Redskins Insider:Chris Samuels - Half Empy or Half Full?

[FRPLG]

Chris Samuels - Half Empy or Half Full? - Redskins Insider

So there's a coupla a way we can look at this injury. A starter getting hurt at a position as important as left tackle is never a good thing, but let's delve a little deeper.

First of all, I heard today that, after reading the MRI and examining the knee, team doctor Ray Thall did not suggest a scope or any surgical procedure. Words is just R and R - rest and rehab. The best estimate is a month, but that's an estimate. Chris has had knee problems before, he is a 300 pound dude playing a collision sport for a living, and was just rounding into football shape when it happened ... So obviously we have to see how the knee responds to treatment.

On The Bright Side

At least it happened early on, in the first week of camp, so he has ample recovery time for the opener.

The Skins will get a chance to truly assess their depth right away on the O Line and get more reps with the second team for young guys like Lefotu.

It could have been much worse. Chris would be the first one to tell you his first thought was, "Oh (bleep)!" He could have easily blown out that MCL and been done for the season.

On The Other Hand

The Skins were already going to take every precaution with Jason Campbell, having him only play with the first team O Line, doing whatever possible to protect him from getting crushed in the preseason. Now, there's a good chance their best pass blocker - the guy they trust with JC's blindside - won't be taking a live snap until the first regular season game. With the preseason finale Aug. 30, I would be stunned if Samuels sees in any action in an exhibition game.

So ... Samuels and Todd Wade could very well go the entire preseason without ever facing an opposing blitz. It is imperative to get these two in sync as Wade learns to play guard, adjusts his leverage and learns to get in perfect alignment with Samuels. Good luck with that now.

They face a conundrum with Wade. The need to protect Campbell would point to Wade sliding to tackle in the preseason - or even maybe Jansen moving to that side until Samuels comes back - but that will throw off the line. Breeding chemistry there is of utmost import, and that has to suffer. However, in the long-term they need Wade to be a good fit at guard, so they have to figure that out. I will be watching the first team O Line like a hawk at practice today to see what their early plans are.

With the Skins bringing Randy Thomas along slowly, the Skins could go into a preseason game or two with the likes of Wade, Fabini and Whitticker all starting, which is not how they drew it up.

It will be interesting to see what kind of shape Chris is in when he does come back and how long he needs to regain fitness once the knee is back. He's a real gamer, so I know he'll do whatever possible to be ready Sept. 9, but will he be 100 percent?


So that's what I got? What would you do? Keep Wade at tackle, swap Jansen or keep the continuity of the line paramount. Can make a case a few ways.

[FRPLG]

I gotta say we keep Wade at Guard and bandaid LT. If Wade starts looking like he isn't going to be the answer at LG then switch him over to LT and start looking for the answer at LG. In the end we need as many players at their starting positions as possible. No shifting around. What the hell good does that do? Just teach Campbell to get the hell out of the way.

[SmootSmack]

I'm feeling more prophetic by the day.

http://www.redskinswarpath.com/305101-post1.html

"OL: Chris Samuels; Will Whitticker; Casey Rabach; Randy Thomas; Jon Jansen, Todd Wade, Mike Pucillo, Taylor Whitley;
-I have no idea who will start at LG so for now I’ve stuck Whitt there. I think Wade is the favorite but something tells me he doesn’t start. Not at the beginning of the season at least."

[dmek25]

here, ill pat you on the back, since you cant reach it

[jdlea]

I think the Samuels injury isn't too bad since it happened so early. I just hope he doesn't rush back and have this thing turn into a nagging injury. I think Chris being out makes it so the Skins can evaluate a few more guys on the line in the preseason. Hell, wouldn't mind seeing Clinton come down with something to keep him out of the preseason. As long as guys are in shape and ready to go, I would prefer they not play in the preseason and risk injury. I don't want to see another Clinton happen in 07, if a few guys get nicked, but will be ready for week 1, I'll take that over ending a guy's season in the preseason.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by jdlea

I think the Samuels injury isn't too bad since it happened so early. I just hope he doesn't rush back and have this thing turn into a nagging injury. I think Chris being out makes it so the Skins can evaluate a few more guys on the line in the preseason. Hell, wouldn't mind seeing Clinton come down with something to keep him out of the preseason. As long as guys are in shape and ready to go, I would prefer they not play in the preseason and risk injury. I don't want to see another Clinton happen in 07, if a few guys get nicked, but will be ready for week 1, I'll take that over ending a guy's season in the preseason.

I'm willing to bet he sits out most of the preseason, but will take a few series in the last preseason game.

[Jamaican'Skin]

To me, it makes sense since CS went down, that Wade moves to his natural position, and Will Whit takes that guard spot. Just for the preseason

[Jamaican'Skin]

Never mind, according to the Redskin's Traingin camp blogger guy dude, T.Wade is staying where he's at, but no one is sure who's gonna take CS's spot

[Beemnseven]

Here's another reason why it's really, really important to keep all of your draft picks every year. A full complement of draft selections over the past couple of years just might have enabled this team to pick a tackle whom they can groom for situations just like this.

I'd say offensive tackle was going to be on the drawing board anyway as Samuels and especially Jansen start getting long in the tooth. Maybe next year if all of our picks stay intact we can do just that.

[MTK]

It makes no sense to move Wade back to tackle now, he needs to get up to speed at guard.

[skinsfan_nn]

Leave Wade at guard, plug in Fabini or Armstrong for pre-season. Chris will be ready to go week 1

[70Chip]

Isn't there an adjustment in going from Right Tackle to Left Tackle as well? Wade has played Right Tackle not Left, correct? If we switch him again we will have two ducks out of water. If we keep him where he is, we don't lose all his progress at guard AND we can appraise our depth at Tackle. Remember, Samuels IS coming back for the regular season.

Update: Acccording to Redskins.com' s blogger, Maryland rookie Stephon Heyer played Left Tackle with the first team at today's practice.