Some 0-Line love...

[SKINFAN]

Fellas, what a difference a year makes... Last year we were 2-3 injuries away from hiring big guys off the street and now we have capable squad of reserves. This O line is getting stronger every game every quarter. The push on 4th and 1 was simply amazing. You can almost hear a collective whine from the deflated iggles after the push.

[BossHog]

I understand, and I agree. Listening to Zorn's presser from yesterday he intimated that Stephon Heyer will get his job back once he's ready to go. I'm not sure that's a good idea right now. It will again make us one-directional in our ground attack. It's no coincidence in my mind that CP has busted out big in the last two games; defenses can't just load guys to Samuels' side in the box and stack him up.

Heyer is going to be a good all-around tackle eventually, but watching him run block his pad level is WAY too high right now as he engages his man. I'm not sure about his lower body strength but he anchors well in pass pro so I don't think that's an issue. But the strongest squat man in the league won't be able to move a guy or do much more than seal the end if he can't get leverage and be lower than his opponent. That's something I'm sure Buges is going to address in time.

First of all, I agree with pretty much everything you said. I would just ask you to consider the following about what Zorn said about Heyer...

Was he being honest or was it coach speak to keep Jansen playing like he is?

I don't profess to actually know the answer, but I got a sense from Zorn that he didn't even WANT to answer the question. I personally think that Zorn figured it was better to have JJ think that it was still 'up in the air' than to categorically demote Heyer back to back-up status.

Jansen is playing his best ball in years, and to me, its ludicrous to think that it doesn't have SOMETHING to do with the fire lit under him by being demoted.

Why mess with that?

[VetSkinsFan]

I understand, and I agree. Listening to Zorn's presser from yesterday he intimated that Stephon Heyer will get his job back once he's ready to go. I'm not sure that's a good idea right now. It will again make us one-directional in our ground attack. It's no coincidence in my mind that CP has busted out big in the last two games; defenses can't just load guys to Samuels' side in the box and stack him up.

Heyer is going to be a good all-around tackle eventually, but watching him run block his pad level is WAY too high right now as he engages his man. I'm not sure about his lower body strength but he anchors well in pass pro so I don't think that's an issue. But the strongest squat man in the league won't be able to move a guy or do much more than seal the end if he can't get leverage and be lower than his opponent. That's something I'm sure Buges is going to address in time.

First of all, I agree with pretty much everything you said. I would just ask you to consider the following about what Zorn said about Heyer...

Was he being honest or was it coach speak to keep Jansen playing like he is?

I don't profess to actually know the answer, but I got a sense from Zorn that he didn't even WANT to answer the question. I personally think that Zorn figured it was better to have JJ think that it was still 'up in the air' than to categorically demote Heyer back to back-up status.

Jansen is playing his best ball in years, and to me, its ludicrous to think that it doesn't have SOMETHING to do with the fire lit under him by being demoted.

Why mess with that?

I still think it's that coupled with his confidence back in his ankle. It's impossible to distinguish which factor it really is, so I'm putting the blame on both.

[BigRedskinDaddy]

First of all, I agree with pretty much everything you said. I would just ask you to consider the following about what Zorn said about Heyer...

Was he being honest or was it coach speak to keep Jansen playing like he is?

I don't profess to actually know the answer, but I got a sense from Zorn that he didn't even WANT to answer the question. I personally think that Zorn figured it was better to have JJ think that it was still 'up in the air' than to categorically demote Heyer back to back-up status.

Jansen is playing his best ball in years, and to me, its ludicrous to think that it doesn't have SOMETHING to do with the fire lit under him by being demoted.

Why mess with that?

Very good points. I sensed the hesitation in Zorn as well. My take is that he's not playing any kind of mind game with JJ to keep a fire under him a la Parcells. He's just not wired that way, for which I am eternally grateful. I think he realizes that he's kind of in a quandary here; you're not supposed to lose your job to injury, so Heyer SHOULD be back at RT when he can go. OTOH, JJ is playing lights out both in run and pass blocking, and JZ knows it. What to do? As a former player who's been demoted in his career I think he is fully aware this is a tough call to make.

[Kilmer72]

I am very happy with the way things are going here but I have to ask- If you are coaching do you keep Jansen in even if Heyer is 100% healthy? Coach Zorn thinks Heyer is the better player. I think we need to get younger on the OL but, I also think Jansen is not going to make the mental errors Heyer will. We know that one is better at pass blocking and one is better at run blocking. What would you do if you had to make the call?

[RedskinsRule56]

With how well Portis has been running the last 2 weeks, I think you have stick with the hot hand, and keep Jansen as the starter. He has been playing at a very high level. If it isnt broken dont fix it!

[jmooney]

Jansen isnt going to face a pass rush the next 3 weeks like he has in the past 2, I say leave it like it is for now and lets see where we are when Pittsburgh comes to town, Heyer should be healthy and chompin at the bit by then. Injuries can pop up at any time but a heavy run game will keep us healthier going into the pittsburgh game, especially if we platoon the RB's.

We dont have to let off the gas but it is an opportunity to take care of our players, Im not saying the games wont be physical, just not as physical as NFC East Div games. None of these teams stop the run.

[SkinsJock]

....I personally think that Zorn figured it was better to have JJ think that it was still 'up in the air' than to categorically demote Heyer back to back-up status.

Jansen is playing his best ball in years, and to me, its ludicrous to think that it doesn't have SOMETHING to do with the fire lit under him by being demoted.

I still think it's that coupled with his confidence back in his ankle. It's impossible to distinguish which factor it really is, so I'm putting the blame on both.

I would agree with you both - I think that Zorn has ignited something with JJ - AND I think that Jansen is taking full advantage of the opportunity and he's feeling that he can do pretty much anything he wants too again - there is also a comfort level for JJ with the other guys on this line - they love the big guy and he may not be with them much longer. These guys are all having a very good time of it right now and having Heyer fighting for time is just a luxury and a huge incentive to keep the big guy focused

[Hill66]

Our o-line play thus far into the season has been outstanding. I believe that the benching of Jon Jansen was a way of scaring him. Since his return he has been playing like the Jansen we remember. I haven't even heard Thomas' name, and that is always a good thing. Casey's play has been outstanding...its the centre's job to call the defensive front so the rest of the line knows the man he is responsible for, and he obviously is seeing the defense right, judging by our pass protection. I used to be a MASSIVE Samuels fan, but sorry Pete Kendall is now my favorite Skin. He has been more solid than a rock since we pick him up. I love seeing big number 66 coming around and kicking out the DE/OLB, makes me want to throw on the pads again.
This group of grown men are playing their butts off right now, and they must have loved that Zorn had enough confidence in them to run on 4th and 1..

[RedskinsRule56]

Merrill Hoge on NFL yesterday said the Redskins have the best O-line in the NFL!!!!!!!! Not sure if I agree with that but that is some very high praise. !

[Fios]

Actually, he said they've had the best o-line for the past two weeks

[redskinz4ever]

the o-line has shocked me after the 1st game i was like here we go again our pass protection is impressive but after last seasons running game struggled. this years running game is very strong able to run and control the clock late in games. jason cambell has grown into top a level QB as a result of the o-line.