NFL
The time to settle in after summer vacation is approaching fast. Other than a few last hurrahs, it’s almost that magical time of year again, football season. As we dive back into our Fixing the Syracuse Orange, we’re still on the offensive side of the football with the offensive line. Where do the Orange need to make the biggest improvements with this unit?
Keep An Upright Quarterback
This one seems like a no-brainer. The quarterback controls the offense and the tempo of the game. With that being said, Syracuse did not look all to hot when it came to time in the pocket. Maybe it was indecisive quarterback play, maybe it was more than that. No matter what the case may be, they need to turn the page on last season and give their new signal callers a chance. Pass blocking needs to be more consistent in 2026. There were times last year’s team would look great, then at other times there were face-palm moments. Consistency is the key to quarterbacks getting into a groove. If your guy is constantly running for his life, he’s not seeing the whole field, plays are not developing downfield, and his consistency will struggle as well.
Next Level Blocking
Syracuse doesn’t just need to open run lanes for the backs to get through. Holding your block is one thing but getting up the field and continuing the play is a whole other thing, and it needs to be everyone on the offense who isn’t a QB. Once the running back goes by, find a way to get in someone else’s way. Whether it’s a lineman, a receiver, or tight end go make a play. Once you’ve made that play, get up field and make another. Keep fighting for every Inch the other team will give. There needs to be a toughness about the blockers that doesn’t stop until the whistle blows. Nothing dirty or sloppy, just digging in for that little extra energy that gets the crowd excited. Give the extra effort.
Quick Turnaround
That’s the key, the extra effort will be needed for a quick turnaround. Syracuse lost key pieces along it’s offensive line and while they struggled at times, some of them were on the field a majority of the game. If the Orange want to shake the disappointment of last year off, it’ll take guys who come in, learn quick, and pass on their knowledge to the next guy. Every bit of unity a team could have, needs to go in to making guys feel like they’ve played that position forever. The quicker these young men get acclimated to their new roles, the faster progress is made. Whether it’s first man up or their backup, every single one of them needs to pick the next guy up and make sure it’s one unit. There’s no room for a learning curve in a tough conference.
While there’s still plenty to say about the Syracuse Orange for the 2026 season, hope is still on the horizon. They’ll get some key pieces back, have plenty of new faces who can make a difference, and a coach who’s about as passionate as it gets. Can they get back to their success under Fran Brown?
