Line Makes Steady Progress (WP Email)

[MTK]

While the Washington Redskins offensive line earned high praise from the rest of the team for a stout performance in the season opening, 16-10, win over Tampa Bay Sunday, the linemen were far from satisfied.

The contrast from last season was striking, as the line dominated at the line of scrimmage, used its power to run block and displayed strong pass blocking technique in holding the Buccaneers without a sack. The Redskins rushed for 166 yards, with a 4.3 average.

The line was stellar in running Coach Joe Gibbs's counter plays and caught the Buccaneers going in the wrong direction a few times, leading to long runs for tailback Clinton Portis. It also received significant contributions on formations that featured tight end Walter Rasby as well as two H-backs -- Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers -- and receiver James Thrash, who was often called on to turn inside and block linebackers much larger than he is.

"I thought we did a pretty good job blocking," Thrash said, "but we can still be a lot more explosive and we will."

When approached about their performance the linemen were restrained. Right guard Randy Thomas began shaking his head when asked about the outings, complaining about the two times Tampa defensive end Ellis Wyms got clear shots on quarterback Mark Brunell -- the only two hits the veteran took in the game. Second-year left guard Derrick Dockery, who worked with tackle Chris Samuels to shut down Tampa passing rushing specialist Simeon Rice, echoed those sentiments.

"It wasn't nowhere near perfect," Dockery said. "There's things we still have to correct."

Considering that star right tackle Jon Jansen missed the first game of his NFL career -- he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the preseason opener -- and this was the group's first game under new offensive line coach Joe Bugel, the results seemed impressive. There were three difficult exchanges between Brunell and the centers -- starter Lennie Friedman (twice) and reserve Cory Raymer (once) -- but outside of that there was little for the coaches to complain about.

"To only get hit two times in a game," Brunell said, "They did a great job. For the offensive line to do that, I'm impressed."

By Jason LaCanfora

[That Guy]

at least egos won't be a problem this year. Except portis, but that's different

[skins009]

Its a good thing that Portis has an ego. Its what makes the great one's great. You need that supreme confidense to do what portis does.

[GoSkins!]

Good to see the o-line get some love.

[illdefined]

Originally Posted by skins009

Its a good thing that Portis has an ego. Its what makes the great one's great. You need that supreme confidense to do what portis does.

not all the time. depends how you define great. i always think of Art Monk.

[JWsleep]

I just love the attitude that Gibbs and Bugel have instilled in these guys. They won, but they are not at all satisfied. That's the mark of a good team. Always looking to get better.

I am also very pleased with the reports of Samuels and Dockery becoming good friends. And Dock is starting to feel comfortable. A good sign.

Man, there was a play on Sunday where Portis cut out wide, and Samuels was out in front leading. That is going to be money for us for a long time. I forgot just how much I love watching great o-line play. Growing up a hogs fan will do that.

DIRTBAGS!!!!

[That Guy]

portis is funny though, i love his interviews

[illdefined]

nah Portis is great. he out Smoots Fred Smoot!

[That Guy]

as long as the ego isn't selfish it doesn't totally piss me off...

[Big C]

love them dirtbags

[monk81]

WAY TO GO DIRTBAGS