Jansen performing well but Zorn still likes Heyer
The debate he waged had nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with his job. At least the one he used to hold and temporarily filled the past two weeks.
And, in the end, it was more of a lobbying effort. Because, in coach Jim Zorn’s mind, there is no debate. If Stephon Heyer is healthy, Zorn wants him to start. He views Heyer as a superior pass blocker to Jon Jansen and nothing he’s seen in the past two weeks has changed his mind.
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Jansen is trying; first with his performance — the Redskins have rushed for a combined 364 yards the past two games with him — and then with his words.
But he’s more prepared for whatever happens this time. He learned of his possible demotion before the opener when media members phoned him after Zorn mentioned it in a press conference.
“It would be tough,” he said. “I will say I’m very happy I got the opportunity to play against a very good defense. I wasn’t going out against someone who is a marginal player. I went out against a very good defense and very good players and played well. It shows on the film and on the field and it shows in the stats. … Maybe I’m just fresher than someone who played those first couple weeks.”
Heyer and Jansen have different strengths. Jansen, 32, is considered a run-blocker, though he hasn’t allowed a sack in his two starts; Heyer, 24, is considered more athletic and therefore better in protection.
“Jon is more the mauler,” said center Casey Rabach. “Stephon isn’t as big or as physical, but is a tremendous athlete. They go polar ends, but Jon has been playing at a high level and getting everything done that’s being asked.”
In the past two games, unofficially the Redskins have run the ball 22 times to the right side compared to 13 times in the first two games when Heyer played the entire games (they both played vs. Arizona).
The Redskins gained 111 yards rushing to the right in the past two games (and 149 to the left on 31 carries). Zorn said two weeks ago that one reason he ran heavily to the left side — after mentioning Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels — was because of Heyer’s inexperience.
“I don’t think it’s one guy,” Zorn said. “I know Jon wouldn’t say that either. It’s a combination from the whole group. It just works out.”
Now it might work out that Jansen is once more a backup.
“I’ve learned the hard way that I’m not making that call,” Jansen said. “I take every opportunity I can to prove I am the guy.”
