The Saints’ offensive line featured the Bushrod-Nicks-Goodwin-Evans-Stinchcomb quintet for quite some time, and this year represented a departure from that contiunuity as Zach Strief took over starting duties at right tackle, and Olin Kreutz took over at center. The guard combo of Nicks and Evans has never been a question mark, and the Saints count on that tandem as an always reliable tandem. Bushrod is improving every year, and while he’s never been an elite tackle, he continues to be serviceable.
As it turns out, both Strief and Kreutz are the guys that got injured in the Texans game along the line. So the reliable and steady veteran trio of Bushrod-Nicks-Evans remain, and the Saints are already filling in new holes on the offensive line at the recently replaced positions.
There is no news as to the extent of Strief and Kreutz’ injuries. I know, huge shocker that Sean Payton didn’t give accurate descriptions of what was wrong. Neither are on IR, so it’s somewhat safe to assume they will both hopefully be back at some point this season. Neither practiced all week, and both have officially been listed as “out” for Sunday’s game at Jacksonville.
So who replaces them? At right tackle it’ll be Charles Brown. At center, it’ll be either Brian de la Puente, who did fine in spot duty this past weekend, or it’ll be Matt Tennant. Either way, I’m honestly fine with the replacements and I’m not sweating these changes at all.
Why you ask? Well, first off, Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans are both Pro Bowl quality dominant NFL players. Losing either would be a much more devastating blow. While Bushrod isn’t on that level, he also plays the most important position on the line and the Saints don’t have anyone on the roster that’s even close to being able to hold down left tackle after him. So these two injuries, while not ideal, are most manageable, as evidenced by the fact that the incumbent starters were replaced to begin with. Olin Kreutz’ play in particular has been poor so far this season. I honestly can’t imagine de la Puente and/or Tennant doing worse. While Strief’s play has been promising at times, he has also been far from exceptional. Brown could be a slight drop off, but the Saints were already giving tons of chips and double teams to that side to begin with. Point is, the game plan is the same in the Saints’ oline scheme: protect your right tackle. And who knows, we may actually see an upgrade in performance at center.
Moral of the story here: I don’t think the offense misses a beat. Tennant and de la Puente both, I think, offer more power in the trenches than Kreutz did. Yes they don’t pull as well, and they have less experience, but playing in between Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans is about all you can ask for as a young player. As for right tackle, Brown is a bit more worrisome, but he was drafted in the second round for reason and this is his chance to showcase his skills. Lucky for all these players, Drew Brees is not a quarterback you have to block for extremely well. This is because he gets rid of the ball faster than most, and he feels pressure in the pocket better than anyone in the business.
Some come back when you can, Kreutz and Strief, but don’t rush it. The line will be fine.
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