Training Camp: What To Watch

[themurf]

photo by Brian Murphy

With training camp less than a week away, we decided now is the perfect time to spotlight the five biggest focal points for the 2009 Washington Redskins. Whether the ‘Skins are able to return to the playoffs for the first time since Joe Gibbs retired (again) or the team is left standing on the sidelines while the NFL postseason rolls around (again) will hinge largely on these five positions.

1. Offensive line - Everyone knows about the right tackle situation. Jon Jansen, for the first time in his professional career, will earn a paycheck from a team other than Washington (he was cut this offseason and is now a member of the Detroit Lions). Stephon Heyer, who has never shown he’s anything more than a serviceable backup, is currently listed as the starter.

The rest of the pack? Mike Williams, the former first rounder whose fall from grace included ballooning to well over 400 lbs. and living on Derrick Dockery’s couch, and Jeremy “Not Jeff” Bridges, who was previously with the Panthers, head into camp the two players most likely to challenge Heyer.

And while it’s easy to see why folks are focused on the uncertainty at right tackle, we’d like to bring up the right guard position. Yes, Randy Thomas is your starter. And yes, when he’s healthy he’s solid. But that’s the problem. At 33, Thomas isn’t getting any younger and/or healthier. And the only depth behind himis Chad Rinehart, who has taken longer to develop than anticipated and someone named Will Montgomery, who even the coaching staff couldn’t identify in a police lineup.

So basically, the best-case scenario is someone from the Heyer/Williams/Bridges trio steps up and entrenches themselves as a bona fide starter at tackle and Thomas is able to stay healthy for 16 games and remains dependable.

But what happens if things play out the other way – no one can lock down right tackle and Thomas gets injured yet again?

2. Linebacker - No one can question the heart or production of middle linebacker London Fletcher, who rose from the unheralded John Carroll College to play 12 seasons in the NFL. Next to Fletcher is Rocky McIntosh, a former second rounder from “The U,” and Brian Orakpo, quite possibly the biggest named defensive player selected in this year’s NFL Draft. On paper, this linebacking corps is solid. But please allow us to play devil’s advocate for a moment.

Fletcher is a 34-year-old who, thanks to injuries last season, looked human for the first time in his impressive career. McIntosh, even though he’s only 26, has the knees of a senior citizen and Orakpo made that big name for himself as a pass-rushing defensive end. Not at linebacker.

A year ago, guys like Marcus Washington, Khary Campbell and H.B. Blades were also in the rotation for playing time, giving plenty of depth in the middle of the defense. With Washington and Campbell no longer with the team, we’re left with Blades and a bunch of uncertainty coming off the bench this season. If someone like Alfred Fincher, Chris Wilson or Robert Thomas can step up, then great. If not, things could get ugly on an otherwise stout defense.

Click here for the full article.

[JimmiJo]

Hey look, Murf did some work. That's something you don't see everyday.

You go Daddy.

[The Rook]

Good read and a sober evaluation. People need to read this before they start predicting "Superbowl".

Just one thing - was this a typo? - "It’s also worth nothing that a large chunk of the fanbase will be paying ample attention to the backup quarterback situation."







The Rook

[Chris0894]

Good read...made me pull down the glasses a little bit. I still have a good feeling though...

[Forehead]

Good read and a sober evaluation. People need to read this before they start predicting "Superbowl".

But...but...the Madden 10 simulation predicted 13-3, a first round bye, and an NFC Championship berth

Anyway, good read, I was waiting for thesd articles to start. I'm extremely excited that training camp is starting. The best time of the year is almost upon us.

[SWFLSkins]

But what happens if things play out the other way – no one can lock down right tackle and Thomas gets injured yet again?


The sky caves in and there is no air to breathe?

I hate the what if's.

BTW it is not a given that Thomas won't be healthier than last year. He played with a neck injury at great personal risk, I am really rooting for the guy to have a stellar un-injured year. If none of this doom and gloom occurs I don't know if SuperBowl is the right wish, but certainly a wild-card berth and a go from there would be great.

[da#1skinsfan]

When talking about our OLine I have that exact same concern - everyone talks about RT but Randy hasnt given us what we need from RG in a long time. Why isnt Rhinehart listed there as depth though?

[darrelgreenie]

Stephon Heyer won the starting RT spot last training camp and he finished the season playing well at LT.

Jeremy Bridges and Chad Rinehart are ahead of Will Montgomery as RG depth.

[zoony]

Looking forward to your coverage Murf! This is a great primer

[themurf]

Stephon Heyer won the starting RT spot last training camp and he finished the season playing well at LT.

Jeremy Bridges and Chad Rinehart are ahead of Will Montgomery as RG depth.

Chad Rinehart, from what I hear, isn't where you would want a high-draft pick. Bridges though, could be depth at RG if he can't beat out Heyer or Williams.

[jflow78]

I'm not really concerned about the LBers. Like Murph said, last season we ended up with Washington, Blades, and Campbell starting and we were still monsters at run stuffing. The real problem was that those guys couldn't pass rush at all, and since our LBers are supposed to be the ones to generate the pass rush, it showed up big time. Hopefully with the edition of some DL that can do more than fill a gap, we'll get to see more from our LB corp.

Plus, IMO, we haven't lost much since Washington hasn't been Washington for a few seasons now.

Great article Murph.

[darrelgreenie]

Chad Rinehart, from what I hear, isn't where you would want a high-draft pick. Bridges though, could be depth at RG if he can't beat out Heyer or Williams.

Murf you are closer to the team then i am and i love your pictures.

I agree the word on Rinehart last year was that he wasn't ready for the NFL but the forecast of Rinehart began to change towards the end of last season and Bugel and Randy Thomas have spoken highly of Rinehart since then.

I know you were joking around but clearly Will Montgomery is the not the only depth at RG.

[Soup]

Great read....

Isn't Campbell still a free agent? Wouldn't it be wise to bring him back for depth?

[Jimbo]

Good read and a sober evaluation. People need to read this before they start predicting "Superbowl".

Sober evaluation indeed. I was expecting Murf's usual lightheartedness but none of that here. Normally, I might be tempted to say, "Lighten up, Francis" but a lot of what is written has also gone through my mind and is pretty solid stuff.

Nice job, Murf!

[motorhead]

Great points Murf.

I'll see you at camp some time.If not at the Tailgate Bro.