Bernie Bytes: Saffold, the anti-Barron ..

[MauiRam]

BY BERNIE MIKLASZ, Wednesday, December 8, 2010 10:12 am

Good day...

* Warning: This lead item is about an offensive lineman, and an offensive lineman who is playing very well. So of course, I understand up front that few people will read this. It's a boring topic in the short-attention span culture that rewards noise and attention-seeking grandstanders. But that's OK. I think Rodger Saffold deserves some attention. I can't say enough about the rookie offensive left tackle and how well he's played as a starter for the Rams. Left tackle is an extremely difficult position to handle, especially for a rookie. It's one of the most challening positions on the field. And it's a high-risk position, too. A bad left tackle can cause the entire passing game to be taken down. A bad left tackle can get a quarterback maimed.

The intelligent, talented and highly competitive Saffold stepped in as an immediate starter, and has done a superb job of protecting Sam Bradford's blind side. And the Rams throw it a lot; Bradford ranks 5th in the NFL in most passing attempts, with 442. And in 12 starts Saffold has allowed only two sacks this season. And he's been flagged for five penalties.

Saffold replaced the deposed Alex Barron, who now rides the Dallas bench. What an upgrade, eh? In 74 starts for the Rams, Barron had 43 false starts, 16 holding penalties and allowed 33 sacks.

How good is Saffold? Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian, one of the best talent evaluators in NFL history, volunteered on his radio show Monday night that he made a mistake in not drafting Saffold at the end of the first round. The Rams picked Saffold at the top of the second round. Polian doesn't toss out compliments like that unless he's very, very, impressed.

[HUbison]

It's one of the most challening positions

....unlike spell-checker.

Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian, one of the best talent evaluators in NFL history, volunteered on his radio show Monday night that he made a mistake in not drafting Saffold at the end of the first round.

That really is pretty good praise.

[MauiRam]

That really is pretty good praise.

Yes it is .. I wonder how Jerry Huges (the guy Bill did select at #31 overall) feels about Polian's remark ..

[berg8309]

Yes it is .. I wonder how Jerry Huges (the guy Bill did select at #31 overall) feels about Polian's remark ..

Hughes has 3 tackles, no sacks, no passes defended, no anything really. Until he starts producing on the field, he should feel that Polian is right, and make it his goal to prove him wrong.

There is no argument as of right now, none, not even a case for one.

[RAMarkable]

Hughes has 3 tackles, no sacks, no passes defended, no anything really. Until he starts producing on the field, he should feel that Polian is right, and make it his goal to prove him wrong.

There is no argument as of right now, none, not even a case for one.

I remember watching the draft as the first round was winding down and thinking/hoping that Jerry Hughes would fall to the Rams.

I was a little upset when I heard his name called by the Colts.

Of course the Hughes pick made sense (for both teams), but I just gotta say a big "Thank You" to Bill Polian. I'm really enjoying watching Saffold develop into an excellent player.

Guys, the future looks great with our young, studly bookend tackles.

I'll bet Mr. Sam is pretty happy too.

WHAT SAY YE?

[rNemesis]

This is great stuff moving forward to elite status!!!!

[fliptalianstallion]

The Seahags must also be quite upset that Russell Okung is an injury prone OT while we have the stud that's solidifying Bradford's fortress. Manning's offense is pretty one-dimensional with Addai injured and having to rely on short, slant passes because of constant pressure and that he doesn't have great mobility.

[Trevor]

I was to young to remember Orlando Pace and his rookie year. Comparing Pace and Saffold their rookie year, who is doing better? Anyone care to answer?

[shower beers]

Seeing Barron's holding penalty week 1(?) against the Redskins to lose the game, left me feeling satisfied with our trade even though Carpenter didn't work out. Just knowing the penalty machine was out of St. Louis was good enough for me.

[Torry Holt]

I was to young to remember Orlando Pace and his rookie year. Comparing Pace and Saffold their rookie year, who is doing better? Anyone care to answer?

Saffold has a better rookie year than Pace. I'm not so sure because I started watching NFL around late 90s.

[GROUND DOG 39]

Saffold is the complete polar opposite to Alex ( Too slow,too quick ) Barron.
Looks like we have hit paydirt with the drafting of Roger Saffold. Who has started his career, almost as smooth as Bradford.
It's testament to hear him being mentioned with the likes of Orlando Pace, in his rookie year.

[39WillRunYaOva]

He has had a very great start to his career.Hopefully he can maintain it through the rest of the season and continue to play at this level or higher through his career.

[BrokenWing]

He's got a good number on his back too.


It's nice to spend money on the O-line and get results for a change.