All through the offseason, the focus of Redskins’ fans has
been on their new star quarterback, Robert Griffin III. The well-spoken, speedy, accurate rookie has
the QB-starved fans drooling and circling their calendars for the start of the
season. Amid all the fan-fare and
celebrations, however, there is one part of RG3’s game that may hinder his play
this season: even he can’t throw from
his back.
As the experts descend on Ashburn to evaluate the Redskins,
each has been writing on how frequently Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan seem to
be in the backfield. Head coach Mike
Shanahan told reporters he wanted to throw everything at RG3 in camp to see
what the young rookie could handle, but the offensive line’s inability to
protect against the blitz highlights what could be the Achilles heel of the
team this season.
In 2011, Baylor allowed 29 sacks on the season. The Redskins, meanwhile, ranked 21st
in the NFL in sacks allowed with 41 sacks.
They allowed about 2.5 sacks per game not including other hits to the
QB. RG3’s speed allows for the Redskins
to run the option and, while RG3 will no doubt be taught extensively on how to
slide, you can expect opposing players to take a few shots at him. RG3 will be playing a longer season against
bigger players and will be playing behind an O-line that allows more hits. Shanahan could choose not to utilize the QB
option, and RG3’s mobility will allow him to escape the pocket, but it is safe
to say he will take more hits this season than he’s used to.
The Redskins did not get better at offensive line in the
offseason. The team returns all five
starters from last season, with Trent Williams at LT, LG Kory Lichtensteiger, C
Will Montgomery, RG Chris Chester, and RT Jammal Brown. The Redskins chose not to make any big free
agent moves partly due to the $18 million cap penalty the team was forced to
absorb this season, but also because the team felt comfortable with their
starters. To be fair, they did play well
before injuries and suspensions took their toll, but the line still seems
precariously fragile.
Lichtensteiger is already out having undergone knee
surgery. He is expected back for the
season opener, but as it was his knee that kept him out last season, I fear
this may be a lingering issue for him all season. Speaking of lingering injuries, Brown is also
not practicing at the moment due to his hip.
While an MRI showed the injury did not require surgery, there is
currently no timetable for his return.
With Williams one drug test away from a full year suspension, it is not
impossible to see the O-line suddenly down three starters.
Williams knows he’s on the razor’s edge and I think he will
keep his nose clean. I have to wonder,
however, about Lichtensteiger and Brown’s durability. I would be shocked if both did not miss
significant time this season. If the
line is already struggling to protect RG3 in camp, what will happen when they
face Jason Pierre Paul or Demarcus Ware?
The Redskins realized they needed a franchise QB and they made a move to
draft RG3. They realized they needed
weapons for him so they re-signed Tim Hightower and brought in Pierre Garcon
and Josh Morgan. What they did not do is
bring in players to protect their investment, and that could end up really costing
them.
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