View Full Version : Request: '06 playoffs Patriots at Chargers. Matchup: Graham vs. Merriman
Borks147
09-20-2007, 05:34 PM
Can anyone take a look at the game fillm if they have it. I want to see how Graham did blocking against the Chargers linebackers, and specifically Merriman. Not to be looking past the Jags and Colts or anything; I'm just curious since that will be one key matchup that could lead to victory in the game in 3 weeks. I'm away from home so can't download it from mininova
400HZ
09-20-2007, 05:44 PM
Can anyone take a look at the game fillm if they have it. I want to see how Graham did blocking against the Chargers linebackers, and specifically Merriman. Not to be looking past the Jags and Colts or anything; I'm just curious since that will be one key matchup that could lead to victory in the game in 3 weeks. I'm away from home so can't download it from mininova
New England was in spread formations almost the entire game so I don't think Graham saw the field much. Merriman got hurt in the second quarter and didn't record any sacks.
Borks147
09-20-2007, 05:51 PM
New England was in spread formations almost the entire game so I don't think Graham saw the field much. Merriman got hurt in the second quarter and didn't record any sacks.
bummer, but thanks. They did play in the regular season as well right. The Chargers obviously had more success in that game (it was a blowout right), so my original statement holds for the regular season game now I suppose.
boltaneer
09-20-2007, 06:01 PM
bummer, but thanks. They did play in the regular season as well right. The Chargers obviously had more success in that game (it was a blowout right), so my original statement holds for the regular season game now I suppose.
That game was in early 2005 and Merriman played on special teams only in that game.
But there is no way Denver will stick Graham to block Merriman unless you want Cutler killed. He might help chip him or double him but the responsibility for blocking Merriman will lie with Lepsis and Pears.
Xenos
09-20-2007, 07:04 PM
That game was in early 2005 and Merriman played on special teams only in that game.
But there is no way Denver will stick Graham to block Merriman unless you want Cutler killed. He might help chip him or double him but the responsibility for blocking Merriman will lie with Lepsis and Pears.
Pears will need Graham to help him in that scenario. The key matcup IMO will be Lepsis versus Phillips.
epicSocialism4tw
09-20-2007, 07:37 PM
Pears will need Graham to help him in that scenario. The key matcup IMO will be Lepsis versus Phillips.
That's probably more right, and I think that Lepsis will do just fine.
Inkana7
09-20-2007, 11:11 PM
That game was in early 2005 and Merriman played on special teams only in that game.
But there is no way Denver will stick Graham to block Merriman unless you want Cutler killed. He might help chip him or double him but the responsibility for blocking Merriman will lie with Lepsis and Pears.
Graham is the best blocker on the team, IMO.
boltaneer
09-21-2007, 12:18 AM
Graham is the best blocker on the team, IMO.
From what I understand Graham is a pretty good blocker but I find it hard to believe that he is the best blocker on a team with a pretty good o-line.
But the OT is almost always going to take the rushing OLB in a 3-4. I can't think of a single TE in the NFL that a coach would let block a Merriman, Freeney or any other elite pass rusher without help. They would get eaten alive.
From what I understand Graham is a pretty good blocker but I find it hard to believe that he is the best blocker on a team with a pretty good o-line.
But the OT is almost always going to take the rushing OLB in a 3-4. I can't think of a single TE in the NFL that a coach would let block a Merriman, Freeney or any other elite pass rusher without help. They would get eaten alive.
Chris Kelsay isn't a horrible DE and we used Graham to quite successfully block him on opening Sunday.
I don't think it'll be Graham v. Merriman though, more likely Graham will be used to help pin Merriman in between himself and Pears, be that through double teams or chipping before releasing to another block or passing route.
He's an excellent technician in the blocking game, he doesn't blow assignments and is a heads up guy, making the most of that requires him to assist others, not just target a single man.
Los Broncos
09-21-2007, 12:38 AM
Graham is the best blocker on the team, IMO.
I think the same thing
Once hes on his block, its over
Borks147
09-21-2007, 01:23 AM
when I started the thread, I was thinking more along the lines of the shotgun formation where Graham is lined up on Cutler's right and picks up the free rusher. In that situation, I think we're going to see Merriman vs. Graham at least a few times during the game...and if its shotgun its probably going to be a 3rd and long pass.
400HZ
09-21-2007, 01:41 AM
when I started the thread, I was thinking more along the lines of the shotgun formation where Graham is lined up on Cutler's right and picks up the free rusher. In that situation, I think we're going to see Merriman vs. Graham at least a few times during the game...and if its shotgun its probably going to be a 3rd and long pass.
Usually if Merriman gets a free release off the line of scrimmage he blows up whoever tries to pick him up in the backfield. I can't imagine Shanahan being dumb enough not to pick him up at the line, especially since Merriman had a big game last time Denver played SD. My expectation would be either tackle assigned to him with help from a TE or RB.
Borks147
09-21-2007, 02:23 AM
Usually if Merriman gets a free release off the line of scrimmage he blows up whoever tries to pick him up in the backfield. I can't imagine Shanahan being dumb enough not to pick him up at the line, especially since Merriman had a big game last time Denver played SD. My expectation would be either tackle assigned to him with help from a TE or RB.
yep. my fear (and your hope) is that he will blow past the line even when picked up by a tackle. And its my hope (and your fear) that there is prior evidence of Graham effectively picking up Merriman or supporting an OT.
boltaneer
09-21-2007, 02:50 AM
yep. my fear (and your hope) is that he will blow past the line even when picked up by a tackle. And its my hope (and your fear) that there is prior evidence of Graham effectively picking up Merriman or supporting an OT.
Opposing teams have been doing just that to him. That and having a TE or RB chip him on their way out of the backfield. I'm sure Shanahan will be no different.
epicSocialism4tw
09-21-2007, 02:57 AM
Opposing teams have been doing just that to him. That and having a TE or RB chip him on their way out of the backfield. I'm sure Shanahan will be no different.
Shanahan has a team of researchers that have developed anti-roid kryptonite. Expect to see an emaciated and rather limp version of Merroid when we meet. ;D
Xenos
09-21-2007, 04:39 AM
Shanahan has a team of researchers that have developed anti-roid kryptonite. Expect to see an emaciated and rather limp version of Merroid when we meet. ;D
Better make sure it's not gold or red kryptonite then.