Cordy Glenn and the Bills O-Line Passing the Test So Far
By Brad Andrews
Sept. 16, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tackle Cordy Glenn (77) lines up during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE
I’ll admit it – I was dead wrong.
Way back when we were doing rookie scouting reports in April, I wrote this about Cordy Glenn: “I have real concerns about his ability to play left tackle in the NFL.”
Through two games, at least, Cordy Glenn has shown more than the ability to just “play” tackle in the NFL…but the ability to become one of the best in the league.
You really can’t say enough about just how good Glenn has been in his first two NFL games. Those huge holes you saw C.J. Spiller running through the against the Chiefs? You can thank Glenn (and LG Andy Levitre). Glenn’s pass blocking was also really good Sunday. Despite matching up with the very good Tamba Hali often, he gave up only a single QB hurry all game.
The Bills coaching staff couldn’t be happier with Glenn so far. “He’s come in here with a great attitude from day one,” said offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris. “Since we drafted him he’s come in here, learned the information, learned the terminology, learned new technique, new fundamentals. He comes out every day to apply himself. He works hard. I’ve seen steady growth every day and I think I’m going to continue to see steady growth with this young man.”
The Bills finally have a true answer at left tackle? Let’s freaking hope so.
On top of Glenn’s emergence, this whole offensive line is playing very well right now. The numbers speak for themselves: the Bills have given up no sacks in 2012 despite playing two good pass-rushing teams. The Bills are easily leading the league in rushing yards, putting up a crazy 198 yards per game. (C.J. Spiller, of course, gets a ton of credit for that as well.)
If the Bills can stay healthy, this is one of the league’s very best lines. And the best part? It’s a very YOUNG offensive line. This group can stay together for the next few years, and really become a force to be reckoned with throughout the league.
“Our offensive line, I’m excited about them,” said Bills GM Buddy Nix. “We’ve got young players and they’re talented and they play good together. Trust me that is a slow process to get that done. I think there will be some things they can improve on and they’ll get better as the year goes on. That’s the encouraging thing to me.”
A line like this blocking for running backs as talented as Spiller and Fred Jackson? There’s reason for hope in Buffalo.