After a long holiday weekend, the morning workday might start a little slow. Take a vacation and the first day back is usually shot. A month layoff certainly means taking a long-term approach to resuming business.
Chris Samuels gets the grace period of man standing in front of a coming train. That’s pretty much how the Washington Redskins left tackle will feel on Sunday when facing Miami defensive end Jason Taylor in the regular-season opener at FedEx Field.
“He’ll stab you in the chest with the bull rush,” Samuels said. “It’s hard to get on him — he’s so slippery, quick and explosive. You have to bring it to him every time or he’ll beat you. … Hold on. Grab him and hold on and do the best [you] can.”
Samuels practiced fully Monday for the first time since July 30 when spraining his knee during a workout. The Redskins were glad he didn’t miss the season so the preseason absence was nothing. Indeed, Samuels wasn’t alone on the sidelines with running back Clinton Portis largely skipping August and quarterback Jason Campbell taking a couple weeks off.
Samuels mentored rookie Stephon Heyer and worked in the weight room over the month. His depression only lasted a couple days because there’s no feeling sorry for yourself when the first dance is with the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
“[Taylor’s] a game-changing player. You have to know where he is at all times,” said Campbell, wary of the Dolphin defender’s 13 1/2 sacks last season.
Campbell hopes his blind side is protected by experience rather than summer resumes. Samuels turned 30 on the eve of his injury while newly acquired Pete Kendall is a 12-year veteran. The two haven’t played together, but the left side of the line must jell quickly or Taylor will turn Campbell into jello.
“It’s not like [Samuels and Kendall are just] coming in,” Campbell said. “Their experience will carry them. Veteran guys, you’re pretty sure they’ll take care of their business.”
Samuels was taking care of his business during a hot practice, the four-time Pro Bowler worrying more over conditioning than his chemistry with Kendall. Unlike Portis, who can be spelled when tired, Samuels won’t get a snap off against Taylor.
“I’ll probably be a little rusty on technique,” Samuels said. “The main thing I’m concerned with is my conditioning. I’ll step over my tongue a bit, but I’ll fight through it.”
Step over his tongue? Well, that’s probably better than biting your tongue in a town where one verbal mistake can be equally career-ending.
Either way, it’s back to work for Washingtonians. Summer break is over, kids are in school and traffic stinks. Why should Samuels work woes be any different?
Just watch out for that coming train.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
