Technically, no one is better than Hamilton - The Orange Mane

HEAV · 11-08-2005, 07:14 PM

Thought this was a good read:

Technically, no one is better than Hamilton
By Brian Baldinger - SportingNews

Brian Baldinger
SportingNews.com

In a league that seems to thrive on measurables, I find it gratifying that one of the NFL's smallest guards routinely dominates defensive linemen who outweigh him by 30-plus pounds. Broncos left guard Ben Hamilton is listed -- generously -- at 283 pounds (which I don't believe for a second), but there isn't a player he can't block one-on-one.

That's because Hamilton is the league's best technician. That is to say, he's better at the techniques of playing guard than any other player is at the techniques of playing his position.

His hands are excellent. They're always inside the defensive lineman's pads, right where they belong. Many blockers get their hands inside but don't move anybody; they just stand up and basically create a stalemate.

Hamilton gets movement because he gets underneath his man. He bends his knees and hits him on the rise, using the strength in his legs and the placement of his hands to take away the defender's center of gravity. He has the leverage advantage at that point, which allows him to manhandle heavier opponents. He keeps moving his feet and pushing the guy away from the play. It looks like the defensive lineman is on skates when Hamilton is blocking him.

That's his run-blocking technique. His pass-blocking is similar, but in retreat mode instead of attack. You would think these 330-pounders could bull rush him, but he bends his knees and gets low so that when the pass rusher makes contact, Hamilton puts his hands inside and drives up, stopping his charge. And he's athletic enough to stay in front of players who try to speed rush around him. Hamilton just dances with the guy without letting him by. He rarely gets beat in pass protection.

Hamilton also is great at executing the crab block, a rapidly vanishing technique that is a perfect fit in the Broncos' zone- blocking scheme. He lunges onto his hands and feet in front of the defender, who then tries to run around or leap over him. But Hamilton keeps "crabbing" at the guy's legs on his hands and feet. It's a way to widen yourself and stay in front of a guy -- and it's effective. More teams should teach crab blocking.

Whatever the technique, Hamilton is a master. Next time you watch the Broncos, observe No. 50. You'll see a clinic on the way the guard position should be played.

-Slap- · 11-08-2005, 07:18 PM

Excellent article. I was really happy to see Hamilton get so much love in the recent O linemen poll on the Mane, too.

-Slap- · 11-08-2005, 07:20 PM

Heck, they didn't even mention how consistently Hamilton gets to the second level and decimates people.

Mile High Shack · 11-08-2005, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Slap-

Excellent article. I was really happy to see Hamilton get so much love in the recent O linemen poll on the Mane, too.

I've been down on our guards, but so far.......this year, we seem to be able to push people on short yardage plays...when called.

I'm down to only wanting another guard to take Cooper's place.......he is doing good, but I think he is more suited to a backup role

Lepsis and Foster are really good at tackle for us...Nalen might retire, so I might just rephrase what I said

Hamilton will be center and then we'll need a guard to replace Hamilton...........either way we are going to need a guard next year, I'd prefer a road grader with very quick feet.

i4jelway7 · 11-08-2005, 07:47 PM

nice post! btw where ya been Heav?

Bronco LB 59 · 11-08-2005, 07:56 PM

It's nice to see Hamilton get some love. We need to do our part and get him into the Pro Bowl.

Brian Baldinger might be my favorite FOX analyst but I rarely get the opportunity to listen to his game.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 11-08-2005, 07:59 PM

Welcome back Heav. Nice to know all of the Hamilton detractors on the board have someone other than the coaches saying how good he really is.

broncogary · 11-08-2005, 08:03 PM

I've never really had a problem with Hamilton when he's in contact on pass blocking, it's when he's not in contact that he was lacking several years ago.

CBF1 · 11-08-2005, 08:32 PM

Great read! I approve of Ben and this article.

Kaylore · 11-08-2005, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Slap-

Heck, they didn't even mention how consistently Hamilton gets to the second level and decimates people.

Man, you beat me to it. Our best runs are up the left side and if you watch tape, its Hamilton, Lepsis and Nalen that are most of the reason that's happening. Hamilton is the best at releasing his man onto the other two and hitting the next level. Not only is he fast for a guard, but he even will push the linebacker/saftety into another defender to cut off pursuit. Very, very good player.

ludo21 · 11-08-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Man, you beat me to it. Our best runs are up the left side and if you watch tape, its Hamilton, Lepsis and Nalen that are most of the reason that's happening. Hamilton is the best at releasing his man onto the other two and hitting the next level. Not only is he fast for a guard, but he even will push the linebacker/saftety into another defender to cut off pursuit. Very, very good player.

Just as wabbit said before camp, tis true, Hamilton is a beast and is our best OL. Its really fun watching him, and i hope Myers turns out to be a good center because i wouldnt want to take Hamilton away from LG as he is tearing it up!

-Slap- · 11-08-2005, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Man, you beat me to it. Our best runs are up the left side and if you watch tape, its Hamilton, Lepsis and Nalen that are most of the reason that's happening. Hamilton is the best at releasing his man onto the other two and hitting the next level. Not only is he fast for a guard, but he even will push the linebacker/saftety into another defender to cut off pursuit. Very, very good player.

Hey, you were already raving about his improved ability to locate and bury linebackers back in your training camp reports.

Kaylore · 11-08-2005, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Slap-

Hey, you were already raving about his improved ability to locate and bury linebackers back in your training camp reports.

I know but there are a lot of new people and I wanted to give credit where it is due.

epicSocialism4tw · 11-08-2005, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludo21

Just as wabbit said before camp, tis true, Hamilton is a beast and is our best OL. Its really fun watching him, and i hope Myers turns out to be a good center because i wouldnt want to take Hamilton away from LG as he is tearing it up!

Maybe Ben can parlay this attention into a Pro Bowl appearance. It would be a shame if we didnt see at least two Broncos on that line for the AFC.

watermock · 11-08-2005, 09:14 PM

Actually I read Hamilton had gotten up to 296 somewhere...at least I think I read that. I loved the pick, and he's been great, but it's stupid to ask him to try to bull thru on any sort of goal line rush...if we do that, go behind Foster and bring in Warren at FB...what happened to that? I don't know what...maybe he screwed up in practice, maybe we are saving it for the playoffs...it's not some big secret he's going to pound up the middle if he's in there...

At any rate, the article gives Hamilton props, but saying he is "generously" listed at 283 when I know they said he was almost 300 now shows that they might not do all their homework...it's not hard to look small against these 340 pound DL's, and we get two this week in Sapp and Sam Adams I think, but he looks thicker than he did when he came out of Minnesota. Many players on NFL.com are not updated on weight.

HEAV · 11-09-2005, 07:42 AM

To all:

Heav been busy.......really busy.......... will attempt to post when I can.

bronco militia · 11-09-2005, 08:33 AM

so far it's been like night and day from the OL this year...I was down on on the Guards and Center in 2004.....the Broncos still run better to the left side.

OrangeShadow · 11-09-2005, 09:07 AM

great post heav

Old Dude · 11-09-2005, 09:27 AM

Unfortunately, I think this is Nalen's last year.

Ben will have big shoes to fill, but he just might be up to it.

ludo21 · 11-09-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Dude

Unfortunately, I think this is Nalen's last year.

Ben will have big shoes to fill, but he just might be up to it.

I hope not, id rather see us bring in Myers to play Center, then Hamilton to stay at LG. Either way it could work, but right now Ben is a monster and is getting to second level constantly, its fun to watch.

bendog · 11-09-2005, 09:39 AM

He sucks. Shanny should cut him and then fire himself.

BMF Bronco · 11-09-2005, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendog

He sucks. Shanny should cut him and then fire himself.

It's Plummer's fault he sucks, cut him!

ludo21 · 11-09-2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendog

He sucks. Shanny should cut him and then fire himself.

baja · 11-09-2005, 10:53 AM

Well this article just proves what about half the posters here predicted when Gibbs left, our line was destined to become one of the worst in the league.

For God sakes fire Denninson NOW.

If only we had listened to you guys........

Bronco LB 59 · 11-09-2005, 11:22 AM

More pub for Denver's offensive line! Pro Football Weekly (ESPN Insider article) named Tom Nalen as their NFL Midseason All-Pro center.

C: Tom Nalen -- Denver Broncos
The pivot for Denver's roundhouse-wielding running game (5.3 yards per carry, 170.8 per game), Nalen continues to be a vital part of the Broncos' cutback system. Some scouts think Nalen is having the best year of his career, in this his 12th season, despite some recent penalty problems.

11-08-2005, 07:14 PM	#1
HEAV Ring of Famer It's about the Team Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Ville Posts: 12,077 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brian Dawkins	Technically, no one is better than Hamilton Thought this was a good read: Technically, no one is better than Hamilton By Brian Baldinger - SportingNews Brian Baldinger SportingNews.com In a league that seems to thrive on measurables, I find it gratifying that one of the NFL's smallest guards routinely dominates defensive linemen who outweigh him by 30-plus pounds. Broncos left guard Ben Hamilton is listed -- generously -- at 283 pounds (which I don't believe for a second), but there isn't a player he can't block one-on-one. That's because Hamilton is the league's best technician. That is to say, he's better at the techniques of playing guard than any other player is at the techniques of playing his position. His hands are excellent. They're always inside the defensive lineman's pads, right where they belong. Many blockers get their hands inside but don't move anybody; they just stand up and basically create a stalemate. Hamilton gets movement because he gets underneath his man. He bends his knees and hits him on the rise, using the strength in his legs and the placement of his hands to take away the defender's center of gravity. He has the leverage advantage at that point, which allows him to manhandle heavier opponents. He keeps moving his feet and pushing the guy away from the play. It looks like the defensive lineman is on skates when Hamilton is blocking him. That's his run-blocking technique. His pass-blocking is similar, but in retreat mode instead of attack. You would think these 330-pounders could bull rush him, but he bends his knees and gets low so that when the pass rusher makes contact, Hamilton puts his hands inside and drives up, stopping his charge. And he's athletic enough to stay in front of players who try to speed rush around him. Hamilton just dances with the guy without letting him by. He rarely gets beat in pass protection. Hamilton also is great at executing the crab block, a rapidly vanishing technique that is a perfect fit in the Broncos' zone- blocking scheme. He lunges onto his hands and feet in front of the defender, who then tries to run around or leap over him. But Hamilton keeps "crabbing" at the guy's legs on his hands and feet. It's a way to widen yourself and stay in front of a guy -- and it's effective. More teams should teach crab blocking. Whatever the technique, Hamilton is a master. Next time you watch the Broncos, observe No. 50. You'll see a clinic on the way the guard position should be played.

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11-08-2005, 07:18 PM	#2
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	Excellent article. I was really happy to see Hamilton get so much love in the recent O linemen poll on the Mane, too.

11-08-2005, 07:20 PM	#3
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	Heck, they didn't even mention how consistently Hamilton gets to the second level and decimates people.

11-08-2005, 07:47 PM	#5
i4jelway7 Ring of Famer :notworthy Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,873	nice post! btw where ya been Heav?

11-08-2005, 07:56 PM	#6
Bronco LB 59 Ring of Famer Keep your head up dog Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Leucadia CA Posts: 6,068	It's nice to see Hamilton get some love. We need to do our part and get him into the Pro Bowl. Brian Baldinger might be my favorite FOX analyst but I rarely get the opportunity to listen to his game.

11-08-2005, 07:59 PM	#7
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	Welcome back Heav. Nice to know all of the Hamilton detractors on the board have someone other than the coaches saying how good he really is.

11-08-2005, 08:03 PM	#8
broncogary Horse Player and Dimwit Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 5,746	I've never really had a problem with Hamilton when he's in contact on pass blocking, it's when he's not in contact that he was lacking several years ago.

11-08-2005, 08:32 PM	#9
CBF1 Ring of Famer No avatar is the new avatar Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,907 Adopt-a-Bronco: Jack Del rio	Great read! I approve of Ben and this article.

11-08-2005, 09:14 PM	#15
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Actually I read Hamilton had gotten up to 296 somewhere...at least I think I read that. I loved the pick, and he's been great, but it's stupid to ask him to try to bull thru on any sort of goal line rush...if we do that, go behind Foster and bring in Warren at FB...what happened to that? I don't know what...maybe he screwed up in practice, maybe we are saving it for the playoffs...it's not some big secret he's going to pound up the middle if he's in there... At any rate, the article gives Hamilton props, but saying he is "generously" listed at 283 when I know they said he was almost 300 now shows that they might not do all their homework...it's not hard to look small against these 340 pound DL's, and we get two this week in Sapp and Sam Adams I think, but he looks thicker than he did when he came out of Minnesota. Many players on NFL.com are not updated on weight.

11-09-2005, 07:42 AM	#16
HEAV Ring of Famer It's about the Team Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Ville Posts: 12,077 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brian Dawkins	To all: Heav been busy.......really busy.......... will attempt to post when I can.

11-09-2005, 08:33 AM	#17
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,575	so far it's been like night and day from the OL this year...I was down on on the Guards and Center in 2004.....the Broncos still run better to the left side.

11-09-2005, 09:07 AM	#18
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	great post heav

11-09-2005, 09:27 AM	#19
Old Dude Host Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: As if I'd tell you crazies! Posts: 14,150	Unfortunately, I think this is Nalen's last year. Ben will have big shoes to fill, but he just might be up to it.

11-09-2005, 09:39 AM	#21
bendog Marginally Continent David Bowens, he'd be an upgrade Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 19,935 Adopt-a-Bronco: David Bowens	He sucks. Shanny should cut him and then fire himself.

11-09-2005, 10:53 AM	#24
baja It is what it Is. Pay attention. Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 53,835 Adopt-a-Bronco: Buy My Book	Well this article just proves what about half the posters here predicted when Gibbs left, our line was destined to become one of the worst in the league. For God sakes fire Denninson NOW. If only we had listened to you guys........

11-09-2005, 11:22 AM	#25
Bronco LB 59 Ring of Famer Keep your head up dog Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Leucadia CA Posts: 6,068	More pub for Denver's offensive line! Pro Football Weekly (ESPN Insider article) named Tom Nalen as their NFL Midseason All-Pro center. C: Tom Nalen -- Denver Broncos The pivot for Denver's roundhouse-wielding running game (5.3 yards per carry, 170.8 per game), Nalen continues to be a vital part of the Broncos' cutback system. Some scouts think Nalen is having the best year of his career, in this his 12th season, despite some recent penalty problems.