Attack This Guy on Passing Downs

by John B on Oct 9, 2010 1:25 PM EDT

"This guy" is Minnesota's starting right tackle, Phil Loadholt. He is enormous at 6'8" and 343 pounds. That big frame when coupled with his strength makes him an absolute mauler in the run game. Once he locks onto a defender, it is very difficult to disengage for a defender.

Loadholt's size comes with a disadvantage, though. He is not the most nimble guy. Engaging can be a problem when he is up against athletic pass rushers trying to get up field. Blown assignments have caused pressures that have led to turnovers in both of Minnesota's past two games.

If the Jets are looking for a spot to create favorable matchups for Calvin Pace, Jason Taylor, and their blitz schemes, right tackle might be the place to attack for a second consecutive week.

Tweet Comment 1 comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Not having watched Minne this year I haven’t seen his blown assignments you are referring to, but last year, Loadholt’s first, was actually fairly respectable in terms of kinds of sacks given up.

He gave up 3 sacks in 15 games, but with a median time of 3.5 seconds (meaning that the Favre was holding the ball a VERY long time, and on average it basically wasn’t his direct fault. Here are last years sacks allowed by player stats.. By comparison touted Jake Long gave up 4 sacks with a median of 3 seconds, while Woody allowed 1 sack, but in 2.6 seconds.

Not saying that you are wrong to target him, he is young and could have some problems with certain rushers, but by last years sack numbers alone (not counting hurries) he is not whiffing on players.

"Sometimes it's the people. Any player can play defense, but not every player will play defense. Sometimes it's a lack of perseverance." - A. Johnson

by kv on Oct 9, 2010 1:58 PM EDT reply actions