MVN - Most Valuable Network

Chicago Next on Tap

It’s hard to refocus on the season after a tragedy as heartbreaking as Sean Taylor’s murder. However, the Chicago Bears are on tap for Thursday night’s game, and there is a chance, slim as it may be, that the Redskins could climb back into the playoff hunt with a victory against them. The problem is that Chicago’s hopes for a playoff berth are also pinned to this game. That makes for a motivated opponent; just as motivated as the Redskins.

Chicago has struggled with its consistency throughout the season. Their quarterback situation is unsettled at best with Rex Grossman appearing to get the nod as starter Thursday. Adam Archuleta, who never caught on in DC, went to Chicago to become a defensive starter and is now a special teams maven, warming the bench during defensive series. Their offense ranks 32nd in running the ball, and 26th in passing. Their defense, always a cornerstone of a Bears team, is in better shape, ranking 20th against the pass, 5th sacking the QB while racking up 35 sacks to date, and 4th against the run. This could spell real trouble for the Redskins who need to establish a running game while protecting Jason Campbell on passing downs. Having shown dwindling run power and allowing opposing defenses to beat Campbell like a redheaded stepchild, the Redskins offensive line will have to reach deep within themselves to rise to the Bears’ challenge.

Help is on the way, though. Randy Thomas has stated that he is physically and mentally ready to return. In addition, he knows that he needs to return to help the team to a critical victory. The man is motivated and loaded for bear (so to speak). Just what this offensive line needs to kick it into gear and pry open some daylight for Clinton Portis. Barring any further complications, chances are good he will see action Thursday.

And if getting Randy Thomas isn’t enough to give the running game hope, there is also a chance that Mike Sellers could return to the starting line-up. No one could be happier to see Sellers in the backfield than Clinton Portis, except maybe Gibbs and Saunders.

The only other remaining weakness on the offensive line is Todd Wade. He has put in a yeoman’s effort this season, but leg injuries have severely hampered his play in the last two games. Several times he has limped off the field to be replaced briefly by Stephon Heyer. I know Gibbs is loyal to his veterans, but for Wade’s sake and the sake of the running game Heyer should start in place of Wade. Heyer is capable, needs the work, and at least has two good legs and the ability to run when needed. He has shown competence in pass blocking and hasn’t been beaten significantly since the miscue that almost ended Jason Campbell’s season before it began. Gibbs should show confidence in Heyer and give him the opportunity to really prove himself against a quality defense like the Bears.

If the Redskins focus on going all out gun-to-gun, amp up the offensive line effort, and keep Grossman under fire, then a Redskins victory could be at hand. There is hope if they would just reach for it; the season is in their hands Thursday.

RIP #21.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 5th, 2007 at 1:35 am and is filed under Al Saunders, Jason Campbell, Randy Thomas, Stephon Heyer, Redskins Offensive Line, Coaching Staff, Redskins, Joe Gibbs, Adam Archuleta, Clinton Portis, Mike Sellers, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.