Ray Brown shifts to RG, Mark Wilson to Start at RT

With right guard Randy Thomas out for several weeks, Redskins' offensive line coordinator/assistant head coach Joe Bugel has decided to shift 41 year old reserve tackle Ray Brown to right guard. Since Ray Brown has been subbing for the injured starting right tackle Jon Jansen, rookie offensive tackle Mark Wilson has been given his first starting job at right tackle for this Sunday's game against the Steelers.

This move is somewhat surprising considering that Wilson has yet to see significant playing time this season. Lennie Friedman, who saw action at right guard when Randy Thomas went down, has been relegated to backup duty.

Although the pass protection was better last Sunday against the Eagles than it has been all season, the run blocking was abysmal. Clinton Portis ran for just 37 yards on 17 carries against the Eagles defense.

Bugel heaped praise upon praise of fifth round draft pick Mark Wilson in the offseason. So, I guess we'll finally see what Buges was raving about.

Vaughn Parker, who the Redskins signed on October 26, 2004, has yet to see any time on the field. Parker, a 33 year old 6'3" 300 pound tackle, is still recovering from knee surgery.

This could be good, but I'm interested to see a new guy in there so maybe we can see if we have a starter for next year. I dont reccomend running to that side of the line all that much though.

yeah its good to get that kinda work in for the younger guys since this season is done.. i hope to see us open up the O a bit too and see if we cant get some downfield success. no need to be too conservative for the rest of the yr since wins dont carry over.

Could Wilson be another Jansen for us?

I guess we're going to find out really soon.

putting Ray Brown back at his natural position is smart as well

I was wondering if anyone thinks maybe Wilson should play at a gaurd spot. The only reason I bring this up, is because in all likley-hood Jansen will be starting once again next season. Do you think we should get get Wilson some gaurd work too, so that maybe he can be better than say Dockery, or do you think keeping him at tackle is the best option, incase we try to deal samuels in the offseason.

I don't like questioning Bugel but is this the smartest thing to do when your about to face a strong 3-4 defense like the steelers? I hope Bugels right about the rook but I'll definitely be keeping my fingers crossed most of the game for Ramsey's sake.

Unfortunately, I don't think that we have many options. Kenyatta Jones didn't work out. Vaughn Parker was just acquired a few weeks back. Jon Jansen is gone. Randy Thomas is gone. It's simply a depleted unit.

Time to call Joe Jacoby, Mark May and Jim Lachey out of retirement. ;-P

i think wilson should do tackle... guard is a position where speed isn't as important, and its brown's natural position (btw, he's 41, IE sloooow), and this will give us time to see if we have a guy that can play well enough so that we can deal samuels...