Heyer will Start against Giants

I don't feel very good about this move. Granted, Jansen's skills have eroded considerably since 2003 and he looked dreadful in pass protection this preseason. However, I have even less confidence in Heyer. I would have felt better if Jansen remained our starter for 2008 and was relegated to backup duty in 2009.
Well its not like they cut Jansen he will be on the sidelines if Heyer struggles.

Well, let's not pile on Jansen because he didn't admit that he sucked. Not many players do that. If they do, that means they're starting to question their self-confidence; and when that happens their career is definitely over.

Great point. Should he tell the press, "Jeez, I just can't cut it anyone, I should hang em' up"?

Jansen is going to play a role at some point this season guaranteed. He seems to be taking the demotion well and I think he'll use it as motivation to take advantage of his opportunity when it comes. Perhaps at this point in his career a switch to guard might help?

What have you seen that gives you less confidence in Heyer?

Heyer played admirably for an undrafted rookie free agent. However, he is not a very good run-blocker or a very good pass protector. He is not incredibly strong or incredibly agile. He got his lunch handed to him in several games last year, despite the fact that an extra TE was often lined up next to him to help him block his man. In sum, I see him as a mediocre backup. I pray I am wrong about the guy.

Its sad to see Jansen's skills deteroiate so badly but he was a liability in pass protection.

Heyer played admirably for an undrafted rookie free agent. However, he is not a very good run-blocker or a very good pass protector. He is not incredibly strong or incredibly agile. He got his lunch handed to him in several games last year, despite the fact that an extra TE was often lined up next to him to help him block his man. In sum, I see him as a mediocre backup. I pray I am wrong about the guy.

This is a coaching thing I worry about.
I know it was preseason but there are a few points that suggest help may not be there for the OT's this year.

1 Zorn is not calling shotgun when pass rush gets bad
2 Zorn is not calling screens when pass rush gets bad
3 Zorn is calling far too few draws when pass rush gets bad
4 We have ZERO run blocking TE's on the roster this year
5 We only have 1 Blocking Fullback on the roster this year
6 I didn't see additional pass protection adjustments based on pass rush

So...either they wanted to see the linemen one on one to evaluate them and have determined they no longer need additional blocking support OR Coach Zorn has yet to determine that this Oline excells at run blocking and needs additional support in pass blocking.

Buges needs to speak up here or Portis is going to be taking on a lot of blitzes solo and that can't be good for his long term health.

If Heyer doesn't get help this week....Tuck may just squash him.

If Heyer doesn't get help this week....Tuck may just squash him.

Yup. I think the Heyer-Tuck matchup is going to be the most important and interesting ones to watch.

Heyer played admirably for an undrafted rookie free agent. However, he is not a very good run-blocker or a very good pass protector. He is not incredibly strong or incredibly agile. He got his lunch handed to him in several games last year, despite the fact that an extra TE was often lined up next to him to help him block his man. In sum, I see him as a mediocre backup. I pray I am wrong about the guy.

My thoughts exactly too. Heyer stunk in run blocking for the most part last year. His pass blocking was not too much better. I'd feel better w/ Jansen in there...much better. I know Jansen didn't look good this preseason but I've got to believe once the live bullets start flying he'd step it up a little. I too hope I'm wrong about Heyer.

This is a coaching thing I worry about.
I know it was preseason but there are a few points that suggest help may not be there for the OT's this year.

1 Zorn is not calling shotgun when pass rush gets bad
2 Zorn is not calling screens when pass rush gets bad
3 Zorn is calling far too few draws when pass rush gets bad
4 We have ZERO run blocking TE's on the roster this year
5 We only have 1 Blocking Fullback on the roster this year
6 I didn't see additional pass protection adjustments based on pass rush

So...either they wanted to see the linemen one on one to evaluate them and have determined they no longer need additional blocking support OR Coach Zorn has yet to determine that this Oline excells at run blocking and needs additional support in pass blocking.

Buges needs to speak up here or Portis is going to be taking on a lot of blitzes solo and that can't be good for his long term health.

If Heyer doesn't get help this week....Tuck may just squash him.

It's hard to make any solid judgments in regard to play calling based on games where the main focus isn't on winning.

It's hard to make any solid judgments in regard to play calling based on games where the main focus isn't on winning.

I agree...but roster decisions such as 1 FB and no stud blocking TE have me leaning towards this being a legitamate concern.
I think we all need to be watching on how Zorn adjusts during the game to a killer pass rush....not to mention how he play calls, especially with the offense backed up towards their own end zone.

A little bit of "Gibbs Caution" in these areas would help