redskins.com-"Jansen to Participate in Mini-Camp"

[SkinsTerpsFan]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=35580
This is great news, hopefully our O-line can actually stay healthy for one whole year. I'm sick of going through a year, or part of a year, missing one of the biggest pieces in our line. We've had that problem each of the last 4 years. I know there's a lot of Jansen haters on here, but when healthy he's one of the best in the league, as is our entire O-line.

Here's to a healthy O-line throughout the 2008 season!! :cheers:

[Chris0894]

awesome...can't wait to see em back on the field, it would be sweet to have a solid year with no major injuries

[Stew]

If we can get a healthy season out of all of our O-linemen and not just Samuels, then it should be a good season. I think there is still enough in all of our starting O-linemens tanks to get us through this next season, then I expect cuts next offseason.

[jnhay]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=35580
This is great news, hopefully our O-line can actually stay healthy for one whole year. I'm sick of going through a year, or part of a year, missing one of the biggest pieces in our line. We've had that problem each of the last 4 years.
Actually, in 2006 Jon Jansen missed one game while the others played all 16. Let's hope that happens this year.

[MWCREDSKINS]

I really hope Jon returns and plays well. He's one of my favorite Skins of all time

[skindogger47]

I really hope they stay healthy and show the naysayers that our offensive line does not have "a lot of holes to address." That is just BS. Our O line is awesome when healthy, and they are built for a WCO, which is also less physically demanding as far as potential injuries go (less pulling on run plays).

[McMetal]

I don't think I agree that's he's among the best when he's healthy anymore, but I do love him as a player. He has not been among our most consistent performers though.

Would be great to see him and Randy healthy for all 16 games this year.

[ragemdw]

This is great news!! Jansen back this early is great!! I was expecting later. I hope he stays healthy!

HAIL!!!!!

[Fifty Gut]

Great news. I can't wait to see our running game again with Thomas and Jansen manning the right side.

[KNGwithOUTaCrwN]

I really hope they stay healthy and show the naysayers that our offensive line does not have "a lot of holes to address." That is just BS. Our O line is awesome when healthy, and they are built for a WCO, which is also less physically demanding as far as potential injuries go (less pulling on run plays).


it would be great to shut up those who keep saying we have problems on the line and we need to address them asap or we are one of the weakest cuz of our lines......god luck guys in your performance and stayn healthy:cheers:

[Aireskoi]

I bet he can't wait to get back out there and hit something. Glad to hear all the dirt bags will be getting some Sun. Portis must be happy.

[DexterSackMachine]

All the talk that Jansen is done is ridiculous. Can someone please tell me how what happened to him during the Miami game makes him injury prone? Not one lineman in football could have avoided injury in that situation.

Minus the 2004 Achilles injury, he had been a rock on the right side of the line until last season. If the Redskins had better offensive results during his tenure (or he played for the Pukes) he would have been to multiple Pro Bowls by now.

[Spear]

I'm not excited. I think Jansen is done. He was truly awful last year in preseason before getting hurt.

[Walking Deadman]

Stay healthy Jon, we want you back in 2005 form.

[RenegadeTK]

:applause: :applause:


beautiful news....

[SkinsTerpsFan]

Actually, in 2006 Jon Jansen missed one game while the others played all 16. Let's hope that happens this year.
You're right, I forgot about 2006. I guess it's just that I try to keep that season out of memory. ;)

[turbodiesel#44]

I'm not excited. I think Jansen is done. He was truly awful last year in preseason before getting hurt.IDK. I have been on his case for a couple years now. For good reason. He shows up to camp "old style". Out of shape. I think his offseason workouts consisted mostly of casting and reeling in. In camp, I watch DL who can't even make the team knock him on his ass. A couple years ago, a rookie DT knocked him down so many times in a row Jon got up swinging on the guy. I think it was Golston. He is one of the highest paid players on the team, but you couldn't tell that from looking at recent game film.

I have a funny feeling he comes in strong this year. I have nothing to base that on. Just a feeling. I think he earns his money this season. I'll be watching him in camp. Again. And that last injury had nothing to do with conditioning, it was just a freak occurance.

[kappaluvacee]

I think the play of the O-line will be the biggest factor in the success of our offense this year. Getting Jansen back is a positive sign.

[SkinsFanMania]

Here's to a healthy 2008 season.

[tex]

love jon but not holding on to false hope.

[Califan007]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=35580
This is great news, hopefully our O-line can actually stay healthy for one whole year. I'm sick of going through a year, or part of a year, missing one of the biggest pieces in our line.
In 2005 I think the line stayed together all season, except for Randy Thomas who was hurt in week 15. He only missed two games that season. And in 2006 I'm pretty sure the entire line stayed healthy all season, with maybe a game missed by Jansen. 2004 and 2007 were bad, but 2005 and 2006 were solid.

[Chris Worthy]

If Jon stays injury free you got Todd Wade, Stephon, Rienhart (If he makes the 53 man roster) Fabini. Not a bad rotation of backups.

[ADF]

IDK.
I have a funny feeling he comes in strong this year. I have nothing to base that on. Just a feeling. I think he earns his money this season. I'll be watching him in camp. Again. And that last injury had nothing to do with conditioning, it was just a freak occurance.

Yeah, I hope he comes back stronger this season. Didn't he use to be well over 300 pounds? NFL.com and Redskins.com currently have him listed at 297. I think he's been playing at this size for at least a couple years now and it hasn't been good. He needs to get in the gym with Chris Samuels.

[FUBAR]

Our O line is awesome when healthy, and they are built for a WCO, which is also less physically demanding as far as potential injuries go (less pulling on run plays).

Now I'm no expert on O-Line play, but I would think that the opposite would be true. Isn't the line in a WCO better suited to have younger, lighter, speedier guys? With our line's average age, I'm sure they have/are starting to lose a step and may be better suited for power and straight ahead blocking rather than the zone style or whatever. Again though, I don't know, anyone have any clarification on this??

[DarrellsMyHero28]

Offensive Guards

The next position of similar importance on the offensive line in the West Coast offense is the offensive guard. The ideal size for the offensive guard is about six foot three inches, and the should weigh about 300 pounds.

Similar to some of the other positions on the offensive line the requirements for playing guard in the West Coast offense depend to a great extent on the type of passing and running the team will do. In this regard, two obvious options exist, either the offensive guard has to be selected based on his capacity to contribute to a team's existing system of offense or the team has to style its offense according to who its guards are. Typically, the latter option prevails. A team adapts its offensive style to the abilities of its guards.

An example of how a team adapts its offensive system to its guards occurs when a particular offensive guard can or cannot do something to his right or left.

If the left guard can pull and trap, then the team is more likely to run plays to the right with the left guard pulling (and vice versa). The guard positions are personalized according to what they can do. Typically, one or the other offensive guard on a team is stronger or weaker in a particular technique or the ability to get the job done.

As a rule, great offensive guards possess several traits, including quickness, agility, explosiveness, the ability to pull and trap, and the ability to go inside-out on a linebacker. Randall McDaniel of the Minnesota Vikings is an excellent example of this type of offensive guard. Although he only weighs approximately 280 pounds, he is an outstanding player in every sense. He fits their form of the West Coast offense perfectly. In the West Coast offense more than anything, offensive guards must be able to pass block. Generally speaking, girth, stability and body balance are essential factors in this skill. Because the offensive guard can usually get help as a pass protector, he just has to have enough power to avoid being knocked back. Just the sheer number of people inside will help the guard pass block. As a result, the guard can have some limitations as a pass blocker as long as he has enough girth to keep the defensive tackle from picking him up and moving him.

The offensive guard position requires less technique for pass protecting than is essential for an offensive tackle. On the other hand, the offensive guard position requires more blocking and movement skills. For example, in the West Coast offense the guard is used on numerous blocking combinations where he must get from point A to point B, pulling through a hole, trapping, pulling on sweeps, coming inside-out on a blitzing linebacker, etc. Collectively, this capability requires that the offensive guard has agility, mobility, and a refined level of techniques.

Centers in the WCO

The last but, most important position on the offensive line in the West Coast offense is the center. The ideal size for the center should be about six foot two inches and weigh about 290 pounds.

The offensive center has a critical role in the West Coast offense. Not only must he start every play with a flawlessly executed snap, he is typically the key man in making line calls. These calls are vital, and there is no way a team running the West Coast offense can do without them.

For example, with the constant defensive changes that occur during a game, the offensive line must react to those changes if an adjustment in the blocking scheme is required. Because he is literally at the center of the action (in the middle of things), the center is the obvious member of the offensive line to identify and communicate to the other offensive linemen what blocking adjustment must be made.

As a result, the center must have a thorough command of the offensive line blocking system, the game plan, and individual defensive players his team is facing. In a few isolated instances, some teams use an offensive guard to make line calls because the guard is either more experienced or more adept at making them.

As a general rule, the center doesn't have to be an exceptional blocker. The center usually doesn't have to block the nose tackle one-on-one, although if he can, it provides a considerable advantage to his team.

The center who can isolate one-on-one with a nose tackle will take tremendous pressure off of the offensive line, particularly the guards. Most West Coast offense teams typically find a way to help the center with the nose tackle (slide a guard). If the other team is in alignment that doesn't have a nose tackle (4-3 defense) or has the nose tackle stunt away from the center, the center helps a teammate with his blocking responsibilities.

One additional factor related to the center that West Coast offense teams address is his height. Although there have been successful centers in the NFL who were relatively tall, many West Coast offense teams feel that, all factors considered, a shorter center is better. Not only does a shorter center have lower center of gravity (thereby facilitating body balance), he also tends to be more mobile a trait that offers significant benefits to an individual who must operate in a relatively small area. A large body can be a hindrance in a small area (somewhat analogous to the limitations imposed on a jockey who weighs more than 150 pounds).

Most West Coast offense prefer a center who is able to quickly move in between people. In most cases, a shorter center can do that better than a tall, rangy one.

http://football.calsci.com/WCOHistory4.html

[FUBAR]

Offensive Guards

The next position of similar importance on the offensive line in the West Coast offense is the offensive guard. The ideal size...

Centers in the WCO

The last but, most important position on the offensive line in the West Coast offense is the center. The ideal size...

http://football.calsci.com/WCOHistory4.html

First off thanks for this awesome insight.

So how does this pertain to our O-Line?

WCO Ideal Guard: 6'3'' 300 lbs.
Redskins Guards: Thomas: 6'5'' 317 lbs; Kendall: 6'5'' 292 lbs. So at first glance, our guards may be a bit oversized for the WCO, which could affect their ability to move quickly enough. But I'm sure that's not TOO big of a deal. Randy Thomas seems to me to fufill the necessary versatile guard that the WCO demands, I think he can handle the pulling, etc. very well. But I worry that his age may get in the way of him continuing to do this as effectively as necessary.

WCO Ideal Center: 6'2'' 290 lbs.
Rabach: 6'4'' 296 lbs. So again maybe a little tall, but who cares. (Although the article says the shorter the better) I wonder though about the recent thread about him looking a bit tubby. As the most important part of our WCO line, Rabach may need to step up his game a bit this season. I don't know how quick he is but let's hope he can get the job done; I know some people on here have been advocates for finding a replacement for him.

It doesn't say anything about tackles but I'm sure we'll be ok there. Samuels is a beast, and I guess Jansen is the wildcard as it is still to be seen if he can return to form.

I'm sure our line can handle any changes necessary, I just don't know if saying that our line is "BUILT" for the WCO.

[DarrellsMyHero28]

First off thanks for this awesome insight.

So how does this pertain to our O-Line?

WCO Ideal Guard: 6'3'' 300 lbs.
Redskins Guards: Thomas: 6'5'' 317 lbs; Kendall: 6'5'' 292 lbs. So at first glance, our guards may be a bit oversized for the WCO, which could affect their ability to move quickly enough. But I'm sure that's not TOO big of a deal. Randy Thomas seems to me to fufill the necessary versatile guard that the WCO demands, I think he can handle the pulling, etc. very well. But I worry that his age may get in the way of him continuing to do this as effectively as necessary.

WCO Ideal Center: 6'2'' 290 lbs.
Rabach: 6'4'' 296 lbs. So again maybe a little tall, but who cares. (Although the article says the shorter the better) I wonder though about the recent thread about him looking a bit tubby. As the most important part of our WCO line, Rabach may need to step up his game a bit this season. I don't know how quick he is but let's hope he can get the job done; I know some people on here have been advocates for finding a replacement for him.

It doesn't say anything about tackles but I'm sure we'll be ok there. Samuels is a beast, and I guess Jansen is the wildcard as it is still to be seen if he can return to form.

I'm sure our line can handle any changes necessary, I just don't know if saying that our line is "BUILT" for the WCO.

We'll see. The fact is Zorn is apparently building his own WCO type offense and if he can get Bugel on board then I think we'll be fine. Buges is an incredible coach and if him and Zorn click then our line could be dominant again. I've always thought Samuels biggest weakness was against speed rushers, leading me to believe that as good as he is he may not be as quick as a WCO lineman may need to be. Our line is good but older, and they aren't the fastest guys ever.

I think another good question revolves around zone blocking. Portis excelled in Denver when he had opportunities to cut back and use his quickness and speed to break off big runs. How will Bugel adjust to zone-blocking? How will our guys adjust?

[FUBAR]

I think another good question revolves around zone blocking. Portis excelled in Denver when he had opportunities to cut back and use his quickness and speed to break off big runs. How will Bugel adjust to zone-blocking? How will our guys adjust?

So are we doing zone blocking or are we leaving the run game the same? I've heard both? Maybe a mixture of the two???

[DarrellsMyHero28]

So are we doing zone blocking or are we leaving the run game the same? I've heard both? Maybe a mixture of the two???

I thought we were zone blocking?

Though I wouldn't be surprised if we kept it the same, I feel like Bugel would rather do what he's always done.

[FUBAR]

I thought we were zone blocking?

Though I wouldn't be surprised if we kept it the same, I feel like Bugel would rather do what he's always done.

Haha I bet at this point Zorn and Buges are still deciding on this issue. :laugh:

Maybe after this weekend of practicing we will have some sort of answer to this question, but for now I'm gona trust in Buges and hope he minimizes the O-lines learning curve, because that could be as important, if not more important, to the early success of our O than JC's ability to sort it out.

[DarrellsMyHero28]

Haha I bet at this point Zorn and Buges are still deciding on this issue. :laugh:

Maybe after this weekend of practicing we will have some sort of answer to this question, but for now I'm gona trust in Buges and hope he minimizes the O-lines learning curve, because that could be as important, if not more important, to the early success of our O than JC's ability to sort it out.

Agreed, the success of Campbell will be very much influenced by how our line holds up this year. If they stay healthy, can they learn the new blocking schemes? If they aren't healthy, can Heyer and Alexander and others step in and perform well?

At the end of the day I trust Bugel, I think he can get it done. We just have to hope that the injury bug stays away.

[TheJMan]

Hopefully, Zorn keeps them working on minimizing those false starts too.

[FUBAR]

Agreed, the success of Campbell will be very much influenced by how our line holds up this year. If they stay healthy, can they learn the new blocking schemes? If they aren't healthy, can Heyer and Alexander and others step in and perform well?

At the end of the day I trust Bugel, I think he can get it done. We just have to hope that the injury bug stays away.

I'm right there with ya man. As far as the injuries go let's take it one step at a time: Here's to no olineman going down this wknd OR in OTA's!! :D

:cheers::cheers:

[DarrellsMyHero28]

I'm right there with ya man. As far as the injuries go let's take it one step at a time: Here's to no olineman going down this wknd OR in OTA's!! :D

:cheers::cheers:

Seriously if we have any injuries before the season starts I will be furious.

I hate watching pre-season games, I'm just so sure someone will get hurt.

[2006Skins]

I'm not excited. I think Jansen is done. He was truly awful last year in preseason before getting hurt.

Preseason is preseason. There's a reason it doesn't count. Fact is, when healthy he is in the top 5 in RT's in the league. That showed when as soon as he and Thomas got hurt, Gibbs ran solely to the left...

[sens11]

Jon has been a staple and an anchor of our O-Line for a number of years. If healthy, I think Jon brings back more stability to our offensive front.

I think he also brings back some veteran leadership. It is certainly needed during a year of change with a new offensive scheme. Whenever change occurs you need to be able to lean on your Vets. I bet Zorn will certainly love having him back.

Here's to staying healthy!

[STBonecrusher21]

Great news. We need to start praying now that all of our guys stay healthy this year.

[skinfan2k]

The thing about Jansen, he can consistently get to the 2nd level. Only Samuels and Thomas can do that on a consistent basis.

[worstSeat]

If Jon stays injury free you got Todd Wade, Stephon, Rienhart (If he makes the 53 man roster) Fabini. Not a bad rotation of backups.

Yeah, Wade can play for whole series sometimes before injury. I'm not so comfortable with the backups.

[Skinz248]

Great news!! Like the OP said hopefully our whole O-Line will stay healthy this year.

[Fifty Gut]

I thought we were zone blocking?

Though I wouldn't be surprised if we kept it the same, I feel like Bugel would rather do what he's always done.

since '05 our running game has been a combination of both man and zone run blocking

[DarrellsMyHero28]

since '05 our running game has been a combination of both man and zone run blocking

Right but I thought Zorn was advocating an all out switch to zone.

Then again, I've also heard that we're keeping the blocking the same.

Any ideas?

[JustAfan47]

does any body know any word on Rocky???....CR is out still so?

[SkinsTerpsFan]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=35574
Rocky should be good by Training camp, CR is hoping to be back before opening night. Lets hope that happens.

[JustAfan47]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=35574
Rocky should be good by Training camp, CR is hoping to be back before opening night. Lets hope that happens.

Duh i should have read that....sometimes i lazy :)

[SkinsTerpsFan]

Duh i should have read that....sometimes i lazy :)
No problem man, glad I could help. We really need them both back healthy.

[squatch66]

I'm not excited. I think Jansen is done. He was truly awful last year in preseason before getting hurt.

thats why its the preseason. these guys are still getting acclimated to being back out on the field after not playing for six months. you work out the kinks and get going. he was doing fine until he got hurt.

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

Place your bets. Which party part will explode on Jansen this year?

1. ACL?
2. Achilles Tendon?
2. Spleen?
4. Appendix?
5. Sinuses?

[TheJMan]

Not much of a Jansen fan anymore as far as skills go. I think I've gotten used to him being gone. I would much rather see some talented youth in that spot.

[FUBAR]

Place your bets. Which party part will explode on Jansen this year?

1. ACL?
2. Achilles Tendon?
2. Spleen?
4. Appendix?
5. Sinuses?

I'm guessing the "party part" most likely to explode would be that little blow- noisemaker thing...jansen's got some powerful lungs, i hear. :D

In all seriousness though, I would place a bet that Jansen misses at least one game this year. Not what I'm hoping for, but he's reaching that point in his career... :(

All I'm saying is Heyer better be prepared, JIC

:fingersx:

[thinker]

It's curious that with Heyer playing mostly right tackle as well as Wade, the team said it would be starting Chad Rinehart out there as well. As far as Jansen, he's a core Redskin who has had ankle injuries 2 of the last 3 years. Tackles HAVE to be quick footed, so that doesn't bode well for him. He's still strong, but you have to question his quickness. Having just re-done his contract, I can't see cutting Jansen, but I really hope he can have a great year, because I think his time of being able to play tackle is running out.

[skinhead420]

Actually, in 2006 Jon Jansen missed one game while the others played all 16. Let's hope that happens this year.




We as redskin fans tend to forget about that dredful year.:laugh:

[Redskin Rush]

Any news on Randy Thomas? Is he also ready for mini-camp or is he waiting until training camp?

[cphil006]

its a long time until training camp. Bring him along slowly to make sure he's fully healed and 100%

[eagleskins]

Jansen is the key to the season. Heyer is not the answer, hopefully Rhinehart is.

[martytheman]

Great news, here's to hoping Jansen has a solid and injury free year.
You can't ask for more than the man's heart, and he has given that year in and out. I remember him playing with BOTH his thumbs broken.. try lifting a cup of coffee with a broken thumb then imagine trying to block 280 lb linemen hellbent on destroying your QB.
Stay healthy this year big Jon!!