Forget QB Upgrade, Washington Redskins Need To Start Up Front

Strong offensive line play is usually something which the Washington Redskins excel in. However, after last year’s letdown in the trenches, the ‘Skins might want to renovate their aging starters.

Derrick Dockery was brought back into the fold through free agency. His return will help the line’s interior, which struggled to open up rushing lanes for Clinton Portis during the second half of last season. Dockery will replace Pete Kendall at left guard, but one move won’t be enough.

In fact, the biggest weakness along the O-line is the right-tackle position, where Jon Jansen showed he has little left in the tank. Stephon Heyer struggled to fill in when he wasn’t beset with injuries and the issues at RT were evident.

Center Casey Rabach had a penchant for taking holding penalties and was eaten alive by division rivals Dallas and New York. The whole interior fell apart down the stretch as they failed to get a consistent push in the running game.

Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas played well at left tackles and right guard respectively, but like Rabach, age is a huge factor. All three are over 30 and the depth behind them is almost non-existent.

Washington gave up 38 sacks last year, tied for fourth most in the league. They played well in the first half but went downhill in the final eight games. The playcalling was kept basic, as the coaching staff began to realize the limitations on the right side.

Jason Campbell was pressured often, depriving him of any downfield passing game, which allowed opposing teams to load the box on Clinton Portis.

Head coach Jim Zorn admitted the O-line was a problem, as did every single media outlet in DC.

Funny, Dan Snyder doesn’t seem to think so.

The esteemed owner of the Redskins is apparently ignoring the glaring need for a right tackle or interior lineman in favor of pursuing USC QB Mark Sanchez.

Snyder has already tried to acquire Jay Cutler, but was outbid by the Bears. Now that his hand has been revealed, Snyder seems to want a quick fix get out of what could be a messy relationship with Jason Campbell.

To draft Sanchez, Snyder might have to trade up into the the top 10. This would most likely involve 2009’s first and third rounders and next year’s first rounder. Add to that a big contract for Sanchez, and the ‘Skins will be in some major trouble.

They have several holes at defensive end linebacker, along with the O-line. Throwing away three picks to get a subpar prospect would be a huge risk. Most QBs need to have good protection.

Campbell was a solid starter in the first half of the season when the protection was stable. He stunk as the protection weakened. So who’s to say Sanchez will be able to come in and play well when there’s no one to block for him?

Good football starts up front. The ‘Skins have a great back in Portis who can punish defenses if his blockers can dictate the line of scrimmage. As the running game blossoms, everything begins to operate more smoothly offensively. It’s that simple.

So Sanchez may have loads of potential (which I doubt), but we could never see it since the ‘Skins will struggle to fill their holes up front.

Hopefully, someone will save the Redskins from themselves and take Sanchez before Snyder can swoop in.

Honestly, I believe Campbell will be fine if the ‘Skins can get consistent protection for him. He is a rhythm QB and he’ll find his groove if the line blocks well.

Drafting Michael Oher would be a step in right direction, but when have the ‘Skins ever done the right thing on draft day?

So let’s forget about losing face and having to stick with Campbell. Snyder needs to bite the bullet, swallow his pride, and do what’s best for his football team.

Ha, that’ll be the day.