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Originally Posted by dblanch66
Quietly, our offensive line is having a strong beginning in these games. Granted they have given up some sacks and CP only ran for 90 yards last week (Betts had like, 34yds) but it must be taken into consideration that Jansen is playing with 8 FINGERS! I don't think Denver has faced an O line as good as ours yet. KC was missing Roaf and Jacksonville doesn't boast our talent. This will be the key to Sunday's game: How well the O line protects MB and opens holes for CP and Ladell will decide the game. As the season progresses and the line continues to jell, look out.
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I have to disagree with this one. I would have thought that by the fourth game of the season, Samuels, Dockery, Rabach, Thomas, and Jansen would have established themselves as among the top five offensive lines in the league. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Portis has had 3.6 and 3.0 yard per carry averages against the Cowboys and Seahawks, respectively. As a tandem, Portis and Betts have yet to crack the 4 yard per carry average this season. Plus, this line has allowed 10 sacks over three games.
While Jansen's broken thumbs certainly are a hinderance, I don't think anyone would rationally try to argue that the line would be significantly improved with just two more operable digits for Jansen to work with.
Our undefeated start does tend to gloss over things over a bit, but not since the second half against Chicago has this line really taken over a game. For this team to continue it's unbeaten streak, the line play must get better. That means better pass protection, and more holes for Portis and Betts to go through. With more playing time and healthy starters, this O-line can be among the top five, but they're not quite there yet.