The sparring sessions didn’t last long and no jabs to the head were exchanged. That wasn’t the purpose of Derrick Dockery’s offseason foray into boxing.
Dockery didn’t head to Atlanta in July to become a heavyweight contender. Rather, he turned to boxing to help him shed weight, improve his hands and become a better offensive lineman.
Considering Dockery is entering the final year of his contract, he picked a good time to do all three.
At times he appears to have as much talent as any Redskins lineman. At times he appears to have the most unfulfilled potential, too. He struggled early last season — too often lunging into defenders — but teammates and coaches say by year’s end he was playing his best football.
But one of the Redskins’ biggest problems was allowing pressure through the interior. And Dockery clearly is a big part of helping solve those woes. He also happens to be the healthiest linemen; he’s the only one of the starting five not to undergo offseason surgery.
More than anything, though, he’s arguably in the best shape of his career. Dockery dropped 10 pounds, much of it coming during July.
“My energy is a lot better,” Dockery said. “After practice I feel more energized. It’s helped a lot.”
Dockery trained in Georgia on the advice of his Atlanta-based agent, David Dunn. Dockery boxed twice a week for 40 minutes, mostly jabbing punching bags or shuffling around the ring with his hands up. He also ran four days a week. He tried yoga; he ditched it after two sessions.
He wasn’t alone in the boxing: NFL players Osi Umenyiora, Wayne Gandy, Willie Anderson and Hines Ward, among others, also participated. There was little sparring and certainly no punches to the head.
“His balance [is better], he can bend his knees better, he runs quicker,” said Redskins assistant head coach/offense Joe Bugel. “He got himself in tip-top shape. He’s the real deal right now.”
So far, Dockery said he’s noticed a difference when punching his fists into a defensive linemen’s chest. And the lunging problems have dwindled.
“He’s moving quicker and faster,” Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels said. “He’s able to go harder for longer [stretches]. I’m expecting for him to have a great year.”
Similar lines have been issued before in August. For Dockery, he needs to back them up by becoming a consistent player, one worthy of being re-signed.
“You have something to prove every year,” Dockery said. “I’m a lot better than I was last year. But, as coach said, if I improve my technique, the sky’s the limit.”
