I haven't been this excited for a LT/DE matchup since the days of Richmond Webb vs. Bruce Smith. We'll learn a lot about Long's development as an LT on Sunday. My money's on Jake doing the job.
Seeing as jake vacates the LT spot for the wildcat so often () I'll be looking for him to win his matchup, as well.
Actually Jake will make out better on third down as the Texans bring in #93 Tim Bulman in to rush the passer and swithc Williams back to LDE. Otherwise look for Jake to have issues initially, although I think we'll run a draw or two with Ricky (as he is much better at running that play than Ronnie) to slow them down a bit - the Colts ate him alive with that play. Mario lines up real wide, so Jake has to continue to keep his shoulder square to prevent the double move. Chnaces are it will be a draw more times than you might think.
Williams is a beast, I expect whoever is lined up on him to get some help. Hes the only guy on the DL that worries me. Okoye is solid, but can easily be muscled off the LoS by a guy like Smiley, doubly so with a chip by Satele tossed in.
In terms of the run game, I'm not really worried. Long has abused 2-gap 3-4 DEs who have like 20-25 pounds on Williams, not really concerned about that. He's good vs. the run, but that's good for his size. He's not in the same league in that department against guys like Richard Seymour, John Henderson, etc. who Long has beat up on at times.
Like Conuficus said they like to move Williams around.If i was them i'd leave Williams at RDE all game. Williams has 4 sacks this year and i've seen Jake give up 3 this year, but this is the 1st true 4-3 Jake will see this year and i think he'll play better because of that. If we can get a lead, Jake could just end up ragdolling him all game.
Long was a candidate for Rookie of the Week after this past game and on NFLN I think they said Jake hasn't given up one sack so far this season. I know he has given up 1 but can't find where they would show stats for an offensive lineman. I think that is the only way to find out how many he has given up so far.
Someone, somewhere knows for sure, but i've seen him give up 3 this year. On passing downs i think Williams will have his way a lil with Jake but Jake will do the same to him on running plays.
Are you counting the play where Pennignton ran into the defender in the last game as a sack? Please tell me no.
The life of a first round draft pick...another week, another test...this one might be even stiffer than the last 4...But someone mentioned the draw plays to slow him down a bit, but Williams is a real beast, make no mistake about it...this same matchup in two years might be a lot different after Long has some experience under his belt...It's certainly a matchup I'll be watching though...
