Redskins: O-Line Depth Could Be Problem

The Washington Redskins once again made headlines this offseason with by signing prized free agent defensive tackle, Albert Haynesworth, and by re-signing free agent defensive back, DeAngelo Hall.

Though the two should help improve what was already a formidable defense (the Redskins ranked fourth in overall defense in 2008) they still failed to address their most glaring weakness—depth on the offensive line.

The Redskins enter the 2009 season with four of their five potential starting offensive linemen at least 31 years of age. Left tackle Chris Samuels and center Casey Rabach are 31, with Samuels coming off surgery to repair a torn bicep that cost him the last three games of 2008.

Tackle Jon Jansen and guard Randy Thomas anchor the right side of the Redskins’ offensive line; however, both are 33 and each have suffered two major injuries since 2004.

Jansen missed all of 2004 after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in the preseason, then missed all of 2007 after suffering an ankle injury in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Thomas missed the last two regular season games and both playoff games in 2005 after breaking his left leg in a Week 15 game against the Dallas Cowboys, then missed most of 2007 after tearing his bicep muscle in Week Two against the Philadelphia Eagles. Thomas comes into this season having had surgery to repair a herniated disc.

The only potential starter Washington has that is under the age of 30 is guard Derrick Dockery, who the team signed this offseason after Dockery was released by the Buffalo Bills after two years of a seven-year, $49 million contract.

Dockery, who was drafted by the Redskins in 2003 and started 61 games for the team from 2003-2006, was almost benched by the Bills midway through last season after having his work ethic and motivation questioned.

However, the Redskins alternatives are not much better. Chad Rinehart is looked upon favorably by the coaching staff for his ability to play both guard and tackle, yet did not appear in one game last season after being drafted 96th overall in 2008.

Jeremy Bridges and Mike Williams are also options, with Williams having started 47 games in his five-year NFL career, and Bridges having started 39 games over parts of six seasons. However, Williams has not been on the field for an NFL snap since 2005, and weighed in at over 400 pounds when the Redskins signed him, though he has recently lost 55 pounds. Bridges is on his fourth team since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round in 2003 and was only signed by the team six days ago.

The offensive line was the team’s strength during their 6-2 start last season, as the Redskins averaged 155.2 yards per game rushing and allowed just 16 sacks. The Redskins ran for at least 135 yards in seven consecutive games after being held to just 84 in their season-opening loss to the then defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants at the Meadowlands.

However, the line began to look tired and worn down over the final eight games as the Redskins averaged just 106.6 rushing yards per game and gave up 22 sacks. The Redskins were held to under 100 yards rushing four times over the final eight games and were twice held to less than 65.

Zorn said at the team’s postdraft press conference that he liked the progress the offensive line has shown in offseason workouts, which is why the team decided against drafting any linemen.

Only time will tell if Zorn and the Redskins made the right decision.