The Offensive Line: Should We Be Worried?

[GTripp0012]

Well, based on a blog article I wrote back in June, I can't say I'd be shocked if they OL did completely implode this year. There's not a lot of things going for this line, and a lot of age working against it. There's no way that Wade coming in for Dockery can be an upgrade, and even the most optimistic of fans are just hoping that he can be not be a throbbing weak link on the left side of that line.

With all the above said, one preseason performance isn't going to kill us, although its a tad disturbing that neither Brunell nor Campbell could put anything together whatsoever.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by RobH4413

I didn't get a chance to see the pre-season game... I was driving home from North Carolina. From what I'm hearing we mostly blew assignments as opposed to getting physically dominated. Would you say that's a fair assessment?

Yes and no. The two sacks appeared to be the result of miscommunications. Run-blocking was pretty bad, and that appeared to be a function of poor play as opposed to miscommunication. Jansen was getting pushed off of the line and Wade (when I actually saw him) appeared to be getting stood up or wasn't bending his knees as much as Buges has probably taught him. Who knows though, I didn't get a chance to see Wade or Jansen on most plays.

[CHIEF CHUCKING MY SPEAR]

yes we should be worried we will have a hugh problem if wade doesnt work out. Samuels should be back by mia game.

[JWsleep]

This seems reasonable, despite my previous worried post. From the Wash TImes blog:

Don't panic [David Elfin]

This being Redskins-crazed Washington -- I can't believe fans pay to fly to Nashville, stay in a hotel and watch a preseason game -- it's no surprise that much is being made of last Saturday night's preseason opener against the Titans.


Let me say this as clearly and succinctly as I can: It's too early to make any judgments people!


Yes, the offensive line looked shaky, but it was the first time that Todd Wade had played guard against an opponent in his NFL career and the first time against an NFL opponent for rookie left tackle Stephon Heyer. Chris Samuels, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, will be back no later than the regular season opener. And if Wade continues to falter, Mike Pucillo, Ross Tucker and Taylor Whitley are competent options.


Yes, the defense played well, good news for Redskins fans after last year's disaster. However, the Titans were without their ace quarterback (Vince Young, who was benched for apparently breaking curfew) and their top receiver (David Givens, who's hurt) and they lost their No. 1 back (Travis Henry) to Denver as a free agent. Pittsburgh, this week's opponent, will be a more formidable challenge with Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Willie Parker, all Super Bowl starters in 2005, at those spots.


But it's still preseason. Relax. No judgments until at least after the third preseason game on Aug. 25, OK?


The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

[lifetimeskin]

Ok...last season I got taken to task for stating that there seemed to be a real problem with our defense early on. In a not so nice way, I was told that once Springs got back that he would be the answer, that his precense would allow for GW to do so much more. I think as we saw, we had many more problems in our D. I truly belive that the moves the FO made, were spot on. IMHO, we will be top 10 on defense. Fletcher himself is a beast.

However to stay on the subject, I am not worried about our O Line. When Portis/Betts get back there, it will slow down those blitzes just that extra step. Having said that, I do believe that we will give up more sacks (hence more turnovers) IF we continue down this "vertical" passing game. The flip side is many more TD's as well and many more rushing yards for the backs.

What does worry me, is that aside from Santana, I see no other WR getting open on a regular basis. I know it is early, but this is something I noticed from the first PSG.

my 2 cents

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

It's still a bit premature to write off Wade. Most people seem to already have him dead and buried.

In related news I heard Dockery was less than impressive in his Bills debut.

I envision a case like Smoot.. Dockery comin back to us cuz he misses his momma..

[70Chip]

It's Bugel's job to worry about it.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

It's Bugel's job to worry about it.

And he has alot to worry about. Especially if Samuels misses any time during the season. Starting an undrafed rookie LT's against a proven NFL DE is just asking to get your QB killed.

I did like the way JC came back and threw so real mid range & deep passes plus it looked like he had a couple of drops.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

I think Elfin is right....to a degree. We certainly shouldn't reach any definitive conclusions about the O-line. One half of one game isn't a reliable indicator of what is to come, especially when the line's most important player (i.e., Samuels) is MIA. But, I think the line displayed enough problems that we should be concerned.

[dmek25]

it was the first game, for crying out loud. sure, there were issues, but none of which cant be corrected. especially with a 4 time pro bowl left tackle showing up for the Miami game

[MTK]

Originally Posted by JWsleep

This seems reasonable, despite my previous worried post. From the Wash TImes blog:

Don't panic [David Elfin]

This being Redskins-crazed Washington -- I can't believe fans pay to fly to Nashville, stay in a hotel and watch a preseason game -- it's no surprise that much is being made of last Saturday night's preseason opener against the Titans.


Let me say this as clearly and succinctly as I can: It's too early to make any judgments people!


Yes, the offensive line looked shaky, but it was the first time that Todd Wade had played guard against an opponent in his NFL career and the first time against an NFL opponent for rookie left tackle Stephon Heyer. Chris Samuels, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, will be back no later than the regular season opener. And if Wade continues to falter, Mike Pucillo, Ross Tucker and Taylor Whitley are competent options.


Yes, the defense played well, good news for Redskins fans after last year's disaster. However, the Titans were without their ace quarterback (Vince Young, who was benched for apparently breaking curfew) and their top receiver (David Givens, who's hurt) and they lost their No. 1 back (Travis Henry) to Denver as a free agent. Pittsburgh, this week's opponent, will be a more formidable challenge with Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Willie Parker, all Super Bowl starters in 2005, at those spots.


But it's still preseason. Relax. No judgments until at least after the third preseason game on Aug. 25, OK?


The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Don't panic??

That's what we do best!

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

I know Pete Kendall is very unhappy w/his contract so we might want to look at him. He is way better than anything we currently have at LG. Not sure what the asking price would be but I would take a look. I know he wants more $ than he is currently making.

I trust Buges but I gotta question him on this one. Why try and put a career RT at LG this late in the guy's career? Sorry but it makes no sense at all. Not only that but we are talking about an average to below avegare player to begin with. On top of that doesn't this guy have a history w/ injuries? I hope they have a back-up plan, which I thought was Whitiker. Guess I was wrong.

I think if they were gonna sign somebody to any substantial contract then spring was the time to do that. Since they signed Dee Brown when Whit got cut, it says that they think the o-line depth wasn't as much a concern as the rb depth, or there weren't any decent o linemen out there cheap.
I agree that Wade is a tackle & I want to keep him there. I think we'll need him at Tackle before the season is over. I wonder if they promised him a chance to start if he'd re-sign?
If Samuels isn't back in a timely fashion, I expect to see us sign a tackle or guard off waivers. I also expect (hope) to see Fabini cut. Wish he could fill in at guard but it doesn't look like he'll fill in anywhere.

[SmootSmack]

I am worried about Jansen. He really seems to be regressing these past couple of years.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I am worried about Jansen. He really seems to be regressing these past couple of years.

I honestly don't think he has been the same since his injury in the 2004 HoF preseason game, at least when it comes to pass protection. He looked decent last year when it came ot run-blocking, but was frequently getting beat in pass protection (both by speed and bull rushers).

[theJBexperience]

Whyd didn't we try to sign Mulitalo or take a G in the supplemental draft? Is there anyone out there still worth taking a look at or are we going to have to wait for cuts?