When there’s not much depth on the O-line going into training camp, it shouldn’t be that great a surprise to see them struggle. Mike McGlynn might/probably be back for the Saturday game, but who knows how effective he will really be? All we can hope is that he isn’t any worse than whoever he knocks off the starting group. In camp, Pitt lost Jacobson and Matha for the season. Further depleting depth.
That said, the O-line is a problem. I could almost accept the “it’s only one game” argument except for three things: 1) it’s been the same story for the last 4-5 years and it gets tiresome; 2) with the exception of McGlynn’s absence, this line was the expected starting O-line and that says that those behind them haven’t exactly impressed enough to take jobs; and 3) it isn’t “just one game” since these were the same problems that we read about from observations all the way through training camp.
I suppose Wannstedt can posture and say that the entire O-line has their jobs in danger.
While Wannstedt didn’t announce which position McGlynn will play, he’ll likely replace sophomore Joe Thomas at right guard. Wannstedt also issued a warning to the rest of the starters on the line: One of them will be benched come game time if they don’t improve in a hurry.
“We’re going to work him at center and guard this week,” Wannstedt said about Mc- Glynn yesterday. “He is the most experienced and knowledgeable offensive linemen that we have and he’s capable of playing any of the three positions for us. I want to see a few of these offensive linemen practice this week. I’m not too pleased with how we played last week and we need to get back to work.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, so I am not going to make any concrete decision until I see how they respond and how they work and how they prepare.”
Wannstedt was then asked if that meant all of the starting offensive linemen were in danger of being demoted if they don’t practice well.
“Yes, yes they are,” he said. “I think if you ask the entire group, man to man, everyone would say ‘I can and I need to play better,’ and I think the way you gain confidence is at practice. We have to make sure we don’t give anybody the impression that we’re OK or that anybody has a job locked up.”
The problem is, that still presumes someone behind them will step up to the challenge and opportunity. The starters even if they don’t practice or perform “well,” may still be doing it better than the guy behind them.
Is it any wonder, that ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc. puts 2 O-line positions in their 3 needs for Pitt (insider subs).
Offensive Tackle
While sophomore Jason Pinkston appears to have a bright future, both starters are seniors and two reserves are juniors. The good news is Pittsburgh started to address this position when it signed Dan Matha out of Erie, Pa., and John Fieger out of Red Hill, Pa. Matha has excellent size and Feiger is athletic, but there are concerns about Matha’s ability to hold up in pass protection and Fieger’s ability to drive defenders off the ball. Keeping all of that in mind, the Panthers need an offensive tackle capable of improving depth and eventually competing for the starting slot opposite Pinkston.
Cornerbacks
There are boundary and field corners in defensive coordinator Paul Rhodes’ scheme. The boundary corners play closer to the sideline when the ball is shaded to either side of the field and need to play physical, so having quality size here is a substantial benefit. With starter Kennard Cox and backup Lowell Robinson both seniors, Pittsburgh needs to add a corner with the toughness to play the run and strength to muscle receivers out of their routes. In addition, the Panthers need to monitor the progress of sophomore Aaron Berry on the opposite side. Berry has the talent to play on Sundays, and a strong year could set the table for him leaving school following the 2008 season.
Guard
Depth is the issue here. Though Pittsburgh signed Chris Jacobson out of Pittsburgh, C.J. Davis is a junior and Dominic Williams is a senior. There isn’t a great deal of size among the reserves either, so the Panthers should be in the market for guards that can drive defenders off the ball and wear them down over the course of the game.
You might want to consider the Center position as well, since someone is going to have to play it next year. Vangas and McGlynn are both gone in 2008. Bachman didn’t work out. If 2008 is the “year” who’s going to be counted on to snap and lead the O-line?
