67 replies to this topic

[MHS831]

I used to coach OL in high school, and while that means absolutely nothing, I learned a few things from others who knew. Watch his head. The more it moves, the more confusion in most cases.

I try to watch him 5-8 plays a game, so this is not scientific. Early in the season in pass blocking, Silo would leave his gap and peel outside toward Gross. He would do so without looking inside out, front to back. Teams noticed this and started stunting and running delayed blitzes. Silatolu relies on Gross a lot. breaking the huddle, there is a lot of conversation before they get to the line. Watch how often he is looking at gross after breaking.

He still struggles in pass protection, is pretty good at times in run blocking, and is a good pulling guard. His feet are excellent, so expect to see more pulls.

That sets us up for a big, bulldozer at RG.

Next year, Silatolu will be much better. Kalil will be back. Maybe we draft a LT and trade/cut Gross, but I am not so sure right now. Silatolu needs him. Silatolu has not been good with the option and he gets lost on screens at times.

Silatolu is still learning. Give him 2 years, and he is going to be very good. He is a slow learner.

[ThunderKatt]

According to Pro Football Focus the Gross and Amini combo only lead to one pressure against an Atlanta team that gives our offensive line a fit.

[Jackofalltrades]

this guy is garbage and shouldn't be starting. We need to bring in veteran offensive lineman who aren't cut for sucking.

Your typical moronic reply.

[Jackofalltrades]

According to Pro Football Focus the Gross and Amini combo only lead to one pressure against an Atlanta team that gives our offensive line a fit.

When I think of teams that give our OL fits Atl isn't even in the discussion.

[Swaggasaurus]

Amini has played worthy of a round 2 rook since the 2nd Tampa game. Before that he was as bad as you jackasses say.

[Daddy Uncle]

Bell has to move to gaurd next season.

LT- Draft or Free agent
LG- Bell
C-Kalil
RG-Silatolu
RT-Gross

then draft another tackle in the next draft to eventually take over for Gross

[La Pantera]

Bell will suck donkey nuts, at any gaurd spot. No thanks!

[K9]

He didn't do so well playing gaurd earlier in the season when Rivera was playing roulette with the line.

He's done a serviceable job at tackel so far. Keep him around...he's at least cheap depth.

[Bullethead527]

Bell is good at RT, but having mediocre RG will make him look worse then what he is IMO, just like Gross having a rookie next to him. Bell's and Amini will get better.

Anybody remember when the 49ers drafted Anthony Davis (11th pick in the 1st round) and Mike Iupati (17th pick in 1st round) In the 2010 Draft?. Those guys came into the league and didnt do to well their 1st year, but continued to get better. They are on year 3 and playing some really good football. Bell and Amini will be good IMO, just got to let them develop.

[BigBeast52]

Bell is good at RT, but having mediocre RG will make him look worse then what he is IMO, just like Gross having a rookie next to him. Bell's and Amini will get better.

Anybody remember when the 49ers drafted Anthony Davis (11th pick in the 1st round) and Mike Iupati (17th pick in 1st round) In the 2010 Draft?. Those guys came into the league and didnt do to well their 1st year, but continued to get better. They are on year 3 and playing some really good football. Bell and Amini will be good IMO, just got to let them develop.

Davis and iupati were bad their first years, iupati has turned into a really good guard and Davis has been pretty bad. But I get what your saying, hard to come in and dominate a bunch of grown ass men

[Jackofalltrades]

Bell has to move to gaurd next season.

LT- Draft or Free agent
LG- Bell
C-Kalil
RG-Silatolu
RT-Gross

then draft another tackle in the next draft to eventually take over for Gross

Terrible idea to move Bell. Why move AS to the other side? To steepen the learning curve?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Amini has struggled but it's not uncommon for rookie offensive linemen to struggle (ex. see Cowboys rookie last year, can't remember his name: Tyrone something lol).

Also for those bashing Bell, he did grade out as one the best rookie offensive linemen last year, if I'm not mistaking.

[Jackofalltrades]

Amini went from Community College level to the NFL- it's going to take some time.

[Bullethead527]

Davis and iupati were bad their first years, iupati has turned into a really good guard and Davis has been pretty bad. But I get what your saying, hard to come in and dominate a bunch of grown ass men

I thought Davis was playing pretty good this year.

[fieryprophet]

ITT: a bunch of ruminations from people who couldn't discern decent line play to save their life.

Bell has been fine, especially considering the number of guards he's played next to and even played at himself.

Silatolu has picked up a lot from earlier in the year, beating defenders with brute strength even if the technique still isn't there. He stills struggles picking up inside rushes and stunts but is better than before.

Anyone advocating getting rid of Gross has a screw loose, he's still a much better LT than we'd have any hope signing or trading for and even if we grab an LT with our first pick I doubt we'd get someone who would be an improvement within the first two years.