FRPLG
07-31-2007, 03:18 PM
Chris Samuels - Half Empy or Half Full? - Redskins Insider (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/07/chris_samuels_half_empy_or_hal.html)
So there's a coupla a way we can look at this injury. A starter getting hurt at a position as important as left tackle is never a good thing, but let's delve a little deeper.
First of all, I heard today that, after reading the MRI and examining the knee, team doctor Ray Thall did not suggest a scope or any surgical procedure. Words is just R and R - rest and rehab. The best estimate is a month, but that's an estimate. Chris has had knee problems before, he is a 300 pound dude playing a collision sport for a living, and was just rounding into football shape when it happened ... So obviously we have to see how the knee responds to treatment.
On The Bright Side
At least it happened early on, in the first week of camp, so he has ample recovery time for the opener.
The Skins will get a chance to truly assess their depth right away on the O Line and get more reps with the second team for young guys like Lefotu.
It could have been much worse. Chris would be the first one to tell you his first thought was, "Oh (bleep)!" He could have easily blown out that MCL and been done for the season.
On The Other Hand
The Skins were already going to take every precaution with Jason Campbell, having him only play with the first team O Line, doing whatever possible to protect him from getting crushed in the preseason. Now, there's a good chance their best pass blocker - the guy they trust with JC's blindside - won't be taking a live snap until the first regular season game. With the preseason finale Aug. 30, I would be stunned if Samuels sees in any action in an exhibition game.
So ... Samuels and Todd Wade could very well go the entire preseason without ever facing an opposing blitz. It is imperative to get these two in sync as Wade learns to play guard, adjusts his leverage and learns to get in perfect alignment with Samuels. Good luck with that now.
They face a conundrum with Wade. The need to protect Campbell would point to Wade sliding to tackle in the preseason - or even maybe Jansen moving to that side until Samuels comes back - but that will throw off the line. Breeding chemistry there is of utmost import, and that has to suffer. However, in the long-term they need Wade to be a good fit at guard, so they have to figure that out. I will be watching the first team O Line like a hawk at practice today to see what their early plans are.
With the Skins bringing Randy Thomas along slowly, the Skins could go into a preseason game or two with the likes of Wade, Fabini and Whitticker all starting, which is not how they drew it up.
It will be interesting to see what kind of shape Chris is in when he does come back and how long he needs to regain fitness once the knee is back. He's a real gamer, so I know he'll do whatever possible to be ready Sept. 9, but will he be 100 percent?
So that's what I got? What would you do? Keep Wade at tackle, swap Jansen or keep the continuity of the line paramount. Can make a case a few ways.
So there's a coupla a way we can look at this injury. A starter getting hurt at a position as important as left tackle is never a good thing, but let's delve a little deeper.
First of all, I heard today that, after reading the MRI and examining the knee, team doctor Ray Thall did not suggest a scope or any surgical procedure. Words is just R and R - rest and rehab. The best estimate is a month, but that's an estimate. Chris has had knee problems before, he is a 300 pound dude playing a collision sport for a living, and was just rounding into football shape when it happened ... So obviously we have to see how the knee responds to treatment.
On The Bright Side
At least it happened early on, in the first week of camp, so he has ample recovery time for the opener.
The Skins will get a chance to truly assess their depth right away on the O Line and get more reps with the second team for young guys like Lefotu.
It could have been much worse. Chris would be the first one to tell you his first thought was, "Oh (bleep)!" He could have easily blown out that MCL and been done for the season.
On The Other Hand
The Skins were already going to take every precaution with Jason Campbell, having him only play with the first team O Line, doing whatever possible to protect him from getting crushed in the preseason. Now, there's a good chance their best pass blocker - the guy they trust with JC's blindside - won't be taking a live snap until the first regular season game. With the preseason finale Aug. 30, I would be stunned if Samuels sees in any action in an exhibition game.
So ... Samuels and Todd Wade could very well go the entire preseason without ever facing an opposing blitz. It is imperative to get these two in sync as Wade learns to play guard, adjusts his leverage and learns to get in perfect alignment with Samuels. Good luck with that now.
They face a conundrum with Wade. The need to protect Campbell would point to Wade sliding to tackle in the preseason - or even maybe Jansen moving to that side until Samuels comes back - but that will throw off the line. Breeding chemistry there is of utmost import, and that has to suffer. However, in the long-term they need Wade to be a good fit at guard, so they have to figure that out. I will be watching the first team O Line like a hawk at practice today to see what their early plans are.
With the Skins bringing Randy Thomas along slowly, the Skins could go into a preseason game or two with the likes of Wade, Fabini and Whitticker all starting, which is not how they drew it up.
It will be interesting to see what kind of shape Chris is in when he does come back and how long he needs to regain fitness once the knee is back. He's a real gamer, so I know he'll do whatever possible to be ready Sept. 9, but will he be 100 percent?
So that's what I got? What would you do? Keep Wade at tackle, swap Jansen or keep the continuity of the line paramount. Can make a case a few ways.