"Hogs do it in the Trenches", The 2011 Offensive L

[Skinsfan55]

I think everyone can agree that an offense's success relies on how well the offensive line plays. You need holes to run, lanes to pass and enough time to do both. As of right now, this is the 2011 Redskins O-Line:

-----

Starters

#71 LT- Trent Williams
23 yo, 6-5 315
Former #4 overall pick. Considered a huge athletic prospect coming out of school. Struggled at times but that's to be expected from a rookie. Should be a solid lineman for the scheme but time will tell if he becomes an elite player.

#78 LG- Kory Lichtensteiger
26yo, 6-3 290
He was cut twice before landing in DC. Considered a decent reserve at center by some, Shanahan converted him to LG where he started 14 games last season. The coach seems to like him, but he's largely unproven. This year will likely make or break his NFL career.

#63 C- Will Montgomery
28 yo, 6-3 307
Backup C and G in his career who's also been cut multiple times by other teams. He's started 15 games in his 5 year career for 3 different teams. Not much experience and this is another case where it's do or die for his career.

#66 RG- Chris Chester
28 yo, 6-3 315
In Baltimore he was given opportunities to start but wasn't especially productive in his times as a starter. He has starting experience though and if he fits the Shanahan system he could be a key on this offensive line.

#77 RT- Jammal Brown
30 yo, 6-6 313
Brown was a two time pro-bowl LT for New Orleans before coming to Washington in a trade. Last season he was coming back from a ACL injury and struggled at times. He still managed to start 14 games last season. Now fully recovered he should be our most dependable lineman this year.

Reserves

#75 G/T Artis Hicks
32 yo, 6-4 314
A versatile swingman, Hicks has played every position on the offensive line except center in his career. He started 10 games for the Redskins in 2010 at RG before getting replaced by our current, tentative starting center Will Montgomery last season. Barring injury, Hicks won't start this season but he brings quality depth to the line.

#?? T Sean Locklear
30 yo, 6-4 310
Locklear was rated one of the best pass blocking RT's in the game last season and has started 78 games in the NFL including 15 of 16 last season. He's been a solid presence on the Seattle line for 6 seasons. As a pro he's only played tackle but entered the league as a guard. Whether he's used for depth at tackle or as a possible starter at LG he'll definitely help the Redskins.

#68 T- Clint Oldenburg
27 yo, 6-5 315
Suited up in our first mini-camps at the starting RT. That shows the coaching staff has some trust in his abilities. More or less a complete unknown, will probably be on the roster bubble.
-----

It's not a comprehensive list of reserves but that's all the Redskins have right now. I'm of the opinion that their interior line looks weak and the depth is a little thin. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of help available in free agency. The best guards have already been taken, and the market for centers is pretty weak. Like I said earlier, I think Chester's ability to play in Mike Shanahan's scheme is going to be the key to the success of the offensive line.

For better or for worse I'm pretty sure this is the offensive line we'll break camp with. Given all the unknowns, if they gel together and become a decent offensive line unit we'll have to consider ourselves pretty lucky. I don't think anyone in the interior line will be considered a long term solution, but they may get us through a season better than last year and remain an area of need next season.
[/b][/i]

[langleyparkjoe]

Thanks SF55!!!! Preciate the 411!

Chemistry is still the main thing though and given the shortened summer it may be real hard. I hope they gel well though, we'll see how they look during the preseason games.

[riggofan]

Unproven is a kind word. Kory Lichtensteiger seems like the glaring hole to me. I didn't really understand his playing ahead of Dockery last year to begin with. Am I wrong or was he a huge liability on the line last season?

[riggofan]

Unproven is a kind word. Kory Lichtensteiger seems like the glaring hole to me. I didn't really understand his playing ahead of Dockery last year to begin with. Am I wrong or was he a huge liability on the line last season?

[skinsfan#33]

Unproven is a kind word. Kory Lichtensteiger seems like the glaring hole to me. I didn't really understand his playing ahead of Dockery last year to begin with. Am I wrong or was he a huge liability on the line last season?

No you're not wrong, but he did improve as the year went on. I don't think he could start on any other team on the NFL and there are plenty of lines he couldn't make it as a backup.

He has been described as as "hot garbage" by some former players.

[Red_One43]

Unproven is a kind word. Kory Lichtensteiger seems like the glaring hole to me. I didn't really understand his playing ahead of Dockery last year to begin with. Am I wrong or was he a huge liability on the line last season?

Watch these three video clips and point out how Kory is a glaring hole or find any video clip after Kory and Monty became the permanent starters together, and point out how Kory was a glaring hole. From the three clips below, I would say he did a better job than Monty. Once you view the clips, I ask you, was he a huge liability? Kory's play was bad at the beginning of the season. I guess first impressions are lasting impressions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTQTJX30 ... F058E83D3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCAy9UUYkHs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jugw7ZjyMLs

[brad7686]

from those clips rabach appeared pretty horrible. Kory looked okay, still think they need another interior lineman

[1niksder]

from those clips rabach appeared pretty horrible. Kory looked okay, still think they need another interior lineman

+1

[fleetus]

I think everyone can agree that an offense's success relies on how well the offensive line plays. You need holes to run, lanes to pass and enough time to do both. As of right now, this is the 2011 Redskins O-Line:

-----

Starters

#71 LT- Trent Williams
23 yo, 6-5 315
Former #4 overall pick. Considered a huge athletic prospect coming out of school. Struggled at times but that's to be expected from a rookie. Should be a solid lineman for the scheme but time will tell if he becomes an elite player.

#78 LG- Kory Lichtensteiger
26yo, 6-3 290
He was cut twice before landing in DC. Considered a decent reserve at center by some, Shanahan converted him to LG where he started 14 games last season. The coach seems to like him, but he's largely unproven. This year will likely make or break his NFL career.

#63 C- Will Montgomery
28 yo, 6-3 307
Backup C and G in his career who's also been cut multiple times by other teams. He's started 15 games in his 5 year career for 3 different teams. Not much experience and this is another case where it's do or die for his career.

#?? RG- Chris Chester
28 yo, 6-3 315
In Baltimore he was given opportunities to start but wasn't especially productive in his times as a starter. He has starting experience though and if he fits the Shanahan system he could be a key on this offensive line.

#77 RT- Jammal Brown
30 yo, 6-6 313
Brown was a two time pro-bowl LT for New Orleans before coming to Washington in a trade. Last season he was coming back from a ACL injury and struggled at times. He still managed to start 14 games last season. Now fully recovered he should be our most dependable lineman this year.

Reserves

#75 G/T Artis Hicks
32 yo, 6-4 314
A versatile swingman, Hicks has played every position on the offensive line except center in his career. He started 10 games for the Redskins in 2010 at RG before getting replaced by our current, tentative starting center Will Montgomery last season. Barring injury, Hicks won't start this season but he brings quality depth to the line.

#68 T- Clint Oldenburg
27 yo, 6-5 315
Suited up in our first mini-camps at the starting RT. That shows the coaching staff has some trust in his abilities. More or less a complete unknown, will probably be on the roster bubble.
-----

It's not a comprehensive list of reserves but that's all the Redskins have right now. I'm of the opinion that their interior line looks weak and the depth is a little thin. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of help available in free agency. The best guards have already been taken, and the market for centers is pretty weak. Like I said earlier, I think Chester's ability to play in Mike Shanahan's scheme is going to be the key to the success of the offensive line.

For better or for worse I'm pretty sure this is the offensive line we'll break camp with. Given all the unknowns, if they gel together and become a decent offensive line unit we'll have to consider ourselves pretty lucky. I don't think anyone in the interior line will be considered a long term solution, but they may get us through a season better than last year and remain an area of need next season.
[/b]

Nice write up.

You could add Maurice Hurt, rookie - 7th round. He played Guard and tackle and was overlooked by many because there were several other highly touted linemen on Florida's team last year. Also, to put it mildly, he is, rotund. He doesn't look the part necessarily, but he performs well every chance he has been given. He also has some of the longest arms of any OL in the league and seems to know how to use them.

and Selvish Capers, 2010 7th round choice - don't know much about him other than he was on the PS for most/all of 2010. He is a converted TE (like Chester) and thus is a speedy, athletic OL that Shanahan likes for the ZBS.

[fleetus]

Unproven is a kind word. Kory Lichtensteiger seems like the glaring hole to me. I didn't really understand his playing ahead of Dockery last year to begin with. Am I wrong or was he a huge liability on the line last season?

Watch these three video clips and point out how Kory is a glaring hole or find any video clip after Kory and Monty became the permanent starters together, and point out how Kory was a glaring hole. From the three clips below, I would say he did a better job than Monty. Once you view the clips, I ask you, was he a huge liability? Kory's play was bad at the beginning of the season. I guess first impressions are lasting impressions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTQTJX30 ... F058E83D3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCAy9UUYkHs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jugw7ZjyMLs

I see this mostly as growing pains associated with switching to the ZBS. Dockery was a big power guard who is a decent player, but was too slow and not nimble enough to play the ZBS very well. Rabach was getting older and was also not athletic enough to play center in the ZBS.

Center is a very demanding position in the ZBS. Too many times I saw opponents using their quickness to cut in front of Dockery or Rabach as the line was moving left or right.

In the ZBS, think of the O-line as a serrated blade cutting left or right. If even one lineman doesn't keep up, the whole thing falls apart.

[Red_One43]

from those clips rabach appeared pretty horrible. Kory looked okay, still think they need another interior lineman

That was the biggest thing I learned from those clips that Rabach stank it up especially on the play against the Giants when Osi looped around and the middle was wide open because Rabach went to help Kory who didn't need help. Result Grossman hurried and hit and Cofield, who Monty gave too much ground to, batted the ball down.

Yes, I can accept your analysis of Kory as OK - in no way am I saying that we couldn't use an upgrade here. His sall size did cost him at times.
I am just saying folks are pointing the finger at the wrong guy as the weakest link and now that the weakest link has been released we will get better.

[Red_One43]

Unproven is a kind word. Kory Lichtensteiger seems like the glaring hole to me. I didn't really understand his playing ahead of Dockery last year to begin with. Am I wrong or was he a huge liability on the line last season?

Watch these three video clips and point out how Kory is a glaring hole or find any video clip after Kory and Monty became the permanent starters together, and point out how Kory was a glaring hole. From the three clips below, I would say he did a better job than Monty. Once you view the clips, I ask you, was he a huge liability? Kory's play was bad at the beginning of the season. I guess first impressions are lasting impressions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTQTJX30 ... F058E83D3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCAy9UUYkHs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jugw7ZjyMLs

I see this mostly as growing pains associated with switching to the ZBS. Dockery was a big power guard who is a decent player, but was too slow and not nimble enough to play the ZBS very well. Rabach was getting older and was also not athletic enough to play center in the ZBS.

Center is a very demanding position in the ZBS. Too many times I saw opponents using their quickness to cut in front of Dockery or Rabach as the line was moving left or right.

In the ZBS, think of the O-line as a serrated blade cutting left or right. If even one lineman doesn't keep up, the whole thing falls apart.

+1

[Skinsfan55]

What are the odds we bring back Stephon Heyer? He's been a steady presence for us and a good guy to have around for depth. Right now he's a restricted FA but Scouts Inc has this to say:

Stephon Heyer has started 33 games in his four year career and brings experience, toughness and attitude to the offensive line. He is big physical tackle with limited athleticism. He wins with effort, technique and power when he is able to engage early in the play. Heyer lacks great lateral agility and balance which hinders his ability on backside blocks and on the second level. He understands angles and ability to leverage defenders at the point of attack. Heyer has improved his hand use and can adjust to twists and counters when out of position. With a high profile draft pick at his position, Stephon Heyer may be relegated to a backup role but will provide excellent depth along the offensive line.

They also rate him as an "Average Starter". Given that we have almost no depth on the line, Heyer seems like someone who could make the team. These quotes are old, but Shanahan had some positive things to say about Heyer last training camp:

"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."

Maybe that's just a coach trying to goad a player into working harder, but given our depth issues, I wonder why he's not back.

[1niksder]

What are the odds we bring back Stephon Heyer? He's been a steady presence for us and a good guy to have around for depth. Right now he's a restricted FA but Scouts Inc has this to say:

Stephon Heyer has started 33 games in his four year career and brings experience, toughness and attitude to the offensive line. He is big physical tackle with limited athleticism. He wins with effort, technique and power when he is able to engage early in the play. Heyer lacks great lateral agility and balance which hinders his ability on backside blocks and on the second level. He understands angles and ability to leverage defenders at the point of attack. Heyer has improved his hand use and can adjust to twists and counters when out of position. With a high profile draft pick at his position, Stephon Heyer may be relegated to a backup role but will provide excellent depth along the offensive line.

They also rate him as an "Average Starter". Given that we have almost no depth on the line, Heyer seems like someone who could make the team. These quotes are old, but Shanahan had some positive things to say about Heyer last training camp:

"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."

Maybe that's just a coach trying to goad a player into working harder, but given our depth issues, I wonder why he's not back.

He flew to Oakland yesterday for a workout yesterday haven't heard anything since then other than he was happy that they flew him there first class

Just got to the airport First class!!!!! That makes somebody believe u really want them when u buy them a first class seat... #crossingmyfingers

[Red_One43]

What are the odds we bring back Stephon Heyer? He's been a steady presence for us and a good guy to have around for depth. Right now he's a restricted FA but Scouts Inc has this to say:

Stephon Heyer has started 33 games in his four year career and brings experience, toughness and attitude to the offensive line. He is big physical tackle with limited athleticism. He wins with effort, technique and power when he is able to engage early in the play. Heyer lacks great lateral agility and balance which hinders his ability on backside blocks and on the second level. He understands angles and ability to leverage defenders at the point of attack. Heyer has improved his hand use and can adjust to twists and counters when out of position. With a high profile draft pick at his position, Stephon Heyer may be relegated to a backup role but will provide excellent depth along the offensive line.

They also rate him as an "Average Starter". Given that we have almost no depth on the line, Heyer seems like someone who could make the team. These quotes are old, but Shanahan had some positive things to say about Heyer last training camp:

"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."

Maybe that's just a coach trying to goad a player into working harder, but given our depth issues, I wonder why he's not back.

Now that Artis Hicks is not starting he might be the one to fill Heyer's role as the tackle back up for both sides of the O line. We know he can fill in at guard and in Minnesota he filled in at tackle. Shanan also has Erik Cook who is a C/G who he might like. There is is also Selvish Capers drafted last year as a Tackle who Shanny might be high on. It just might be a numbers game for Heyer. I would bet if nobody signs him, we will bring him back, at least for training camp.

[1niksder]

What are the odds we bring back Stephon Heyer? He's been a steady presence for us and a good guy to have around for depth. Right now he's a restricted FA but Scouts Inc has this to say:

Stephon Heyer has started 33 games in his four year career and brings experience, toughness and attitude to the offensive line. He is big physical tackle with limited athleticism. He wins with effort, technique and power when he is able to engage early in the play. Heyer lacks great lateral agility and balance which hinders his ability on backside blocks and on the second level. He understands angles and ability to leverage defenders at the point of attack. Heyer has improved his hand use and can adjust to twists and counters when out of position. With a high profile draft pick at his position, Stephon Heyer may be relegated to a backup role but will provide excellent depth along the offensive line.

They also rate him as an "Average Starter". Given that we have almost no depth on the line, Heyer seems like someone who could make the team. These quotes are old, but Shanahan had some positive things to say about Heyer last training camp:

"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."

Maybe that's just a coach trying to goad a player into working harder, but given our depth issues, I wonder why he's not back.

He flew to Oakland yesterday for a workout yesterday haven't heard anything since then other than he was happy that they flew him there first class

Just got to the airport First class!!!!! That makes somebody believe u really want them when u buy them a first class seat... #crossingmyfingers

Looks like I am a Raider now I will sign my 1 year deal today and start promptly Aug 4th

[chiefhog44]

Good luck Heyer. I wish you the best. You sucked, but you tried hard even while getting berated by the fans

[Irn-Bru]

The Raiders sure are picking up a lot of our trash for us …



I'm just kidding. I always appreciated Heyer's hustle. It probably helps that our own JSPB knows his family and could vouch for his character. Best of luck to him in Oakland.

[Red_One43]

Rich Tandler on Monday, August 01, 2011 at 01:33 PM


Trent Williams

I pushed myself this offseason harder than I have ever pushed myself. I ended up training seven days a week most of the time. I had a sour taste in my mouth after last season and I just wanted to get better. I wanted to come back a totally different player.

On the need to step up as a leader with Casey Rabach gone

Yes, I feel like I should be a better leader anyway, not just because Casey is gone.

On having offensive lineman Kory Lichtensteiger playing next to him for a second year:

It definitely improves the continuity. We know each other—I know him and he knows me. It is improving.

http://www.realredskins.com/

[Red_One43]

After all of those moves, though, didn’t you expect them to bolster the offensive line? I certainly did. And yet, other than cutting Rabach and picking up guard Chris Chester out of Baltimore, they’ve done squadoosh.

On the o-line? Really?

They have their reasons, the Shanahans do. Coach Mike Shanahan is preaching continuity because the playbook — apparently so complex it makes string theory look like an episode of “Sesame Street” — requires very technical zone blocking schemes. And because very few teams use anything like it — quelle surprise! — it’s hard to bring in players from other teams and plug them in. It’s harder when you don’t have OTAs and minicamps because of a lockout.

So seen in that light, the Shanahans’ decision to keep the guys from last year’s roster (minus Rabach) is understandable. Scary, for Skins fans, but understandable.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/re ... story.html

[crazyhorse1]

I think everyone can agree that an offense's success relies on how well the offensive line plays. You need holes to run, lanes to pass and enough time to do both. As of right now, this is the 2011 Redskins O-Line:

-----

Starters

#71 LT- Trent Williams
23 yo, 6-5 315
Former #4 overall pick. Considered a huge athletic prospect coming out of school. Struggled at times but that's to be expected from a rookie. Should be a solid lineman for the scheme but time will tell if he becomes an elite player.

#78 LG- Kory Lichtensteiger
26yo, 6-3 290
He was cut twice before landing in DC. Considered a decent reserve at center by some, Shanahan converted him to LG where he started 14 games last season. The coach seems to like him, but he's largely unproven. This year will likely make or break his NFL career.

#63 C- Will Montgomery
28 yo, 6-3 307
Backup C and G in his career who's also been cut multiple times by other teams. He's started 15 games in his 5 year career for 3 different teams. Not much experience and this is another case where it's do or die for his career.

#65 RG- Chris Chester
28 yo, 6-3 315
In Baltimore he was given opportunities to start but wasn't especially productive in his times as a starter. He has starting experience though and if he fits the Shanahan system he could be a key on this offensive line.

#77 RT- Jammal Brown
30 yo, 6-6 313
Brown was a two time pro-bowl LT for New Orleans before coming to Washington in a trade. Last season he was coming back from a ACL injury and struggled at times. He still managed to start 14 games last season. Now fully recovered he should be our most dependable lineman this year.

Reserves

#75 G/T Artis Hicks
32 yo, 6-4 314
A versatile swingman, Hicks has played every position on the offensive line except center in his career. He started 10 games for the Redskins in 2010 at RG before getting replaced by our current, tentative starting center Will Montgomery last season. Barring injury, Hicks won't start this season but he brings quality depth to the line.

#68 T- Clint Oldenburg
27 yo, 6-5 315
Suited up in our first mini-camps at the starting RT. That shows the coaching staff has some trust in his abilities. More or less a complete unknown, will probably be on the roster bubble.
-----

It's not a comprehensive list of reserves but that's all the Redskins have right now. I'm of the opinion that their interior line looks weak and the depth is a little thin. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of help available in free agency. The best guards have already been taken, and the market for centers is pretty weak. Like I said earlier, I think Chester's ability to play in Mike Shanahan's scheme is going to be the key to the success of the offensive line.

For better or for worse I'm pretty sure this is the offensive line we'll break camp with. Given all the unknowns, if they gel together and become a decent offensive line unit we'll have to consider ourselves pretty lucky. I don't think anyone in the interior line will be considered a long term solution, but they may get us through a season better than last year and remain an area of need next season.
[/b]

Below average players at every position but RT, and even at RT there are health related issues. Time to face it here: T Williams was one of the worse left tackles in the league last year (one of the twenty worse, according to a major rating service). Who knows what he'll be able to do, for sure, but he could be a genuine bust. The same rating service reported that only Montgomery was rated as "average" for the NFL.
Here's the outlook for the offensive. Worse OL in the East, the worse quarterback, a competent running back who is injury prone, a tight end who is close to being a star, a good backup TE, an adequate WR in Moss, a prospect in AA at WR, a prospect in Hankerson at WR, a group of journeymen receivers, and one of the best punt and kickoff returners in the game. A few bright spots, but it must be said that our offense will likely be terrible. Draft grade for offense: D FA grade for offense : F
Seems Shanny has a thing for second rate players-- thinks they can be coached up and gel. The other teams, of course, seem concerned with nabbing first-rate players who can be coached up and gel. Guess who will win.

[KazooSkinsFan]

The Raiders sure are picking up a lot of our trash for us …



I'm just kidding. I always appreciated Heyer's hustle. It probably helps that our own JSPB knows his family and could vouch for his character. Best of luck to him in Oakland.

You're developing a mean streak this year. I like it!

I agree with you though. He tried, it's not his fault he sucks.

[SkinsJock]

... Below average players at every position but RT, and even at RT there are health related issues. Time to face it here: T Williams was one of the worse left tackles in the league last year (one of the twenty worse, according to a major rating service). Who knows what he'll be able to do, for sure, but he could be a genuine bust. The same rating service reported that only Montgomery was rated as "average" for the NFL.

IF Trent Williams were the 22nd worse LT in the league that would make him ALSO a top 10 LT

Here's the outlook for the offense ..... blah blah blah

This FO is NOT trying to "win" now - they are trying to:
1) undo the damage and rebuild

2) stay with the long term plan and put a consistently competitive product on the field each and every week - each & every year

we'll see how the Eagles using our old formula for success goes for them over the next 3 years

been there, done that

[Red_One43]

I think everyone can agree that an offense's success relies on how well the offensive line plays. You need holes to run, lanes to pass and enough time to do both. As of right now, this is the 2011 Redskins O-Line:

-----

Starters

#71 LT- Trent Williams
23 yo, 6-5 315
Former #4 overall pick. Considered a huge athletic prospect coming out of school. Struggled at times but that's to be expected from a rookie. Should be a solid lineman for the scheme but time will tell if he becomes an elite player.

#78 LG- Kory Lichtensteiger
26yo, 6-3 290
He was cut twice before landing in DC. Considered a decent reserve at center by some, Shanahan converted him to LG where he started 14 games last season. The coach seems to like him, but he's largely unproven. This year will likely make or break his NFL career.

#63 C- Will Montgomery
28 yo, 6-3 307
Backup C and G in his career who's also been cut multiple times by other teams. He's started 15 games in his 5 year career for 3 different teams. Not much experience and this is another case where it's do or die for his career.

#65 RG- Chris Chester
28 yo, 6-3 315
In Baltimore he was given opportunities to start but wasn't especially productive in his times as a starter. He has starting experience though and if he fits the Shanahan system he could be a key on this offensive line.

#77 RT- Jammal Brown
30 yo, 6-6 313
Brown was a two time pro-bowl LT for New Orleans before coming to Washington in a trade. Last season he was coming back from a ACL injury and struggled at times. He still managed to start 14 games last season. Now fully recovered he should be our most dependable lineman this year.

Reserves

#75 G/T Artis Hicks
32 yo, 6-4 314
A versatile swingman, Hicks has played every position on the offensive line except center in his career. He started 10 games for the Redskins in 2010 at RG before getting replaced by our current, tentative starting center Will Montgomery last season. Barring injury, Hicks won't start this season but he brings quality depth to the line.

#68 T- Clint Oldenburg
27 yo, 6-5 315
Suited up in our first mini-camps at the starting RT. That shows the coaching staff has some trust in his abilities. More or less a complete unknown, will probably be on the roster bubble.
-----

It's not a comprehensive list of reserves but that's all the Redskins have right now. I'm of the opinion that their interior line looks weak and the depth is a little thin. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of help available in free agency. The best guards have already been taken, and the market for centers is pretty weak. Like I said earlier, I think Chester's ability to play in Mike Shanahan's scheme is going to be the key to the success of the offensive line.

For better or for worse I'm pretty sure this is the offensive line we'll break camp with. Given all the unknowns, if they gel together and become a decent offensive line unit we'll have to consider ourselves pretty lucky. I don't think anyone in the interior line will be considered a long term solution, but they may get us through a season better than last year and remain an area of need next season.
[/b]

Below average players at every position but RT, and even at RT there are health related issues. Time to face it here: T Williams was one of the worse left tackles in the league last year (one of the twenty worse, according to a major rating service). Who knows what he'll be able to do, for sure, but he could be a genuine bust. The same rating service reported that only Montgomery was rated as "average" for the NFL.
Here's the outlook for the offensive. Worse OL in the East, the worse quarterback, a competent running back who is injury prone, a tight end who is close to being a star, a good backup TE, an adequate WR in Moss, a prospect in AA at WR, a prospect in Hankerson at WR, a group of journeymen receivers, and one of the best punt and kickoff returners in the game. A few bright spots, but it must be said that our offense will likely be terrible. Draft grade for offense: D FA grade for offense : F
Seems Shanny has a thing for second rate players-- thinks they can be coached up and gel. The other teams, of course, seem concerned with nabbing first-rate players who can be coached up and gel. Guess who will win.

Like James Harrison for the Steelers was a seen as an above average player by the media when he first became a starter. He got coached up. Recognize these names: Jonathan Scott (5th round), Max Starks (3rd round), Chris Kemoeatu (6th round), Ramon Foster (UDFA), Flozell Adams (Cast off from Dallas). Bunch of no names on the Pittsburgh Steeler offensive line.

From the thread "What Would Your Game Plan Be?"
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 9:06 pm

ChiefHog44 wrote:

Anyone see NFL films tonight on the 98 Denver Broncos? All the players were quoted throughout how Shannahan was such a great coach. How he took a bunch of no name players, cast offs, undrafted players, unwanted free agents, and made them all feel hand picked. THAT's what made them WANT to win. He make's players think and play better than they really are.

Sound Familiar? I feel like this team is a bunch of no-namers, and I for one really dig it. Kind of like the Hogs.

If anyone is interested in HOW Shanny has built other championship teams out of hard working, blue collar nobodies, watch that video. This thing will be fully built by next year in my opinion.

For those of you keep keep saying that he had Elway (as if Elway was a one man show). True, in this league, you do have to have a top notch QB to go all the way that's why he didn't draft anyone this year, they didn't fill the bill. I am sure that he sees his QB in the draft next year and there are more options than than just Luck. We just haven't found that piece yet.

[CanesSkins26]

we'll see how the Eagles using our old formula for success goes for them over the next 3 years Laughing

The Eagles aren't close to using the old Redskins model. Have you seen all the draft picks that they are stockpiling?