I think our success or failure this season falls squarely on this unit.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/18/training-camp-countdown-71538826/Ryan O'Halloran breaks down a position each day heading into the start of Washington Redskins training camp Sunday. Friday — Offensive line. Key statistic 604 — Combined regular-season starts by the projected starting offensive line.
What happened last year What didn't happen? First week of training camp — left tackle Chris Samuels sustains a knee sprain. Mid-August — the Todd Wade Left Guard Experiment ends, and Pete Kendall is acquired. Week 1 — right tackle Jon Jansen lost for the season. Week 2 — right guard Randy Thomas basically lost for the season. Nine different players started a game on the line, and only Samuels and Kendall started every game. Still, the Redskins allowed only 29 sacks (sixth fewest).
Who's back The entire starting lineup — Samuels, Kendall, Thomas, Jansen and center Casey Rabach. Three reserves — Wade, tackle Stephon Heyer and guard Jason Fabini — return, and Lorenzo Alexander figures to have a role if he doesn't stay full-time on defense. Justin Geisinger will work for a promotion from last year's spot on the practice squad.
Who's new Third-round pick Chad Rinehart and youngsters Kerry Brown, Devin Clark, Andrew Crummey and Tavares Washington. Crummey played at Maryland.
Biggest question What are the expectations for Jansen and Thomas? Both have sustained two major injuries since 2004, and both are 32 years old. Both players participated in full drills during minicamp and OTAs, but their progress bears watching in the preseason games because of the severity of the injuries (broken ankle for Jansen, torn triceps for Thomas).
Comment The line is built to address injuries if they mount again this year (except at center). Heyer held his own at right tackle last year, and Fabini was serviceable at guard.
Saturday — Defensive backs
