Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I think it's safe to say Levi had a solid game yesterday if not great. I noticed during yesterday's post game interview with Kelli Johnson (Comcast) she asked him about the sack he gave up against Elvis Dumervil . Levi gave her this incredulous look and said, I'm not sure I gave that sack up; I'm not sure that was on me. We'll have to see what the game tape shows tomorrow.

I liked that response - that he wasn't willing to concede a sack during an interview after a most satisfying win. But I have to wonder if Jones does pan out for the remainder of the season, and has another good outing vs. the Cowboys, how will that affect our draft needs along the offensive line in the future?

However this all works out, it was great to see Betts and Rock pound the ball old school style. Part of me wonders if we string together a few more hundred yard performances, should we or will we stick with this unit or draft an o-lineman in the first round like we probably should.

During yesterday's broadcast CBS flashed an interesting statistic that the Washington Redskins were the only team in the NFL that hadn't drafted an offensive lineman in the first two rounds since 2001.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

let's see him versus D Ware...should be an interesting matchup...not sure if that's d ware's side...god i hope so...s heyer would get smoked!

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

Personally, I still think we need a first round tackle in next year's draft. Even if Levi pans out, SH is simply a below average starter with razor thin depth on the entire line as a whole. I think the only way we don't draft a first round OL is if Samuels decides not to retire and even then it would have to be addressed multiple times in the early rounds.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

But don't forget that Dumervil leads the NFL in sacks.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

dumervil got sacks in bulks against poor teams

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=skinster;626487]dumervil got sacks in bulks against poor teams[/quote]

Poor teams? Denver has played the Patriots, San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati...the only bad teams the Broncos has played has been the Browns and the Raiders (and now us I guess).

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

Even if Levi does good against the cowboys, we still need OL as our number 1 priority. but I'd definitley bring him back next year as a backup or starter at RT.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

Levi jones could be a pro bowler if injuries wouldnt have hampered his career thus far

he will be a great starting point for the construction of your O-line

its a shame the bengals didnt see what they had because he could be starting opposite andre smith this season and their offense would be even more dangerous

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

levi is pretty gangster, i wasnt sure what to think while watching him on comcast post game, but maybe we need a lil attitude like that, just not too much gangster, lol

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I'm rockin a pair of Levis right now

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;626501]Even if Levi does good against the cowboys, we still need OL as our number 1 priority. but I'd definitley bring him back next year as a backup or starter at RT.[/quote]

Agreed...I really don't see why we can't do what the Ravens are doing with Michael Oher...they are starting him at RT, but when Gaither went down, he moved to LT. Levi seems to have a few years left in the tank, and we can use those years to groom a franchise LT.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I was watching Levi in particular on Sunday, and I agree, he did do a solid job. That being said, I'm no expert on breaking down game tape, and I'd be interested to know what affected our line the most. Maybe Rinehart is actually a decent guard, or maybe heyer is actually playable on the right side, or maybe its the addition of levi. And I know this has been discussed to death on espn980, but I wonder if betts is really a better runner behind our line than portis right now... although that wouldn't really affect the better pass pro.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I would say Denver's smallish defensive front had something to do with our success on Sunday. The knock on them all season is they can be pushed around. Let's see how we do against a much more physical defensive front in Dallas.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=Mattyk72;626556]I would say Denver's smallish defensive front had something to do with our success on Sunday. The knock on them all season is they can be pushed around. Let's see how we do against a much more physical defensive front in Dallas.[/quote]

Yeah, I think the true test will be Dallas. Especially playing on the road. In fact, Dallas' front seven ain't too shaby. So I expect a lot of blitzes and different looks to take advantage of our lack of experience.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

This past weekend was the best our Oline has played all year. We need to keep these guys in at starters. Levi Jones, nice first game but no way in hell im gonna say lets sign him keep him next year. Lets let the season play out and see what happens b4 we start raving about one player after 1 game.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;626501]Even if Levi does good against the cowboys, we still need OL as our number 1 priority. but I'd definitley bring him back next year as a backup or starter at RT.[/quote]

It's well documented we need OL help, I'm convinced management has come to that realization as well.

Levi Jones had a very good outing on Sunday, if he continues to play well for the remainder of the season, don't look for him to consider a back-up role with the Redskins next season. If he's over his injuries, he's a gifted athlete and will garner interest as a starter for some team.

Based on his post-game interview RT does not apear to be a preference for him. What happens with Samuels will go a long way in making a determination about the LT position.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=Mattyk72;626556]I would say Denver's smallish defensive front had something to do with our success on Sunday. The knock on them all season is they can be pushed around. Let's see how we do against a much more physical defensive front in Dallas.[/quote]

Dang Matty, now why did you have to go and do that? :) I almost started to have positive thoughts about this upcoming game with the girls.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I think if Jones can play at that level then we can go into the draft next year only looking to get a guard and a tackle instead two tackles and a guard. Jones can probably play right tackle decently so a strong LT and RG ar needed. I also think we can find a suitable replacement in the FA for Rabach. A line of a top end LT pick, Dockery, decent FA C, 2nd/3rd RG and Jones would be infinitely better than what we have now if the two draft picks are any good at all. Keep Heyer for depth(uggg) and completely remake the depth too.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

Jones looks good, maybe the time off helped him heal from past injuries. He's not that old by O line standards, and if he can stay healthy could have several good years ahead of him. Hopefully he can be signed for reasonable $ & compete w/rookies for the starting LT job next year.

This week will be his biggest test of the year. Samuels could handle Ware for the most part but in the last couple years he'd usually give up one sack & a couple of qb hits to him. So if Ware beats him a couple times please don't anyone fly off the handle & say L. Jones is old & has got to go. Ware may be the best pass rusher in the nfl.

We'll know if he's doing a good job when they move Ware over to Heyer's side, which they do a lot to get the best matchup.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

Do we have Levi singed past this year?

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=redskin37;626620]Do we have Levi singed past this year?[/quote]

I searched and could not find it anywhere. He had a $16.3 million, 4 year contract from the Bengals, but they just terminated it when they cut him.

At this point, I would not think we would have signed him to a multi-year deal as he was just a band-aid at the time of signing. If he keeps up this level of play, I have no doubts that we'll extend him.

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Jones is very adamant that he is a starting LT in this league. He sat out rather than sign anywhere that didn't guarantee him a starting LT position. I don't think he is going to settle next year for being less than a starting LT, especially if he turns our line around and does not get injured in the process.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;626631]Jones is very adamant that he is a starting LT in this league. He sat out rather than sign anywhere that didn't guarantee him a starting LT position. I don't think he is going to settle next year for being less than a starting LT, especially if he turns our line around and does not get injured in the process.[/quote]


I agree. Even if he doesn't turn out to be a beast this year, if he stays healthy and our running game improves with him in the lineup, I would have to think he'd entertain offers elsewhere. Especially if the Skins don't give him a crack at starting.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I don't believe he is signed past this year. Anyway, Levi is only a short term option in my opinion - he'll be 31 next August and he has had some back injuries. Maybe you sign him for 2-3 years but I still say you go after the best available offensive tackle when we pick - good LT's rarely hit the free agent market and the ones that do are very expensive - plus according to this blog below the 2010 draft will have a lot of good prospects avilable. So we need to draft one in my opinion regardless if Levi keeps this up or not. If anything we can draft a tackle and boot Heyer out of here or at the very least down the depth chart and than in a year or two draft another tackle and let him take over when Levi leaves. I agree with picking up a center to replace Rabach and I would also like to use the 2nd rounder on a guard.


[url=http://realredskins.com/2009/10/is-jones-the-answer-at-lt.html]Is Jones the answer at LT? | Rich Tandler's Real Redskins[/url]

[QUOTE] According to one site that rates such things, six of the top 32 seniors are offensive tackles. This does not count any underclassmen who may come out. It’s kind of early to talk about any specific players since they’re only halfway through the season and we are a ways away from the combine, pro days, and the like. But, at this point in time it’s safe to say that there will be some quality tackles available in the 2010 draft.

Free agency is another option and even though next year is likely to be uncapped it’s a tough way to find your left tackle. Teams hold on to the good ones for dear life and the ones that do hit the market are expensive. Certainly, they have to take a good, hard look at this but it may be a better option to resign Jones for a year or two until the permanent solution can be found.

Finding the answer at this critical position will require a strong football mind. Since there are exactly none of those in decision-making positions in Ashburn right now, one can only hope that one will arrive there in January.[/QUOTE]

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I was very impressed with the offensive line play. I want a repeat performance on Sunday. If Levi Jones continues to perform at this level, the Skins may have found their replacement for Chris Samuels. Offensive line is still a priority in the draft but this may allow the Skins to select the best player available with the first round pick and address the offensive line in the second or third round. The team has a lot of holes to fill and the best player available might be the best strategy.

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[quote=12thMan;626637]I agree. Even if he doesn't turn out to be a beast this year, if he stays healthy and our running game improves with him in the lineup, I would have to think he'd entertain offers elsewhere. Especially if the Skins don't give him a crack at starting.[/quote]

I'd give him a crack at starting LT if we drafted a guy who could use a season or two of seasoning at RT before sliding over.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

Hopefully they can push the Dallas front around this weekend so betts can have a repeat performance. I believe our Dline can whip theirs, especially with their OT out with a broke leg.

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[B][QUOTE=CantonLegend;62650 its a shame the bengals didnt see what they had because he could be starting opposite andre smith this season and their offense would be even more dangerous[/QUOTE][/B]

I think the Bengals saw what they got and didn't need him. They have 3 new starters on the OL (there's hope for us next year) and none of the starters is Andre Smith (their #1 draft pick). The OL for the Bengals attributes to their success this year. That could be us next year if we draft wisely on the OL and sign a FA or 2, maybe keep Jones.

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[quote=CantonLegend;626505]Levi jones could be a pro bowler if injuries wouldnt have hampered his career thus far

he will be a great starting point for the construction of your O-line

its a shame the bengals didnt see what they had because [B]he could be starting opposite andre smith this season[/B] and their offense would be even more dangerous[/quote]

i didnt know smith has taken a snap yet. im not sure of this but i thought with his holdout then injury 5 seconds into his first practice, he hadnt played or started yet.

go skins!

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=over the mountain;626705]i didnt know smith has taken a snap yet. im not sure of this but i thought with his holdout then injury 5 seconds into his first practice, he hadnt played or started yet.

go skins![/quote]

He hasn't yet. But it is Mike Sellers's fault so it's all good.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=FRPLG;626711]He hasn't yet. But it is Mike Sellers's fault so it's all good.[/quote]

Good one. LOL

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=FRPLG;626711]He hasn't yet. But it is Mike Sellers's fault so it's all good.[/quote]

:rofl:

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

We still need O-line men. I'm not sold on Levi Jones yet. Let me see how the rest of the season pans out. I still think we need to draft the best OT available in the draft. I could care less who the QB is. We could do a lot worse than what we have now. The line has to be addressed with the next draft, and not with BS picks in the fourth and fifth.

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[quote=Trample the Elderly;626791]We still need O-line men. I'm not sold on Levi Jones yet. Let me see how the rest of the season pans out. I still think we need to draft the best OT available in the draft. I could care less who the QB is. We could do a lot worse than what we have now. The line has to be addressed with the next draft, and not with BS picks in the fourth and fifth.[/quote]


Well said Trample - with 6 offensive linemen graded out as first round material the Skins would be foolish not to take the best one available whereever they pick. And after that they should use their 2nd round pick on either a guard or another tackle. To me Heyer is really a backup at best and not the long term solution at RT, and only Dockery is a long term keeper.

Yes the team has many holes to fill but even with some draft picks never pan out and we have neglected the offensive line for so long that we need to take 2 swings with the 1st and 2nd round pick on offensive lineman, which will increase our chances of at least one of the draft picks panning out (this of course with a new GM in place) and help rebuild the Hogs. Once we get a new dominant offensive line it makes it so much easier to win.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

Man what one game does around here. Jones played a nice game. I was actually surprised. Rinehart looked really good in the run game. But it's one game. Let's see how the line holds up this week against a much bigger & physical front 7. I can already tell you that Jay Ratliff is going to abuse Raymer.

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

[quote=skinsfan69;626841]Man what one game does around here. Jones played a nice game. I was actually surprised. Rinehart looked really good in the run game. But it's one game. Let's see how the line holds up this week against a much bigger & physical front 7. I can already tell you that Jay Ratliff is going to abuse [B][I]Raymer[/I][/B].[/quote]

LOL...you mean Rabach. Same guy basically.

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[quote=Bill B;626837]Well said Trample - with 6 offensive linemen graded out as first round material the Skins would be foolish not to take the best one available whereever they pick. And after that they should use their 2nd round pick on either a guard or another tackle. To me Heyer is really a backup at best and not the long term solution at RT, and only Dockery is a long term keeper.

Yes the team has many holes to fill but even with some draft picks never pan out and we have neglected the offensive line for so long that we need to take 2 swings with the 1st and 2nd round pick on offensive lineman, which will increase our chances of at least one of the draft picks panning out (this of course with a new GM in place) and help rebuild the Hogs. Once we get a new dominant offensive line it makes it so much easier to win.[/quote]

I think the Redskins need to adopt the modern NFL offensive line approach, and get away from the old one (aka, plug in any ole guy).

Re: Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line
 

I cant say that i would like to see us use our first 2 picks on a OL but we definately need one in the 1st. In the 2nd round we can get a wr -since ours suck according to what i have heard on here- and maybe a C/G in the 4th. I believe we will try to get a RB in FA and maybe a QB also if JC isnt retained. I really dont feel any of the QB's in this draft are worth our 1st in our current situation. But then again if the FO likes Levi then that would give them an excuse to go after the "sexy" pick and get a QB.

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[quote=Bill B;626837]Well said Trample - with 6 offensive linemen graded out as first round material the Skins would be foolish not to take the best one available whereever they pick. And after that they should use their 2nd round pick on either a guard or another tackle. To me Heyer is really a backup at best and not the long term solution at RT, and only Dockery is a long term keeper.

Yes the team has many holes to fill but even with some draft picks never pan out and [B]we have neglected the offensive line for so long that we need to take 2 swings with the 1st and 2nd round pick on offensive lineman[/B], which will increase our chances of at least one of the draft picks panning out (this of course with a new GM in place) and help rebuild the Hogs. Once we get a new dominant offensive line it makes it so much easier to win.[/quote]

I agree with you and Trample. In fact, I'm in favor of trading a skill player or two to get established linemen or more draft picks which can be spent on the OL.

In twelve months I'd much rather be complaining about talent at QB, WR, etc., than to still be complaining about how we haven't fixed the OL.

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[quote=DBUCHANON101;626848]I cant say that i would like to see us use our first 2 picks on a OL but we definately need one in the 1st. In the 2nd round we can get a wr -since ours suck according to what i have heard on here- and maybe a C/G in the 4th. I believe we will try to get a RB in FA and maybe a QB also if JC isnt retained. I really dont feel any of the QB's in this draft are worth our 1st in our current situation. But then again if the FO likes Levi then that would give them an excuse to go after the "sexy" pick and get a QB.[/quote]

If I'm the Skins I definitely don't take a QB in the first round. That strategy just doesn't make sense given the choices on the table. Even if you dump Campbell, you're essentially rebuilding in a major way with a rookie QB on this team. If they do decide to get rid of Campbell, I would think at a minimum, you bring in a second or third year vet if not a seasoned QB who can take over. We're bad, but we're not Detroit Lions or Cleveland Browns bad. We actually have a very good future, I think, with some good pieces on both sides of the ball.

We have to go offensive line in the first round. Whether Jones pans out or not, we have to draft with an eye towards the future. Other than Levi Jones, Chad Rinehart is auditioning for the rest of the season. He either cuts it as a starter now or we draft to replace him.