In watching the first 3 games of the season for PSU, I was struck by a couple things...
1) Obviously, this PSU O-Line is MUCH, MUCH better NOW than the O-Line we saw against Temple... it has ALREADY made a quantum leap from where it was during the Temple game, which is good news for PSU.
2) Currently, this O-Line is a MUCH better run blocking line, than it is a Pass blocking line... No doubt helped by the emergence of Saquon Barkley, but it's MUCH more than that. THEY are just BETTER (currently), at using their power and strength to open running holes for the likes of Barkley and Lynch, than they are the finesse, of catching up with exotic blitz packages, and pressure. THIS was exhibited against a VERY good "run defense" in Rutgurs... BUT, I believe that the former will come as well.
3) Also, Currently, at least SOME of the problems that the OL has in making the passing game go, is NOT their fault. Hackenburg, for all his skills, talent, and potential... SOMETIMES just doesn't hit the open receiver, holds on to the ball to long, and/or just doesn't show the accuracy that you would expect... add dropped passes and WR's that don't seem to be able to create "daylight" between themselves and the defenders... there is MORE wrong with the passing game than JUST the OL... There is BLAME to go around.
So, this O-Line looks like it's definitely on the right track, AND the running game seems to be gelling... however, we will NOT achieve our potential unless the passing game gels as well, and THAT will not happen until, and unless, the QB, WR's and TE's take THEIR share of the blame, and decide that THEY need to step it up as well... I think we are now ready for the NEXT step...
1) Obviously, this PSU O-Line is MUCH, MUCH better NOW than the O-Line we saw against Temple... it has ALREADY made a quantum leap from where it was during the Temple game, which is good news for PSU.
2) Currently, this O-Line is a MUCH better run blocking line, than it is a Pass blocking line... No doubt helped by the emergence of Saquon Barkley, but it's MUCH more than that. THEY are just BETTER (currently), at using their power and strength to open running holes for the likes of Barkley and Lynch, than they are the finesse, of catching up with exotic blitz packages, and pressure. THIS was exhibited against a VERY good "run defense" in Rutgurs... BUT, I believe that the former will come as well.
3) Also, Currently, at least SOME of the problems that the OL has in making the passing game go, is NOT their fault. Hackenburg, for all his skills, talent, and potential... SOMETIMES just doesn't hit the open receiver, holds on to the ball to long, and/or just doesn't show the accuracy that you would expect... add dropped passes and WR's that don't seem to be able to create "daylight" between themselves and the defenders... there is MORE wrong with the passing game than JUST the OL... There is BLAME to go around.
So, this O-Line looks like it's definitely on the right track, AND the running game seems to be gelling... however, we will NOT achieve our potential unless the passing game gels as well, and THAT will not happen until, and unless, the QB, WR's and TE's take THEIR share of the blame, and decide that THEY need to step it up as well... I think we are now ready for the NEXT step...
