espn's insider breakdown

[offiss]

Can the offensive line pass protect well enough to get quarterback Mark Brunell through a full season? The pass protection for Brunell was better in 2005 after being very weak in 2004. The Redskins have been forced at times to play a lot of maximum protection schemes to protect the immobile Brunell, making their passing game very conservative and predictable. The key to success in 2006 is the health of left offensive tackle Chris Samuels and right offensive tackle Jon Jansen. They are excellent edge protectors, but durability is a real question mark for both. This is a big and physical offensive line, and the passing game will feature more three- and five-step drops, which will make it tough for defenses to get to Brunell. Even when other teams do penetrate, one of the most underrated parts of the team's pass protection is the ability of running back Clinton Portis to pick up the blitz.

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