We've got big trouble on the OL.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by mredskins

Another way to look at it:

Pass protection is made up of 3 elements
1)WR/TE their ability to get open run correct routes
2) QB play able to make quick decisions/scramble
3) Blocking (OL, TE, RB's shoot even WR's on some plays)

IMO the Redskins have upgraded 2 of 3 elements listed above those alone should improve our over all pass protection. To just say OL most improve only is actually very short sighted.

Valid points.
I think you can reasonably add: scheme/play design/playcalling, blitz pick-up/coaching, pocket presence/poisepass protection, throwing motion/release time (ihow fast can the QB set-up and throw a quick pass?) are all elements of pass protection.

However the simplest and most directly impactful aspect of pass protection will always begin and end with the OL.

Sure, you can scheme and use various factors to compensate for a lack of physical ability at the point of attack.
For example *(hypothetical follows) if an OL cannot hold up in pass protection to execute 5 and 7 step drops you have to rely on 3 step drop passing game to move the ball and keep your fingers crossed and hope play-action can create time to throw deeper stuff.
Your gonna be heavily dependent upon: quick release, decision making, blitz-pick/reading coverage (coaching), scheme playcalling to create effective play-action chances and to get WRs open in the short passing game etc.
But, those 5 and 7 step drop pass plays have effectively been removed from your playbook by the OL and there is literally nothing you can do about it unless you get new OL.

Does that mean a team can't work around it and find a way to win? No.
But, it certainly makes the job more difficult because it limits how they can win.
It would be much easier if that team had adequate pass protection to use 5 and 7 step drop passing game.

So while Griff and Garcon co. indirectly improve the pass protection.
It won't matter if the pass protection doesn't hold up.
At the end of the day the best way and most impactful way to improve pass protection is to actually have players that can win at the point of attack.
Hopefully we have some OL that will be equal to the task.