Former Redskins tight end, Doc Walker refers to offensive and defensive lines as the “Wall of Noise.” If you’re able to win your battles up front, you have a greater chance of succeeding.
Washington had success on both sides of the wall. The Offensive line suffered a few injuries, yet showed good depth, and the defensive line was a huge bright spot.
In our 2nd installment of Positional Reviews, we will evaluate “The Wall of Noise” from the 2011 Washington Redskins football team. Make sure you check out our 1st installment of reviews here, and the proposed solution to Washington’s Wr woes, here.
Offensive Linemen:
Willie Smith was a bright spot in this group. The undrafted rookie only played in 4 games (started 3), and showed some promising ability.
I was a fan of Willie Smith’s when scouting O linemen for the 2011 NFL draft, and when Smith went undrafted, I knew the Skins would sign him. This guy could be a steal.
He made a transition from Defensive line, and had less than 4 years of experience as a blocker. He’s raw, but is growing in front of our eyes. With Smith’s great athleticism and long arms, he could eventually be the starting Right Tackle for this team. Especially with Jammal Brown oft injured. I expect Smith to work on the right side in 2012, and compete with Brown.
Unfortunately, Willie Smith’s chance to start in 2011 was due to the Redskins 2nd year Left Tackle, Trent Williams illegally utilizing “plants”. However, if Trent learns from his mistake(s), he too has a promising future.
In 10 games, Trent Williams allowed only 3 sacks. He showed a lot of improvement from his rookie season, and as the cliche goes, “Can be as good as he wants to be.”
Trent is a feisty football player, which has been a bad and good thing. In 2011, he drew more penalties than you would want. Yet, I love everything about him, as long as he works hard on and off the field.
Some tend to believe the Redskins need an upgrade at the two Guard positions, however, I disagree. Chris Chester had the best season no one ever talks about. In addition to, Kory Lichtensteiger playing very well before suffering a season ending injury.
Chris Chester allowed zero sacks in 2011. A goal for offensive linemen is the exact opposite of skill position’s, which is not getting your named called. Chester’s name was rarely mentioned as he held down the Right Guard position. He signed a 5 year deal with Washington during the 2011 free agency period, and deserves a starting spot on this team next season.
Mike Shanahan referred to Lichtensteiger as Washington’s best run blocker. Now, we’ve heard Shanahan sing high praises to others before, *cough* (John Beck), however there was no need for him to hype Kory’s ability. So, I believe the statement, and it was obvious early in the season. He’s a free agent this year, but I do expect for Washington to resign Kory if he’s cleared medically.
Another 2012 free agent I expect to return is, Center/Guard, Will Montgomery. Will was moved around for a short time in 2011, due to Kory’s injury, however found a home at the Center position. He played well, and on a team with numerous of guys that can play center, separated himself from the bunch.
In order for Montgomery to move back to Center, the Redskins promoted their rookie Guard, Maurice Hurt from the practice squad. Hurt struggled at times, as any rookie would, however really showed promise late in the season. He’s a guy with a big upside, and could battle Lichtensteiger for the starting LG position.
My overall grade for the OL is: B-
I love the young guys who could eventually be starters on this front. I don’t believe O line is as big of a need this year. Mike Shanahan is known for molding his own linemen, and it’s obvious, he’s having success doing that with the Redskins.
Defensive Linemen:
In one year, the Redskins Defensive Line went from being a weakness to a strength. The three man front anchored by Nose Tackle, Barry Cofield, had a ton of success.
The aforementioned, Barry Cofield started out slow, but really came on strong mid season. I like to call the 2011 free agent pickup, “Mr. Consistency.” He played hard and unselfish football each week. With a career high eight passes defended in 2011, I strongly believe we’ve just seen the floor of his potential.
Another consistent player the Redskins picked up via 2011 free agency is, Stephen Bowen. He lead Washington’s D linemen in sacks and tackles, and held down the 5 tech position.
Adam Carriker is set to hit free agency in 2012, and hopefully Washington resigns him. Adam can play both Nose and 5 tech in the 3 man front. Last season, he primarily played Defensive End, and did well with 5.5 sacks.
Although 2011 rookie defensive end, Jarvis Jenkins is set to return from an unfortunate season ending injury, having depth by resigning Adam Carriker can bolster this front even more. Coaches have been raving about Jarvis Jenkins, and he too has the ability to play both Nose and 5 tech. Resigning Adam Carriker could cause all kinds of problems for opposing teams. You could rotate these guys across the line to create match-up advantages.
My overall grade for the DL is: B+
2011 Rookie, Chris Neild flashed at times, however is still in need of developing. Add Kedric Golston to the mix (if healthy), who came in and played well at time. I don’t think Defensive line is a huge need for the Redskins this year.
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I have to diagree about the o-line. Too many times our line couldnt move anybody for the tough yards. The redzone yards that coul have mad a big difference in our season. The zone blocking scheme works well between the 20′s, but close to the goal line there isn’t as much space and defenses get better angles to run to the ball. You have to run with power not finesse. The only one I didn’t see get blown up on constantly was Williams. That is when he isn’t getting a holding penalty. I think we should go after carl nicks and plant him at right guard and move Chester to the left that way we have a power player on both sides. As far as the right tackle who know brown is a shell of his former self and smith is too young and inexperienced to trust there right now. Bottom line the line still needs work.
I agree in the fact we’ll keeping building the OL. But Shanny develops that position… Similar to his RBs. Idk if he’ll spend big money on the position via FA. Its something we’ll have to live with, when it comes to zone blocking. When you have a bunch of athletic guys up front, they aren’t the best in power run situations. Towards the end of the season, they changed up the blocking scheme with Helu/Royster. Starting using the pitchouts, allowing the Oline to get to the second level. Idk if our OL will ever be built for power plays. But yes, it does still need work. However, Shanny is confident in his ability to mold Olinemen. Did it for years with the Broncos. Who, at the time, had one of the best OL’s in the league.