Play Stephon Heyer.
The Washington Redskins should start the former Maryland offensive tackle over Todd Wade against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday after losing right tackle Jon Jansen for the year with a dislocated ankle. Wade might be the safer choice, but Heyer is showing himself as one of those players who does whatever asked. You can’t have enough of those on the field.
Granted, this idea goes against the percentages, but so what? The Redskins were obviously resting cornerback Shawn Springs by playing him in nickel packages against Miami on Sunday in hopes the 32-year-old corner can last 16 games. Springs isn’t their third best corner, but the Redskins gambled in a tight game against a live-arm quarterback.
Left side, right side … whatever. This isn’t driving in London. It doesn’t have to be that hard. Good players adapt. Heyer is a natural left tackle, but those size 20 feet and a wingspan the length of a pterodactyl can work well on either end. Jansen was essentially a left tackle when left-handed quarterback Mark Brunell played in years past and no one worried about that. The best pass rusher comes from both sides so it’s not like the right tackle isn’t challenged.
Wade says he’s starting, but coach Joe Gibbs wouldn’t confirm it Monday. The Redskins have two days to debate before practicing, meaning Heyer could start despite Wade’s proclamation. Heyer has caught Gibbs’ eye.
Wade is a proven right tackle, but hasn’t played for a month with a bad shoulder. Is it suddenly healed? Is Wade better dinged than a healthy Heyer?
Heyer will make mistakes — like jumping offside against Miami. Yet, Washington rushed for 191 yards against a good Dolphins defense while Heyer played nearly 48 minutes.
Notice who was next to left tackle Chris Samuels during a sideline skirmish in front of Miami’s bench? Heyer said he didn’t know what it was about, but the rookie proved a warrior by having Samuel’s back.
The Redskins need to think long-term at tackle. Jansen will be 32 if returning next year after essentially missing two of four seasons with major injuries and playing a third year with two broken thumbs. They were separate and freak injuries, but time is catching up with Jansen. Meanwhile, Samuels just turned 30. They’re not promising young tackles anymore. Using Heyer now will enable him to play either side when truly needed over coming years.
If Heyer was a draft choice, there wouldn’t be such fear over using him. If Heyer hadn’t blown out his knee in 2005, though, he probably would have been a first-day selection. Think of him as a rare find for the Redskins beleaguered scouting department that is finally discovering some unexpected gems.
“I’m just thankful we found Stephon,” Gibbs said.
Press your luck, Joe. Play Heyer and if it doesn’t work then Wade is always the safety net. It doesn’t work as well the other way if needed.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
