Colts Offensive Line Must Improve Pass Protection
By Dave McKee
Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jack Mewhort (75) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Starting RT Jack Mewhort is not entirely to blame for the lackluster performance the Colts offensive line had against Chicago.
Jack Mewhort was just one member of the Colts Offensive Line who made mistakes against Chicago. It was not all on him. Several critics took to social media decrying Mewhort’s performance against the Bears. However, I found some interesting insight on Mewhort from LeCharles Bentley, a former 2-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints.
Just an FYI, that sack blamed on Jack Mewhort was NOT his fault. It was on RG. It's a slide pro, RG has B Gap. Jack will take the bullet tho
— OLP (@OLPMedia) August 23, 2015
Bentley pointed out that the line was sliding. So, the B-Gap protection was supposed to be covered by 10-year veteran, Todd Herremans – who has also suffered through a sub-par preseason. Instead of sliding, Herremans stays home and assists center Khaled Holmes by doubling-up on defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff. After chipping Ratliff, Herremans was too slow in recovery. He failed to slide over quick enough to pick up McPhee on the inside move barely getting a hand on him.
As Bentley explained, The sack was not on Mewhort, but many sacks will be on him if “he keeps doing what he’s doing.” Bentley pointed out that Mewhort has a technique flaw which he identified as a “big hitch in the giddy up.”
Anywho, back to Mewhort. Sack not on him but many will be if he keeps doing what he's doing. Big hitch in the giddy up.
— OLP (@OLPMedia) August 23, 2015
Scout.com’s Phillip B. Wilson hit the nail on the head stating that McPhee provided instruction (a.k.a Clinic) for Mewhort.
Pernell McPhee offered "instruction" to #Colts RT Jack Mewhort on Luck sack. Lesson learned? Even when moving feet, guy can shove you aside.
— Phillip B. Wilson (@pwilson24) August 22, 2015