BMW to play Guard Fulltime - Heyer may Still be in the Mix

[1niksder]

Mike Shanahan sees a lot to like in Mike Williams
Big Mike Williams has a big fan in Coach Mike Shanahan, who seems to believe Williams will play an even more prominent role this season than he did in 2009.

"I think Mike has got a very high ceiling," Shanahan said. "The guard is his position, not the tackle position.

"When he did play guard, I thought he played it well, especially losing as much weight as he lost. If he can keep to this whole offseason at the same weight that he finished, and keep on improving, he'll help us."

Shanahan had effective lines in Denver that included players with less talent than Heyer, according to a source familiar with Shanahan's tenure with the Broncos. With the retirement of Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels, the Redskins have a major hole at the position. The team has unsuccessfully pursued several free-agent tackles, and Artis Hicks, the recently signed guard-tackle, is considered better at guard or coming off the bench at both positions.

Washington re-signed Mike Williams, who impressed after switching from tackle to guard and is expected to battle Hicks to start on the right side. Even if the Redskins select someone such as Oklahoma State's Russell Okung with the fourth overall pick in the draft, it seems Heyer could be in the mix to start again this season.

"I though Heyer did some good things last year, and he was hurt," Shanahan said recently. "I'm looking forward to seeing how much he grows this offseason. I think Stephon has a lot of ability.

"I think it's untapped ability, and if he's willing to work hard, I think he's got a chance to be a player in the National Football League. The question is, 'How hard will he work in this offseason to get to the next level?' And I'm hoping he does."

WaPoRI

[Hog Heaven]

Ha ha, Heyer has a chance to be an NFL player "if he works really hard this off season to get to the next level". So basically, if he takes his game to a whole new level, which he'll have to bust his butt to get to, he'll has a chance to make an NFL roster... is this the same guy who started at right tackle for the team loaded with playoff ability according to Cerrato? Sadly yes, Cerrato was THAT clueless.

[riggofan]

Man I was trying to figure out who the heck BMW was when I clicked on this link. Funny.

I'd love to see either or both of those guys thrive under Shanahan. Heyer has been dogged mercilessly for not being good enough. It would be good to see a homegrown guy turn it around. I'll be rooting for him.

[brad7686]

I would like to know who exactly Shanahan had at RT in the past that was "less talented than Heyer". I'm not sure that article is accurate

[VetSkinsFan]

Man I was trying to figure out who the heck BMW was when I clicked on this link. Funny.

I'd love to see either or both of those guys thrive under Shanahan. Heyer has been dogged mercilessly for not being good enough. It would be good to see a homegrown guy turn it around. I'll be rooting for him.

He's not good enough. He's not NFL material, and I believe that the article is baised and inaccurate.

As for BMW, I hope I'm wrong, but I thought he was almost as bad as Heyer.

[langleyparkjoe]

Yea neither of them really showed me anything but I'm definitely rooting for them to turn it around and make some good plays. Pretty much they're here so I'll support.

[Countertrey]

Man I was trying to figure out who the heck BMW was when I clicked on this link. Funny.

I'd love to see either or both of those guys thrive under Shanahan. Heyer has been dogged mercilessly for not being good enough. It would be good to see a homegrown guy turn it around. I'll be rooting for him.

He's not good enough. He's not NFL material, and I believe that the article is baised and inaccurate.

As for BMW, I hope I'm wrong, but I thought he was almost as bad as Heyer.

When they attempted to use Big Mike as a right tackle, yup, he got spun like a turnstile. However, he played pretty darn well when at RG, until he got hurt.

I think folks saw him windmill as a RT, and that's all they ever saw... never paid attention to how he looked once he moved, just closed thier minds, and that was it. I continued to watch, however... and was pleased with the improvement I saw as a Guard.

With Heyer, however, I have no idea what he's looking at. Heyer has the heart to try, but just hasn't developed. I'd love for him to prove us wrong, though.

[Hooligan]

Big Mike played well at guard for a guy who spent the previous offseason frantically losing weight, which can take a huge toll on your body, regardless of how good your nutrition is. This year he'll be starting from a stable weight and can focus on getting stronger and quicker. He'll improve a lot this season and play very well at guard. I'd say he'll be the most punishing run blocker on the team.

[Countertrey]

Big Mike played well at guard for a guy who spent the previous offseason frantically losing weight, which can take a huge toll on your body, regardless of how good your nutrition is. This year he'll be starting from a stable weight and can focus on getting stronger and quicker. He'll improve a lot this season and play very well at guard. I'd say he'll be the most punishing run blocker on the team.

I was sold last season when I watched him leading a few running plays to the right... and he just played road grader...

[HEROHAMO]

I just want to point out that Big Mike worked hard to lose all that weight and get in shape. That shows a good work ethic and resilency. Those are good character traits. I hope for that to rub off on the other players.
It never hurts to have that kind of example on the team. While there were times he struggled in pass protection he did show improvement over the course of the season.

Now lets hope Big Mike can turn the page from getting back in shape to getting into pro bowl shape. I am also a fan of BMW. It should be pointed out that Mike Shanahan and B. Allen decided to keep him on board so far.

Now only if Heyer can put forth such an effort this off season. We will see what unfolds only time will tell.

[The Hogster]

I'm liking Shanahan's confidence in what he sees on film. The quote "the guard is his position, not the tackle position" really shows that he knows what he is looking at and has a plan to utilize the talent on this team properly.

[VetSkinsFan]

I just want to point out that Big Mike worked hard to lose all that weight and get in shape. That shows a good work ethic and resilency. Those are good character traits. I hope for that to rub off on the other players.
It never hurts to have that kind of example on the team. While there were times he struggled in pass protection he did show improvement over the course of the season.

Now lets hope Big Mike can turn the page from getting back in shape to getting into pro bowl shape. I am also a fan of BMW. It should be pointed out that Mike Shanahan and B. Allen decided to keep him on board so far.

Now only if Heyer can put forth such an effort this off season. We will see what unfolds only time will tell.

Yeah, but the LACK of discipline to allow himself to gain all that weight? What's THAT tell you?

I'm willing to give him another year since his focus WAS losing weight, but I'd like to have a backup plan to be ready.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Yeah, but the LACK of discipline to allow himself to gain all that weight? What's THAT tell you?

I'm willing to give him another year since his focus WAS losing weight, but I'd like to have a backup plan to be ready.

Lack of discipline? C'mon dude... That's unfair on so many reasons, you have no idea what that man was going through in his life to cause that. That's just plan selfish and unfair.

The guy came in here last year and lost and ungoldy amount of weight, he contributed to the team and is still in here day in and day out and you still have the audacity to complain. BMW owes you nothing and he's proven everything. That just came off as extremely ungrateful. I mean really dude, who are you to say that YOU'RE willing to give him another year. WTH does that even mean?


On a brighter note, it's good to see the coach finding talent with current players. I've stated that I believe we have some decent guys on this squad and that the situation may not be as dire as we expect.

I fully believe we'll have a decent o-line this year and depth. We're carrying over a lot of guys from last year, we've signed about 2-4 linemen, we're going to address it in the draft and throughout the offseason as FA continues.

[brad7686]

Yeah, but the LACK of discipline to allow himself to gain all that weight? What's THAT tell you?

I'm willing to give him another year since his focus WAS losing weight, but I'd like to have a backup plan to be ready.

Lack of discipline? C'mon dude... That's unfair on so many reasons, you have no idea what that man was going through in his life to cause that. That's just plan selfish and unfair.

The guy came in here last year and lost and ungoldy amount of weight, he contributed to the team and is still in here day in and day out and you still have the audacity to complain. BMW owes you nothing and he's proven everything. That just came off as extremely ungrateful. I mean really dude, who are you to say that YOU'RE willing to give him another year. WTH does that even mean?


On a brighter note, it's good to see the coach finding talent with current players. I've stated that I believe we have some decent guys on this squad and that the situation may not be as dire as we expect.

I fully believe we'll have a decent o-line this year and depth. We're carrying over a lot of guys from last year, we've signed about 2-4 linemen, we're going to address it in the draft and throughout the offseason as FA continues.

There were at least three times last year where somebody broke through the line before BMW even got out of his stance. Not saying he can't improve and that he didn't lose a lot of weight, just saying he wasn't very good, especially in pass pro.

[Chris Luva Luva]

There were at least three times last year where somebody broke through the line before BMW even got out of his stance. Not saying he can't improve and that he didn't lose a lot of weight, just saying he wasn't very good, especially in pass pro.

That's not even a point I will argue. What irked me about that post was that it questioned the guys hurt and desire to do whatever for the team. That IMHO doesn't deserve to be questioned. The guy is still here daily, working to get better.

The point that you brought up, fine, he wasn't up to par at times. Considering the situation, he did well. Considering the weight loss, he did well. Considering he had to adjust to the new weight which surely weakened his body, he did well. Considering he didn't have time to refine technique cus all he did was focus on weight loss, he did well.

Now that Shanny is playing him at his proper position and the guy will have a full offseason dedicated to footwork, hand placement, speed training, conditioning, etc. We can truly look forward to consistency from him and other linemen that are already here.

[VetSkinsFan]

Yeah, but the LACK of discipline to allow himself to gain all that weight? What's THAT tell you?

I'm willing to give him another year since his focus WAS losing weight, but I'd like to have a backup plan to be ready.

Lack of discipline? C'mon dude... That's unfair on so many reasons, you have no idea what that man was going through in his life to cause that. That's just plan selfish and unfair.
The guy came in here last year and lost and ungoldy amount of weight, he contributed to the team and is still in here day in and day out and you still have the audacity to complain. BMW owes you nothing and he's proven everything. That just came off as extremely ungrateful. I mean really dude, who are you to say that YOU'RE willing to give him another year. WTH does that even mean?


On a brighter note, it's good to see the coach finding talent with current players. I've stated that I believe we have some decent guys on this squad and that the situation may not be as dire as we expect.

I fully believe we'll have a decent o-line this year and depth. We're carrying over a lot of guys from last year, we've signed about 2-4 linemen, we're going to address it in the draft and throughout the offseason as FA continues.

You don't go from football shape to 450 without reason, I'll agree, but he still gained that weight. And I can credit him for losing it. But as you've stated in a different reply, the focus on weight DID, IMO, impact his ability to refine his technique and perform on the field. You and I didn't pay that price, the RBs and JC paid that price.

As for who I am? I am a fan of the team and I have opinions of every player on my favorite team. And I am allowed to disapprove and approve of who we have on the roster. Does it affect the team? No, but as fans, it's one of the things we do. I've given reasons that I didn't think he should have been playing last year, so I'm not going to dig that convo up. You can disagree,

And what the hell am i supposed to be grateful for? What has BIG MIKE WILLIAMS done for me to be grateful to him personally? I support anyone by default on game day that sports the burgundy and gold, but that doesn't mean I have to think that all individuals should be out there. I have no impact on it and have to be a bystander. And based on last year's perfomance, I don't think Heyer OR BMW should have been on the field.

[HEROHAMO]

I just want to point out that Big Mike worked hard to lose all that weight and get in shape. That shows a good work ethic and resilency. Those are good character traits. I hope for that to rub off on the other players.
It never hurts to have that kind of example on the team. While there were times he struggled in pass protection he did show improvement over the course of the season.

Now lets hope Big Mike can turn the page from getting back in shape to getting into pro bowl shape. I am also a fan of BMW. It should be pointed out that Mike Shanahan and B. Allen decided to keep him on board so far.

Now only if Heyer can put forth such an effort this off season. We will see what unfolds only time will tell.

Yeah, but the LACK of discipline to allow himself to gain all that weight? What's THAT tell you?

I'm willing to give him another year since his focus WAS losing weight, but I'd like to have a backup plan to be ready.

I understand your stance on the situation. You only want what you think is best for the team.

The lack of discipline was a problem in the past. He has lost the weight and he has kept it off. That has told me he has changed that.

You know better then anyone that your habits can form your character.
It is in my humble opinion that anyone can be great so long as they do the things to be great on a daily basis over and over and over and over again and again.

So long as he keeps up the hard work there is no reason why he cant be successful. Oh and watch what he eats as well.

[VetSkinsFan]

I just want to point out that Big Mike worked hard to lose all that weight and get in shape. That shows a good work ethic and resilency. Those are good character traits. I hope for that to rub off on the other players.
It never hurts to have that kind of example on the team. While there were times he struggled in pass protection he did show improvement over the course of the season.

Now lets hope Big Mike can turn the page from getting back in shape to getting into pro bowl shape. I am also a fan of BMW. It should be pointed out that Mike Shanahan and B. Allen decided to keep him on board so far.

Now only if Heyer can put forth such an effort this off season. We will see what unfolds only time will tell.

Yeah, but the LACK of discipline to allow himself to gain all that weight? What's THAT tell you?

I'm willing to give him another year since his focus WAS losing weight, but I'd like to have a backup plan to be ready.

I understand your stance on the situation. You only want what you think is best for the team.

The lack of discipline was a problem in the past. He has lost the weight and he has kept it off. That has told me he has changed that.

You know better then anyone that your habits can form your character.
It is in my humble opinion that anyone can be great so long as they do the things to be great on a daily basis over and over and over and over again and again.

So long as he keeps up the hard work there is no reason why he cant be successful. Oh and watch what he eats as well.

This is true, but there is also a reason that he was out of football after being a 1st rnd pick. If he pans out, that's awesome. I've been known to be too judgmental before. I don't want to think anything negative about any of the Redskins, but I strongly disagree with some of the moves we're making. Especially on Easter...but that's a dif convo and I don't want to hi-jack.

[roybus14]

I like the younger Williams kid, myself. I think he has alot of potential and with the right coaching could start alongside Heyer....

I'm just sayin'....

[SkinsJock]

BMW and Heyer really need to show a lot of improvement from last year - that is highly unlikely in reality after what we saw


we now have upgraded the QB position and both Mike and Kyle will make a big difference here offensively - fact is that this is a team game and while we are better off relatively speaking at both RB and QB, than we were last year, we still have to have an offensive line that can be somewhat effective and I do not see that happening as quickly as we all would like

we were horrible and Bugel was the line coach

we have to see a lot of new young guys on this offensive line but that will take time so I see some stop gap measures taken to try and upgrade - let's face it, almost anyone is probably going to be an upgrade over what happened here with last season's offensive line performance

[SKINFAN]

Heyer couldn't even do an impression of a speedbump last year... He was like a swinging gate....