Anyone who watched the Redskins in the preseason game against
Tennessee could clearly see that the starting offensive line
struggled. The offense only averaged 2.9 yards per rush and gave
up 5 sacks. Now, it is true that some of the sacks can be put
right on the shoulders of the Quaterbacks, but still. The
Offensive Line just did not look good in their preseason debut.
Now, in fairness to the left side of the line, the Redskins had a Rookie Free Agent playing Left Tackle. Stephon Heyer actually held his own fairly well, for a rookie facing a
Pro Bowl Defensive End. But there is no denying that Wade and
Jansen struggled. Now would having Samuels back in there help?
Certainly it would. But Samuels may not always be healthy and if
the whole left side of the line is going to under perform badly when
Samuels is absent, then yes, a Guard needs to be brought in.
Wade is the big issue with this starting Offensive Line currently. Can he make
the transition from Tackle to Guard? Some, like the Redskins'
coaching staff, think so. Others in the business think otherwise.
No one knows the truth and only time will tell the truth, if the
experiment lasts.
Now,
according to Jason La Canfora, and I quote:
Despite the offensive line's performance Saturday night in
Tennessee, the Washington Redskins do not intend to make any changes
for this weekend's preseason game against Pittsburgh.
However,
according to Joe Bugel himself:
"I'm going to play Pucillo probably at left guard," Bugel said,
"and give us a chance to look at him."
However, in fairness, this is mostly due to injury, however, Bugel
also said Wade played "just OK."So, the real question is, should
the Redskins sign a veteran OG "just in case", or, should they just
let this experiment go and hope for the best.
Well, if you again listen to Bugel....
"He deserves every chance," Bugel said. "He needs a lot of work in
there."
...then you would have to think that they are just going to let
this experiment go and hope for the best. For the team's sake and the
fans' sake, I hope this experiment pays off. But for those that
have doubts, here is the Best Available Free Agent List for Offensive
Guards:(*)
Jeno James/UFA
Toniu Fonoti/UFA
Chris Villarrial/UFA
Cosey Coleman/UFA
Marco Rivera/UFA
Kendyl Jacox/UFA
Ross Verba/UFA
Bennie Anderson/UFA
Tutan Reyes/UFA
Brad Badger/UFA
Adam Timmerman/UFA
Corey Hulsey/UFA
Tyrone Hopson/UFA
Scott Peters/UFA
So you be the judge. Should the Redskins sign one of the
above guys just in case this experiment fails miserably?
Personally, I think so.