Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Offensive Line, From Weakness to Strength?

After finally adding a badly needed top tier offensive tackle via the college draft, the Redskins added another Pro-Bowl caliber offensive tackle in a trade with the New Orleans Saints.  Jammal Brown may not be a household name just yet, but he is an excellent player and a major upgrade for the Redskins.  Or, at least, we hope so.

Jammal Brown played left tackle for the Saints and played it at a very high level.  However, the Redskins seem intent on playing their top draft pick, Trent Williams, in that spot so Brown will need to adjust to life on the right side of the line.  Given that Brown missed all of last season with hip and sports hernia injuries, he may very well be a little rusty and step slow in the early part of the season so playing on the right side against second tier defensive ends could be a blessing for him until he gets up to full speed.

On the other hand, if Trent Williams struggles mightily or, God forbid, gets injured, at least the Redskins have someone who can naturally slide in at left tackle and take over.  On paper, these two key pieces make the Redskins' offensive line as a whole look much improved over last year's squad.

Adding Artis Hicks from the Minnesota Vikings could also prove to be a very valuable pickup.  While Hicks is not a dominator by any means, he played both guard and right tackle with the Vikings.  With Stephen Heyer, the teams starting right tackle the last two years, also returning, the Redskins seem to have one thing they have not had in a very long time on the offensive line, flexibility.

Of course, this is only on paper.  All it takes is one recurring injury to Jammal Brown and one rookie, Trent Williams, to struggle and Donovan McNabb could be in for a long, long season.  For now, though, there is hope and reason to be optimistic.

After watching the annual 'Daniel Snyder Offseason Freak Show' for the last 10 years, this already has to be considered one of the best offseasons the Redskins have had in a very long time.  But, there are still several areas where the team must improve if they hope to contend for the playoffs.  Next up, how to continue improving the team...

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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog
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