Ex-Redskin offensive lineman Ross Tucker, now an NFL analyst for the Sports USA Radio Network, and host of a daily show on Sirius Radio, gives his take on the Redskins-Seahaks game — as well as some interesting comments on Trent Williams.
On Seattle: “Their defense is playing well. They have a really good defensive line. They have several guys who are really good: [Brandon] Mebane, [Red] Bryant, [Alan] Branch. And Chris Clemons is probably one of the 50 best players in the NFL and most people have never heard of him. He used to play for the Redskins. That’s crazy. He’s relentless and he has an amazing first step. He’s a dominating player.”
On the Seahawks safeties: “Both safeties are really good, Earl [Thomas] and Kam [Chancellor]. I’ve talked to some guys who say Earl Thomas has the best range of any safety in the NFL. And Kam is more of a physical hitter.”
On Seattle MLB David Hawthorne: “I really like Hawthorne. I’ve liked him for years. He’s very instinctive and extremely physical. He runs well, but he packs a wallop. I’ve done a couple of their games on FOX and he jumps off the tape. He makes every tackle. He flies around. He’s legit. So they have guys who are real studs that people don’t know about.”
On what should concern the Redskins most: “Probably protecting Rex Grossman because I know the offensive line has struggled. It will be hard to run the ball against Seattle. And then with the noise, which is always a factor. So you have to worry about protecting Grossman. I imagine they’ll do a good job making the Redskins one-dimensional. That’s never a good thing for that line and Rex.”
On Redskins LT Trent Williams: “I’m not a big fan. He’s not as physical as I would like him to be. He’s very inconsistent in a lot of respects – temperament, technique. I guess I would expect more from a top-five pick. I think he’s just an average at best left tackle. It’s got to be up to him and how bad he wants it. I know there was some motivation and work ethic concerns coming out of college. To me that’s a huge red flag and the [Oklahoma] strength coach’s comments were a bad sign. If you’re not working hard when you’re trying to play in the NFL and trying to get a good contract, how do you work hard when you already have one?”
On Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch: “He’s a very physical, very physical. But I don’t think he’s a great fit in what they’re trying to do. He’s a herky-jerky guy. Even though he breaks tackles I don’t think he’s a one-cut downhill runner. That’s never been his style.”
On if the stretch zone can win in the NFC East: “Absolutely. That style can win anywhere. You just have to be really good at it and keep working at it. It was proven n Denver and now the way Houston runs the ball this year. That works everywhere if you have a good offensive line and those guys have it down.”
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