The change is big: Albert Haynesworth is playing next to him, which would create openings for anyone. The changes are subtle: Cornelius Griffin has a healthy shoulder; he’s playing on one side of the line only; and he’s rarely double teamed.
The result is a quick two-game start for Griffin. According to NFL.com, he has eight tackles, a sack and a pass defensed. Against St. Louis, Griffin routinely beat one-on-one blocking to record four tackles, including one for a loss and a quarterback pressure in addition to a sack.
“I noticed in camp that he was healthier and it looks like he’s moving real well,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “He’s playing the run extremely well.”
Griffin will strictly play left tackle in the Redskins four-man front. In years past he would line up on either side, depending on the situation. Staying on one side allows him to focus on fewer opponents during the week. And that enables him to know the guys he will face in more detail. He’s still not completely in sync yet with Haynesworth; on stunts or twists, they’re still adapting to one another.
But that will come, they hope. Besides, a healthy shoulder and less double teams are the big reasons for his early success. For the first time in three offseasons Griffin focused on working out during the offseason rather than rehabbing an injury. He trained for several weeks at a facility in Pensacola, Fla., which, he said, helped lower his body fat.
“I got my explosion back,” Griffin said.
And facing single blocking has helped.
“I’m not as tired after the game. My body’s not as sore,” he said. “Last year at halftime you felt like you were beat. Even though you go in with a lot of energy, with two guys constantly pounding on you it takes a lot out of you.”
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