FFS: Offensive line starting to gel

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Offensive line starting to gel

http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2005/082005/08282005/125459

LANDOVER, Md.--As the clock crept toward midnight on Friday, Jon Jansen stood in the Redskins' locker room looking more content than he had in some time.

He took calm, deep breaths and spoke with a combination of confidence and relief. He smiled and talked about the holes he and the rest of the offensive line were able to create during the Redskins' 17-10 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He talked about how wonderful it was to have fleet-footed Clinton Portis back in the backfield after missing last week's game with an elbow bruise.

"There was really no point in the game where there were hitches or places where we stalled," said Jansen, who missed all of last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. "We really kept things moving and made adjustments on the run."

Finally, things are starting to work.

Finally, the Redskins offensive linemen are showing that the words they've been using all preseason--chemistry and cohesion and camaraderie--aren't simply alliterative silly talk.

Jansen is back from the injury he suffered last preseason, center Casey Rabach was signed as a free agent this offseason and the rest of the crew--tackle Chris Samuels, guard Randy Thomas and guard Derrick Dockery--are feeling more comfortable with Joe Gibbs' scheme.

"Tonight I think we did a lot of the things we wanted to accomplish in the first couple of preseason games," Jansen said. "I think the third preseason game is the one a lot of teams can really point to."

Most impressively, the Redskins were able to have success against a Steelers defense that was ranked atop the NFL last season--though their starters saw limited action on Friday.

As was their hope at the start of training camp, the Redskins were able to blow the Steelers off the ball and essentially reset the line of scrimmage one yard downfield. This opened the running game and steadied their pass protection.

The scheme has been changed to better suit Portis and his quick, around-the-bend style. On Friday Portis ran for 48 easy yards on eight carries in the opening quarter. Backup Ladell Betts backed that up with 46 yards on 12 carries.

"The line is looking pretty good if you ask me," Portis said. "We're getting pass blocking, and on run blocking the holes have been there the whole way. We just need to keep this going into the season."

As a team, the Redskins managed 166 yards and a touchdown on 41 carries.

Their protection was stout as well, as none of the Redskins' three quarterbacks--Ramsey, Mark Brunell or Jason Campbell--was sacked.

"I was proud of our offense, especially the line," Gibbs said. "The Steelers have a good, formidable defense and they challenge you with a lot of different fronts, and it's a mental thing. You've got to pick that stuff up and we did."

After tossing an interception in the first quarter that resulted in a 34-yard touchdown by Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, Ramsey righted himself and finished 12-for-19 for 141 yards and a touchdown.

His five-yard scoring strike to Chris Cooley with eight seconds left in the first half was a source of relief for the entire offense.

"Last year after a turnover, we probably went backward," Portis said. "This year, we're coming back and scoring points."

That increased confidence can be attributed in large part to the strong play of the offensive line.

The next test for this emerging unit comes Thursday, when the Redskins visit the Baltimore Ravens and their high-powered defense at M&T Bank Stadium.

"We're just looking to be physical," Jansen said. "You can be the most physical when you're coming off the ball, firing out and getting ready to run, and that's what we're doing right now."