Returning the Redskins to basics of blocking, Bugel removes guesswork
Simply put, the offensive line of the Washington Redskins often was overwhelmed last season.
Simply put, it looked unprepared and overmatched.
This was simply remarkable because the Redskins had capable linemen.
So the Redskins are making things simple for their offensive line this season.
"There is nothing left to guesswork," Redskins right tackle Jon Jansen said. "Last year, our approach was that we're going to throw this [pass], and hopefully, they won't bring this blitz. As we found out, that didn't work to well.
"This year, our approach is simplified: This is what we're going to get good at; this is how we're going to pick up all these different things."
The first thing the Redskins coaching staff did was cut the playbook.
"We've never been a staff that goes into a game with 35 plays," Redskins offensive line coach Joe Bugel said. "We'll have 12 or 15, and we might end up using five or six [running plays]."
Under Bugel, the Redskins' linemen do not have problems and obstacles. They have challenges and opportunities. And no challenge is too great to overcome.
The Redskins have a left-handed quarterback, Mark Brunell, and a right-handed quarterback, Patrick Ramsey. In Bugel's system, little needs to be changed in the blocking schemes no matter who is the quarterback.
"Fortunately for us, we have Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen, two real good bookends," Bugel said.
Samuels starts at left tackle, Jansen at right tackle.
"We remind them every day, we have a left-handed quarterback and a right-handed quarterback," Bugel said. "There are times when one of those guys is going to be solo out there."
Despite the differences in the quarterbacks, no adjustments are necessary in the blocking schemes when Brunell goes out and Ramsey comes in.
"We don't get hung up on that stuff," Bugel said. "What you have to do is go out and get good players."
The Joe Gibbs offense is a hyperkinetic mix of shifts, motions and formations designed to keep the defense off balance and to get favorable blocking matchups.
And there is the Bugel factor. Bugel long has had the reputation of being one of the league's all-time best line coaches. He is a motivator, a critic, a teacher and technician. He is enthusiastic beyond belief.
Tuesday night, the team finished practice with an all-out, goal-line drill. When running back Clinton Portis crashed into the end zone on his first attempt, Bugel acted as if it was a Super Bowl touchdown. He quickly moved to the center of the action and began slapping his players on the shoulder pads and hugged several of them.
It looked as if he wanted to put on a set of pads and get in on the action.
"Let's hope he doesn't," Gibbs said, laughing.
Getting this group of players ready is no laughing matter to Bugel. He made it simple for his tackles, guards and centers from the first off-season workout. Play better or we'll find someone who can and will.
"What we missed in the past was guys staying on you," Redskins right guard Randy Thomas said. "Bugel is on us every day. He points out every wrong step, every mistake. The next day if you don't improve, he will replace you.
"I love that. Criticize me, don't just sit back and watch. Tell me what I'm doing wrong. That just drives me to keep my job."
Bugel has stressed the basics with his players - technique and toughness. He drills the players constantly on how to move their feet, how to use their hands, how to win the battle for leverage. And he makes it clear to his linemen that he expects them on the field short of a debilitating injury.
"To run the ball in the NFL you've got to be grinders," Bugel said. "You've got to wear your pads every day, you've got to work in the trenches. The drills make them tough, and we put them in that situation over and over every day."
So far, they have heard no complaints.
"Sometimes last year, it felt like we never got to hit anybody," Thomas said. "This year, we get to hit somebody. This year, we really get to play football."
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Sa ... 5855935462
I assume you are kidding
That is one of the funniest things I have ever read... I guess Canada IS known for it's comedians...