'Skins Hope For a Miracle Along Offensive Line

Despite the NFL offseason winding down and few remaining free agents, the Washington Redskins still find themselves with several glaring holes to fill.

Yes, the Redskins were able to shore up their beleaguered defensive line with the free-agent signing of tackle, Albert Haynesworth and by drafting defensive end Brian Orakpo but defense was not the Redskins problem last season.

Ranked fourth overall, defensive coordinator Greg Blache relied on a blitz heavy scheme that more than made up for a lack of line pressure.  

But the offense was another story.

After a rolling to a 6-2 start, first year head coach Jim Zorn's west coast office made quarterback Jason Campbell and running back Clinton Portis appear dominant. Though as the season progressed, the offense faltered as injuries to the offensive line built up causing the Redskins to finish the season, 8-8. 

Heading into the season it was obvious to many outside the organization that if the Redskins were going to improve they had to upgrade their line play.  Gone are veterans Pete Kendall and Jason Fabini and in there place is guard Derrick Dockery, -re-signed after being released by the Buffalo Bills, and a bevy of question marks at right tackle.

Towards the end of last season, the right tackle position became a revolving door--for both the Redskins and the defensive ends across the line of scrimmaged.

With John Jansen's level of play having dropped significantly over the past two years due to age and injury and Stephon Heyer still an unproven commodity capable of playing at a high level one snap and like the undrafted free-agent he is the next, the Redskins seem poised to have a little improvement in 2009.

General manager Vinny Cerrato's solution this offseason has been to bring in low budget projects like Jeremy Bridges and Mike Williams. Williams, picked fourth overall in 2005 draft, has been out of the league for three years and saw his weight balloon upwards of 450 lbs.

With defenses in the NFC East looking as tough as ever, the Redskins will hope for someone to step up among the group of Heyer, Jansen, Bridges and Williams.  If that doesn't happen though, look for Campbell to spend a lot of time running for his life.