The O-Line looked a lot better on Friday, thanks to Cam Newton

[@bobbyagnese]

Just re-watched Friday's game...may be silly to draw conclusions from a meaningless exhibition, but I saw a much-improved Cam Newton that complemented his offensive line very well.

At first glance, it seemed that Cam's protection was great, and while it was solid, it had it's flaws. Oher struggled to protect against speed from the edge, and the sometimes interior caved in. The Bills have a great defensive line, maybe the best in the league, so it's important to consider that fact.

However, what impressed me most was Newton's presence in the pocket. His awareness was great, as he climbed the pocket regularly, and didn't freeze-up under pressure. Instead, I saw a QB who knew when to be statuesque, and trust his blockers. When Oher let Jerry Hughes gain advantage on the inside, Cam instinctively climbed the pocket, and made a great pass to Kelvin Benjamin. This may seem simple and necessary, but for a while, Cam didn't do this. It's absolutely vital as he continues to evolve into a pocket passer.

 

 

What are your thoughts on the offensive line? What about Cam?

 

 

 

[@bobbyagnese]

In my opinion, in the pictures above, '14 Cam would've taken that sack for an ugly loss.

[t96]

I think they are both helping each other look better. Oher was way better in that preseason game (for the few series' he played) than Bell ever was for us and the rest of the line was better than the combos we had last year before the 4 settled as starters at the end, and Cam's 100% healthy so he can trust his protection and his health and be able to maneuver the pocket. And yes you are correct that Cam's pocket presence helped make the line look better than it actually was, but not as much as you think. So they are both helping each other, and it is really fantastic for me to see it.

[@bobbyagnese]

I think they are both helping each other look better. Oher was way better in that preseason game (for the few series' he played) than Bell ever was for us and the rest of the line was better than the combos we had last year before the 4 settled as starters at the end, and Cam's 100% healthy so he can trust his protection and his health and be able to maneuver the pocket. And yes you are correct that Cam's pocket presence helped make the line look better than it actually was, but not as much as you think. So they are both helping each other, and it is really fantastic for me to see it.

Oher was serviceable, but he had his flaws. from LG-RT, it was very solid, as expected. Only a matter of time before D. Williams takes over for Remmers. The former Sooner looked really, really good. 

[Cam's New Arm]

Weren't we all jagging each other off over Remmers at the end of last year and over the offseason?

Is the new guy better?

[The Huddler]

I really like that pocket. Some people will say that this is a knock on Oher.

"oh look at that, he let his man get past him". 

I see it different. He cut off the inside and led his man to the outside so he can ride him out of relevance. Its truly supposed to look like a pocket, not a brick wall at the line of scrimage. Since Oher was able to ride his man put there (which shows me good athleticism) it allowed Cam to step up into a clean pocket, where he can keep good posture and Deliver a nice ball. This really excites me facing this front. 

 

Cam Newton is already one of the best escape artists in the league, but give him a clean pocket, even if no one is open itll be a lot easier for him to scoot on out of there on a scramble without all these big fat sweaty arms grabbing on him. Just think if he were to scramble towards the bottom of the screen.  No one is there. 

 

There will be a lot of Cam vs Pats monday night type scrambles and passing performances this year. Itll look so easy!

 

thats my take

[CPF4LIFE]

I hope its a matter time before Williams takes over for Oher.

[Daddy_Uncle]

Pro Bowl center, two great young gaurds, Remmers who destroys people, Oher is an upgrade and Daryl Williams who is a strong punishing lineman  that can play guard and tackle. I don't think our oline is a weakness. im excited about it

[CarolinaSock]

Oher did what he's supposed to do, ride his guy behind Cam and out of the play. The problem in the past was instead of stepping up in the pocket Cam would often spin backwards right into the path of the defender. Watch other teams play and you'll see a perfectly clean pocket is not as common as many here seem to think. Being able to set and throw with bodies around is what often separates average quarterbacks from the special ones.

[lightsout]

Cam is going to blow it up this year. I just don't see why he won't. As long as his weapons maintain decent play and the OL stays injury free, I'm expecting a record year for him.

[t96]

Cam is going to blow it up this year. I just don't see why he won't. As long as his weapons maintain decent play and the OL stays injury free, I'm expecting a record year for him.

I anticipate him having an extremely efficient year as a passer with the hopefully improved line, run game and receivers, but to say he'll have a record year is a little unrealistic in my opinion. Our offense isn't set up to put up a lot of point or a lot of yards, particularly through the air. It's about ball control and efficiency, and doing so by having a strong run game. Cam could have an MVP-like season in this offense, but he won't be putting up 5000 yards passing and 40+ TDs like Brees, Luck, etc. And it's perfectly fine that way as long as we're winning games.

[heelinfine]

Cam is going to blow it up this year. I just don't see why he won't. As long as his weapons maintain decent play and the OL stays injury free, I'm expecting a record year for him.

So you essentially believe that Cam is going to play "lights out" this year? 

Sorry, I couldn't resist it, and I agree with you.  I think that Cam is going to shatter all the  unjustly preconceived narratives and biased opinions  that many NFL pundits and enemy fanbases hold near and dear to their heart.

It's going to be a fugging thing of beauty to witness.

 

[Udogg]

Oher did what he was supposed to do.

Cam did what he was supposed to do.

 

[X-Clown on 1]

Oher did exactly what he's supposed to do, which is to set the pocket.  He's not suppose to keep the guy from gaining any penetration over the line, but instead keep him outside the bubble (pocket).  Once he's pushed past the QB's hip, then the QB should feel that presence and step up in the pocket.  This is exactly what Cam did.  The O-Line and Cam's relationship with them was damn near perfect on that play, and pretty good all night.