Health a priority for Skins offensive line
ASHBURN – This is the time for optimism. And Joe Bugel is selling it. Hard. The fact that three-fifths of his starting line did not practice Wednesday only increased his salesmanship.
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Because this was his take:
“It gives me the opportunity to evaluate the young guys,Ó said the Redskins’ offensive line coach.
Problem is, the first team needs all the time it can get together. The line had two problems last season: health and pass protection. Through the first week of training camp, the two biggest problems have been: health and pass protection.
It doesn’t help that they’re facing a fortified defensive line and a defense that has been working on its blitz. The latter can be tough to defend in camp as the line works on its communication and cohesiveness.
“People have to be patient with them,Ó said defensive end Phillip Daniels.
But this is also a line that allowed the fourth most sacks in the league last season (38) and is trying to fill a hole at right tackle with a player who has never started 16 games (Stephon Heyer) or another one who hasn’t played in three years (Mike Williams).
“I don’t know why everyone is concerned about right tackle,Ó Bugel said. “That aggravates me. We have great candidates there. We’re not destitute at the position.Ó
Heyer is sidelined with a bruised knee; right guard Randy Thomas is out with a sore knee and center Casey Rabach has a sore calf. Some of it is normal camp wear and tear. Some of it, like in the case with Thomas, is a bit worrisome. Even for Bugel.
“I’m concerned about Randy,Ó Bugel said. “He’s having problems with his knee.Ó
The big issue is what to make of the line. They know, and the team knows, that they must improve. But it’s hard to do that with players sidelined. Even Williams, who admits he’s rusty after not playing for three years, is out with a groin injury.
The absences have an impact.
“It does,Ó said quarterback Jason Campbell. “Our defense gives us so many looks that you don’t see the same look. You want to talk it over and the next time run it and know how to pick it up as a group.Ó
Said left tackle Chris Samuels, “We just need to stay healthy and we’ll be fine.Ó
But that hasn’t happened the past several years.
“The big thing that has hurt us with our line is if we can start and finish the season with the line we have, we’ll be fine,Ó said running back Clinton Portis. “It’s when we lose a guy midseason and all of a sudden we have to throw someone else in who’s not prepared or ready. We’re always having to shuffle our line.Ó
