OM FIELD: Redskins OL - Tale of the Tape

[-Om-]

Bring a lunch ...

Redskins OL: Tale of the Tape
April 8, 2009

Continuing the offseason look into the current state of the Redskins lines of scrimmage and how they arrived there ...

During the Pittsburgh and Baltimore games in weeks nine and ten last year, it became crystal clear to me that the Redskins were simply overmatched on the offensive line of scrimmage. As a result, I have been thinking (okay borderline obsessing) about how the Redskins stack up against the NFL in those areas ever since, and the notion I’ve had in my head is that the Redskins were not only older than most teams on the line, but smaller as well.

Taking a quick break, therefore, from pondering the combination of offensive tackles, defensive ends and linebackers the Redskins will surely draft later this month, I thought I would put that unsubstantiated impression to the test.

Setting aside for today the comparative skill levels of the players involved, as well as how their skill sets might fit the schemes they are being asked to run (a factor in the transition from a Gibbs/Saunders offense to Jim Zorn's that cannot be overlooked), I started by looking at the three other NFC East teams ...

CLICK HERE to read more

[GTripp0012]

Top notch work.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by -Om-

Bring a lunch ...

Redskins OL: Tale of the Tape
April 8, 2009

Continuing the offseason look into the current state of the Redskins lines of scrimmage and how they arrived there ...

During the Pittsburgh and Baltimore games in weeks nine and ten last year, it became crystal clear to me that the Redskins were simply overmatched on the offensive line of scrimmage. As a result, I have been thinking (okay borderline obsessing) about how the Redskins stack up against the NFL in those areas ever since, and the notion I’ve had in my head is that the Redskins were not only older than most teams on the line, but smaller as well.

Taking a quick break, therefore, from pondering the combination of offensive tackles, defensive ends and linebackers the Redskins will surely draft later this month, I thought I would put that unsubstantiated impression to the test.

Setting aside for today the comparative skill levels of the players involved, as well as how their skill sets might fit the schemes they are being asked to run (a factor in the transition from a Gibbs/Saunders offense to Jim Zorn's that cannot be overlooked), I started by looking at the three other NFC East teams ...

CLICK HERE to read more

Great job Om! Casey Rabach - 31yo. - 6'4 - 288lbs. Alex Mack - 23yo. - 6'4 - 316lbs.

[SmootSmack]

It's amazing when you think how "small" the Hogs were compared to today's OL

Nice work

[Dirtbag59]

I disagree that we need big O-Lineman. What we need for one is guys who can protect which usually falls under the finese type. The fact of the matter is if a guy has good enough footwork he can be very effective as a run blocker even if he's a waller instead of a mauler. In fact it's even more important in our system where with Zorn at the helm we're encorporating more outside runs so guys that can run as well as get to the second level are at a premnium.

Part of the reason I love Eben Britton is his ability to recognize and pick up blitzes. That asset will be invaluable to us. Plus his style fits an outside running scheme and if we can get teams to fear the pass again then the running game will get to the point where we can average 4.5 to 5.0 ypc.

Sure it would be nice to get an Andre Smith but part of me would rather of Britton over Oher and Smith. His athletism, size (well height), and youth would give this line a huge boost as well as a nice insurance policy for Samuals. However I'll surely be fine with any of the top 5 tackles should we end up taking one (fingers crossed).

[tryfuhl]

nice write-up

sidenote: I think that you should reduce your page margins, even on a high rest your article is very narrow, makes for a lot of scrolling and choppy delivery

[warriorzpath]

Good job, Om.

I agree with the age argument and wearing down as the season went along, but I am on the fence about the size argument though.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by warriorzpath

Good job, Om.

I agree with the age argument and wearing down as the season went along, but I am on the fence about the size argument though.

With regard to the size argument I know that the Ravens definitely have that mindset. In fact I think that's probably part of the reason they drafted Joe Flacco. He was the only QB available that could see over the giants that is the Ravens O-Line.

It's like Adam Terry - 6'8, Chad Slaughter 6'8, Jared Gaither 6'9, and before that John Ogden at 6'9.

[warriorzpath]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

With regard to the size argument I know that the Ravens definitely have that mindset. In fact I think that's probably part of the reason they drafted Joe Flacco. He was the only QB available that could see over the giants that is the Ravens O-Line.

It's like Adam Terry - 6'8, Chad Slaughter 6'8, Jared Gaither 6'9, and before that John Ogden at 6'9.

But I think that there's an argument that can be made that size can be a hindrance to an offensive lineman if you are looking for a more athletic line that can do more than the regular power running game, which I think the ravens seem to be built for.

And that all depends on what kind of identity you want for your team.

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by warriorzpath

But I think that there's an argument that can be made that size can be a hindrance to an offensive lineman if you are looking for a more athletic line that can do more than the regular power running game, which I think the ravens seem to be built for.

And that all depends on what kind of identity you want for your team.

The Hogs were synonymous with power running and, of course, Joe Bugel was their coach. I think that may be relevant to today's team because I read a recent interview with Joe Bugel where he said (to paraphrase) that he just asks the FO to give him big linemen and he can take it from there. So I don't don't think that Joe's approach has changed any.

[53Fan]

As far as weight goes, I can defininitely see the argument for wanting bigger guys in the middle. There are a lot of 300lb. plus DT's in this league. A 288lb lineman taking on increasingly bigger DT's is not a pretty sight. Especially when trying to get a "PUSH" up the middle. Since DE's are not as "weighty" it might not be as important for an OT.

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

As far as weight goes, I can defininitely see the argument for wanting bigger guys in the middle. There are a lot of 300lb. plus DT's in this league. A 288lb lineman taking on increasing bigger DT's is not a pretty sight. Especially when trying to get a "PUSH" up the middle. Since DE's are not as "weighty" it might not be as important for an OT.

I think you make a valid point. The good news is that the top 5 centers in this year's draft are all over 6-3 and 300 lbs. There are also some monster guards who I think can play, such as Duke Robinson (6-5 329), Kraig Urbik (6-5 328), and Luis Vasquez (6-5 333). There is also the humongeous Herman Johnson who goes 6-7 356.

We need more draft picks!

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

As far as weight goes, I can defininitely see the argument for wanting bigger guys in the middle. There are a lot of 300lb. plus DT's in this league. A 288lb lineman taking on increasingly bigger DT's is not a pretty sight. Especially when trying to get a "PUSH" up the middle. Since DE's are not as "weighty" it might not be as important for an OT.

Word...I mean there's been some debate whether Rabach's size is a factor in his paltry performance. I tend to think it makes a difference. He's 6-4 and under 290 making him almost "lanky" for an interior lineman. If he was 6-1 and the same weight, w/ a lower center of gravity, he'd probably get pushed around far less than he currently does. I'm on board w/ the Mack movement 53...just don't know how likely it is w/ our stupid draft situation.

[53Fan]

[QUOTE=The Goat;544289]Word...I mean there's been some debate whether Rabach's size is a factor in his paltry performance. I tend to think it makes a difference. He's 6-4 and under 290 making him almost "lanky" for an interior lineman. If he was 6-1 and the same weight, w/ a lower center of gravity, he'd probably get pushed around far less than he currently does. I'm on board w/ the Mack movement 53...just don't know how likely it is w/ our stupid draft situation.[/QUOTE]

How important is that 2nd rounder for JT now?

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

How important is that 2nd rounder for JT now?

No doubt...such a disappointing outcome. Lesson to be learned: don't f w/ the Tuna cuz he'll eat u for lunch