OL getting better or opponents getting worse?

by jallred350 on Nov 24, 2009 12:55 PM MST

The last 3 games we have averaged 26 carries for 153 yards (5.8 ypc). Hightower has 35 carries for 222 (6.3 ypc) and Wells has 36 carries for 203 (5.6 ypc). Are we getting better at this, or have our opponents been that bad? Here are the numbers.

Bears - #23 in rushing yards allowed per game (122) and #16 in rushing yards allowed per carry (4.3). Cards had 182 yards at 5.9 ypc.

Seahawks - #15 in rushing yards allowed per game (111) and #17 in rushing yards allowed per carry (4.3). Cards had 122 at 4.1 ypc.

Rams - #28 in rushing yards allowed per game (146) and #29 in rushing yards allowed per carry (4.7). Cards had 154 at 8.6 ypc.

Those teams look bad, but in all cases (except ypc vs. Seahawks where we were very close) we gained more both in terms of total yards and yards per carry than our opponents' averages.

So, again, I ask. Are we getting better or are our opponents getting worse? Please assign value to both the OL and the RBs if you are going to argue that we are improving. I want to know if you think improvement is due more to our OL getting better or the presence of Beanie and growth of Hightower.

Thanks and GO CARDS!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

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I would say we are getting better.

Even though those teams are giving up a lot of yards, the old Cards would have been below the average of what those teams are giving up. I would say more credit goes to the running backs, as they gain more yards bouncing outside than going up the middle. But the line is getting better at opening up holes and creating lanes for them, as you can see with Beanie’s 13 yard TD against Seattle and Hightowers 50 yard gain against the Rams. I would say the tackles are still an issue though.

by lifeinthepit00 on Nov 24, 2009 1:46 PM MST reply actions

Offensive tackles that is, just to clarify.

by lifeinthepit00 on Nov 24, 2009 1:47 PM MST reply actions

Beanie and Timmy are improving using each other as motivation

o-line seems to be doing a little better

by CardsDefense on Nov 24, 2009 1:53 PM MST reply actions

And just another thought...

Defenses now have had to put more of an emphasis on defending our receivers, taking safeties out of the box, giving the O-line more to work with and the running backs less defenders to pound through. The option has to be our greatest strength right now.

by lifeinthepit00 on Nov 24, 2009 3:26 PM MST reply actions

O-line still average

Warner, Hightower and a rising Wells make them look better. Also, as someone mention no teams line the a safety in the box. I watched our line run block and its decent, mostly it seems that our schemes are very sound.
I feel Russ Grimm is doing an outstanding job and deserves a lot of love for it.

They are who we thought they were!

by Jesse Reynolds on Nov 24, 2009 7:04 PM MST reply actions

Never go full Homer

We haven’t faced a real serious threat off the edge. I’m not saying they haven’t improved (with help from a legitimate run game), I’m just saying the real test will be the Vikings Jared Allen.

by badmatty53 on Nov 25, 2009 9:32 AM MST reply actions

We will have to game plan for Allen

He’s to quick and Warner is too slow

by quid pro quo on Nov 26, 2009 5:56 AM MST up reply actions

err umm … quick release, Q has a huge game

by quid pro quo on Nov 26, 2009 6:30 AM MST up reply actions

+1

Can see that happening. Either way Brown will need some help.

What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Nov 27, 2009 9:11 AM MST up reply actions