Breaking News. We traded for Nelson

[Sibelius Hindemith]

So apparently all the talk about how much they loved Bradford was just that.

[Michael K.]

So apparently all the talk about how much they loved Bradford was just that.

Quinton Nelson has been a Pro Bowler his entire career. I believe an All Pro in all but two seasons and a first team All Pro in at least half of those. Yep, starting Nelson over Bradford means they just hate Bradford. They now have two first round picks at Guard. Did you expect them to bench Zabel? I bet there is a chance that Zabel moves to Center in the off season, if they can sign both Bradford and Nelson. But only a small chance. But starting two first rounders at Guard is far from a shock, and certainly doesn't mean they lied when they said they liked Bradford.

[XpertDBA]

I had a really dumb question about Bradford and his really good grades run blocking, but his really bad grades pass blocking.

Why would these 2 skills be so completely different? I've always wondered on a pass, why do linemen immediately stand up, go backwards and give ground a little bit to create 'the pocket'? If you're a blocker, wouldn't it be way better to stand your ground and block at the line (obviously not going forward to create a penalty of illegal man downfield), instead of standing up and going backwards? Doesn't that give the defensive player all of the leverage and a huge advantage?

Sorry if that's a dumb question, but I've never understood why 'blocking' is so different between the two disciplines.

Does this help

Aggression in pass protection creates high-risk vulnerabilities that defenses are trained to exploit:

• Loss of Position (The "React and Mirror" Rule): In run blocking, the offensive lineman dictates the direction by driving forward into the defender. In pass protection, the defender chooses the move (speed rush, inside spin, bull rush). If an offensive lineman lunges or plays overly aggressive, the defender can easily side-step or swat the hands, leaving a clear path to a sack.

• The Danger of Over-Extending: Aggressive charges cause an offensive lineman to lean their weight forward and lift their center of gravity. Pass rushers use this momentum against them by pulling or pushing them to the ground (known as a "pass-rushing move" or "swim/rip/pull").

• Rules on Holding and Engagement: Offensive linemen are prohibited from grabbing or tackling defensive players from behind or outside the frame once a rusher gets past them. An aggressive lunge that misses means the lineman is beaten, and holding penalties will get called if they try to recover with brute force.

• The "Depth" Requirement: Pass protection requires a backward drop-step (kick-slide) to match the depth of the quarterback's drop. Charging forward prematurely opens up massive gaps and rushing lanes for defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers.

Ok thanks....I knew it was a dumb question.

[Sibelius Hindemith]

Zabel has been sub-mediocre and no i wouldn't have been surprised had they benched him and kept Bradford at RG. Who cares that he was drafted in the 1st round? He hasn't been playing well.

[Donn Beach]

I had a really dumb question about Bradford and his really good grades run blocking, but his really bad grades pass blocking.

Why would these 2 skills be so completely different? I've always wondered on a pass, why do linemen immediately stand up, go backwards and give ground a little bit to create 'the pocket'? If you're a blocker, wouldn't it be way better to stand your ground and block at the line (obviously not going forward to create a penalty of illegal man downfield), instead of standing up and going backwards? Doesn't that give the defensive player all of the leverage and a huge advantage?

Sorry if that's a dumb question, but I've never understood why 'blocking' is so different between the two disciplines.

Does this help

Aggression in pass protection creates high-risk vulnerabilities that defenses are trained to exploit:

• Loss of Position (The "React and Mirror" Rule): In run blocking, the offensive lineman dictates the direction by driving forward into the defender. In pass protection, the defender chooses the move (speed rush, inside spin, bull rush). If an offensive lineman lunges or plays overly aggressive, the defender can easily side-step or swat the hands, leaving a clear path to a sack.

• The Danger of Over-Extending: Aggressive charges cause an offensive lineman to lean their weight forward and lift their center of gravity. Pass rushers use this momentum against them by pulling or pushing them to the ground (known as a "pass-rushing move" or "swim/rip/pull").

• Rules on Holding and Engagement: Offensive linemen are prohibited from grabbing or tackling defensive players from behind or outside the frame once a rusher gets past them. An aggressive lunge that misses means the lineman is beaten, and holding penalties will get called if they try to recover with brute force.

• The "Depth" Requirement: Pass protection requires a backward drop-step (kick-slide) to match the depth of the quarterback's drop. Charging forward prematurely opens up massive gaps and rushing lanes for defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers.

Ok thanks....I knew it was a dumb question.

It wasn't dumb, I was curious myself after you brought it up.

[Donn Beach]

So apparently all the talk about how much they loved Bradford was just that.

Quinton Nelson has been a Pro Bowler his entire career. I believe an All Pro in all but two seasons and a first team All Pro in at least half of those. Yep, starting Nelson over Bradford means they just hate Bradford. They now have two first round picks at Guard. Did you expect them to bench Zabel? I bet there is a chance that Zabel moves to Center in the off season, if they can sign both Bradford and Nelson. But only a small chance. But starting two first rounders at Guard is far from a shock, and certainly doesn't mean they lied when they said they liked Bradford.

Yeah, its not about not liking a guy. It was an opportunity to add probably the best talent in the NFL at his position. And at a modest cost. You don't turn down an opportunity like that