Decision to release Pace not looking so bad in hindsight

by Ryan Van Bibber on Nov 13, 2009 10:46 AM CST

In last night's loss to the 49ers, the Bears lost LT Orlando Pace to what is now believed to be a concussion. As you may recall, the St. Louis Rams decision to part ways with their long-time stalwart LT was received with mixed feelings. However, hindsight being 20-20, the move looks down right prescient right now. Check out what Rotoworld had to say about Pace's season:

Pace has been a disappointment as a run-blocker this season, and his pass protection hasn't exactly been stellar, either.

Alex Barron hasn't been without his flaws for the Rams, but he has mostly been average or better in his blocking. It's the penalties that continue to be his biggest handicap. Still, the real story has been the emergence of rookie Jason Smith.

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Rotoworld is sugar-coating the Pace's performance.

He’s been bad. Period. That’s a bad line and he’s been one of the worst pieces of that bad line.

I was, and still am, glad they cut him this past offseason.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Nov 13, 2009 11:26 AM CST reply actions

you guys (the rams) were smart drafting Jason Smith

it’s not often that any team gets a chance to draft a potentially elite offensive tackle….. He was the best player on the board. Filling a position of great need

by CardsDefense on Nov 13, 2009 1:26 PM CST reply actions

Thanks for the vote of confidence

but, there is still a lot of time left to see how this young OT develops as an NFL player. Right now, Smith is playing at an average NFL starter level. Not saying I had bigger expectations given his raw experience at that position (only played OT for 1-2 years at Baylor).

Hopefully he learns and continues to improve.

by 81 Witness on Nov 13, 2009 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

Who is that guy the Vikings have at right tackle - LoadHolt?

Anyhow, was he a 2nd or 3rd rounder from Oklahoma?

by jlcdb70 on Nov 14, 2009 8:45 AM CST reply actions

Phil Loadholt, 2nd rounder, has had slow feet

and may never adequately fill the Left spot. And at 6-foot-8 and 345 pounds, you can see where he might not list quickness and agility as his top qualities. Maybe he’ll work into a Left side guy eventually, but I think he’s more likely a career Right side guy, a road grader who can pass block good enough.

And I think Jason Smith is a much better athlete.

by CoachConnors on Nov 14, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions

Orlando was done...

And it’s a real cryin’ shame. I’m convinced he had a couple more pro bowl years left until that idiotic holdout from camp a few seasons back. After which he promptly tore a rotator cuff and went IR. The next year he tore a bicep in the 1st game of the season and went IR again. You cannot play pro-football, especially at a position that involves contact on every play, without pre-conditioning. The Rams were wise to let Pace go.

by edpjr on Nov 15, 2009 12:32 AM CST reply actions