it might not be so elite because last season I was underwhelmed by the overall play of Elmer, though very good at times he struggled at times. Not trying to pick on the guy, I'm just using him as a reference. Last season we couldn't say his play was at the elite level. I know Lou mentions that Elmer has been rounding into better overall form but also says he isn't at Stanley's level so until Elmer actually produces at an elite level I'm taking the wait and see approach. And then Nelson is tier three, with Bars of course his runner-up. The OL really only has one player that could be considered elite - Stanley. Martin is fringe elite with the arrow pointing up. Am I right to not be drinking the kool-aid on the OL or do you think they will collectively dominate? For an OL that is potentially elite, there are three players of the five that are question marks.
Finally, with McGlinchey, it seems he shows a lot of promise and the idea of having a RT for the next three years is promising. I'm excited to see his play this year as his performance int he bowl game was promising. IIRC the plan is to keep him on the right and not move him to the left, yes? I realize nobody has a crystal ball but what is the likelihood of him sticking around through his 5th year?
